Gone are the days of expecting comfort in any cabin on any commercial flight. Years ago, what was normal is now simply a luxury. In the United States, some airlines do not even offer any snacks on flights under an hour. But there is so much more than this.
Today, airlines focus on their premium products over regular economy (or coach if you still call it that) and demand for premium services is growing. Despite an increasing demand, there are people that want something that is a slight step up from economy. At 
Delta Air Lines
, this is where Delta Comfort+ comes into play.
Delta Comfort+ is offered on all Delta and Delta Connection (regional) flights. This product is basically an “economy-plus” product, and is still a step below Delta Premium Select (premium economy) on long-haul flights. Comfort+ offers the following:
- Early boarding
- Quicker deplaning (because of location of seats)
- Additional legroom
- Dedicated overhead bin space
- Pillow, blanket, and amenity kit on long-haul flights
- premium snacks on many routes over 900 miles when meal service is not available
- Beer or wine (for 21+) on flights over 251 miles
- Spirits (21+ on flights over 500 miles)
Early boarding & quicker deplaning
Early boarding is a perk that many would like to have. Sitting inside the aircraft waiting for boarding to finish is better than sitting or standing at the gate area waiting for one’s boarding group to be called. More often than not, early boarding also means earlier access to overhead bin space, which is coveted. No one likes being forced to check their carryon bag to their final destination.
Image: Delta/MAC
Earlier this year, Delta streamlined its boarding process, which ultimately did not affect Comfort+ passengers. Delta still has eight boarding groups, but it has consolidated from before. Comfort+ passengers board in Zone 3 of eight. This gives those passengers earlier access than Sky Priority, or those with status with other SkyTeam or partner airlines.
At the time, the airline said,
“While a simple change, Delta believes the move to numbered zones will simplify the boarding process for both our customers and our employees, adding clarity of sequence and improving the overall gate experience.”
Because of the location of Comfort+ seats, at the front of the economy cabin, passengers are also able to deplane quicker once at their destination.
Additional legroom
Legroom is one of the many things that airlines and manufacturers have cut down over the years. Today, many tall people are forced to pay more to access seats with extra legroom, like Comfort+, other premium cabins, or even emergency exit seats. Though the amount of extra legroom varies on different aircraft, passengers can expect 2-4 extra inches of space in Comfort+.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
On long-haul flights and on some domestic flights, in addition to extra legroom, the Comfort+ seats feature extra recline. Compared to economy, these seats offer 50% more recline.
Dedicated overhead bin space
Most passengers traveling with only carryon bags do so for one of two primary reasons. The first is the fare purchased only includes a carryon bag. The second is that passengers do not want to check a bag as this forces them to be at the airport earlier and then wait longer after a flight for bags to arrive at the carousel. There is also the added risk of an airline losing checked baggage.
Because of the reasons listed above, overhead bin space is coveted. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for airlines to force passengers to check their carryon bags at the gate because overhead bin space fills up quickly. Airlines make it clear that overhead bins are meant for large rollaboard bags and tell passengers to place backpacks and purses under the seats, but not everyone follows those rules.
Boarding an aircraft and being told there is no more overhead bin space is awful, especially when one is carrying valuables that cannot be checked. Comfort+ passengers do not have to worry about this as Delta has reserved space in the bins.
On long-haul flights, Comfort+ passengers are given extra amenities, primarily tailored for sleep. According to Delta, it provides an amenity kit with an eye mask, toothbrush, and other products on long-haul international flights. Additionally, passengers in Comfort+ are given a blanket and pillow.
Food and drink
Delta offers coffee, tea, and water on all flights. On most of its operations, it also has Coca-Cola beverages, juices, and mixers. Comfort+ passengers have access to other offerings, depending on the distance of the flight.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
On flights between 251-499 miles, Comfort+ passengers will have access to beer and wine, and depending on crew availability and remaining flight time, other liquor. On flights over 900 miles, if there is no meal service available, Delta offers premium snacks to those in Comfort+.
Upgrading to Comfort+
After booking, main cabin tickets can be upgraded to Comfort+, excluding basic economy. Upgrade prices can range anywhere from $9 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the length and type of flight. One can expect to find cheap upgrades on short, regional flights, and more expensive options on longer flights. More premium routes, like transcontinental services or other international routes, can be very expensive.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
There is a way to upgrade to Comfort+ without paying. But this is reserved for all Delta Medallion status holders. When there are seats available, these status holders can select seats for no charge. Those with Platinum or Diamond Medallion status can be upgraded to Comfort+ almost immediately after booking.