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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

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Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD

Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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Popular Topics

Delta Basic Economy: Everything You Need to Know & How to Beat It

Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the comp...

Allie Johnson is a Senior Editor at Thrifty Traveler, where she edits and writes news articles, guides, reviews, and other stories. She joined the company in December 2022. Previously, she spent six y...

Delta was the first of the major U.S. airlines to introduce basic economy more than a decade, selling no-frills fares that come with fewer perks or benefits in order to compete with budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Sun Country. While every other airline from American to United eventually followed suit, Delta basic economy fares stood out as more generous for years.

No more. Delta has gutted its basic economy fares: You no longer earn any SkyMiles nor credits toward Medallion status – the first (and only) major U.S. carrier to make such a brutal move. As of earlier this year, you can can't get into a Delta Sky Club if you've got a basic economy ticket.

Plus, these basic fares are almost unavoidable nowadays. You'll see them whether flying domestically, heading to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and even on most award tickets booked with SkyMiles.

But it's not all bad news. While you can no longer change or cancel these fares for free, you can pay a fee to cancel for a Delta eCredit . Plus, Delta basic economy fares still allow you to bring a carry-on bag onboard .. and there's even a sneaky way to pick a seat for free when flying Delta basic economy .

Let's take a deeper dive into what's included and everything you need to know about Delta Basic Economy: What you get, what you don't, how it stacks up against Delta's Main Cabin tickets – and most importantly, how to beat these no-frills fares.

• What's Included with Delta Basic Economy?

Delta Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy

• Delta's Big, Bad Changes to Basic Economy

What Routes Have Delta Basic Economy Fares?

How to beat delta basic economy, how do delta basic economy fares stack up, what's included with delta basic economy.

While there’s no question Delta basic economy has some tough restrictions, it’s still more generous than what other airlines offer in many respects.

Oh, and keep in mind: While your fare has a different name with some limitations, once you're on board it's the same Delta economy experience as everyone else. Same seat, same service, same in-flight entertainment options.

What is Delta's Basic Economy Baggage Policy?

Delta's Basic Economy baggage policy is almost identical to any standard economy fare: You can stow a carry-on bag overhead and put a personal item under the seat in front of you for free. Flying domestically, you'll now pay $35 each way to check a bag – the same as a standard economy fare.

But things change if you're heading far abroad. While most Delta main cabin economy fares to Europe, South America, and beyond include a free checked bag, the airline charges basic economy passengers to check a bag on many long-haul flights. For example, adding a checked bag on a basic economy ticket to Europe currently costs $75 each way.

What is Delta's Carry-On Policy?

Unlike several other airlines, flying basic economy with Delta allows you to bring both a full-size carry-on bag and personal item for free.

Delta Basic Economy Seat Selection

Seats are typically assigned at check-in or at the gate, but you can also pay for seat selection on many flights starting seven days before departure or pick your own for free after check-in opens.

Delta Basic Economy Boarding

You boards last in Delta’s boarding order, which means you may struggle to find a spot to stow your carry-on bag.

Earning Delta SkyMiles?

Not anymore. As of December 2021, you no longer earn SkyMiles on a Delta Basic Economy ticket.

Flying isn't the best way to earn Delta SkyMiles anymore – it hasn't been for years. Still, this stings.

Earning Delta Medallion Status?

Delta's basic economy fares also no longer earn and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) – the sole building block for earning Delta Medallion status after a big (and unpopular) revamp to the airline's status program last year.

Delta Basic Economy Upgrades?

Basic Economy is not eligible for complimentary upgrades if you have Delta Medallion Status . You can't even pay to upgrade basic fares to Delta Comfort Plus or First Class seats, either.

Delta Basic Economy Cancellation & Ticket Changes

Just as with almost any ticket, Delta Basic Economy cancellation is free within 24 hours of booking. So if you get buyers' remorse, you cna get a refund.

Otherwise, you can pay $99 to cancel a flight within the U.S. or to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America. Long-haul international flights cost $199 to cancel for a Delta eCredit.

Let's get straight to it. The biggest difference is in price – and that's the point.

Like most airlines, Delta practically begs you not to book basic economy: You have to specifically opt-in by checking “Accept Restrictions” and proceed with your basic economy fare. In fact, a top Delta official once wondered aloud: “What are people willing to pay” to avoid basic economy?”

And that shows. While it varies by route, Delta now regularly charges an additional $50 to $80 roundtrip to avoid basic economy and move to a more-inclusive main cabin fare on a simple domestic flight. We've even seen that swell closer to $200 or more recently – particularly for flights to and from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP).

Traveling internationally? Expect to pay $200 or more roundtrip to avoid these restrictions.

Read more:   Why Travelers Should Learn to Love Basic Economy Fares

The entire point of basic economy is to lure you in with a cheap price, then convince you to pay more to avoid additional restrictions. And that basic economy vs. main cabin upsell is only getting stronger as Delta loads up these fares with additional restrictions.

Delta's Big, Bad Changes to Basic Economy

Back in December 2021, Delta went where no other major airline has gone: Its basic economy fares no longer earn Delta SkyMiles nor credits toward earning Delta Medallion status. 

While some airlines stop flyers who buy their cheapest tickets from earning status, Delta is the first to deny them redeemable SkyMiles. Not even Spirit Airlines does that!

Previously, you'd earn at least 5x SkyMiles per dollar spent on your Delta basic economy ticket. Now, you'll earn zero SkyMiles on the exact same fares. So while taking a $300 flight would have earned you at least 1,500 SkyMiles, you don't get a single mile now.

Read more:  What Delta's Latest Basic Economy Changes Mean for Travelers

It got worse to kick off 2024, as Delta now bans travelers with a basic economy ticket from visiting Sky Club lounges. That's just one of the many ways Delta has tried to combat overcrowding in its lounges in recent years.

Is Basic Economy on Delta Still Any Good?

If there's an upside to Delta basic economy, it's that these fares still aren't as restrictive as their competitors in other respects.

Unlike other fares like United basic economy which only allow you to bring a personal item, you can still bring a full-size carry-on bag with Delta's skimpiest fare.

While you don't get free seat selection with basic economy, Delta gives you a few ways to ensure you won't get stuck in a random middle seat. For starters, you can pay for a seat assignment starting seven days before departure when flying basic economy, with fees that typically run about $29 a seat. And as you'll see, there's even a sneaky way to get a seat for free…

Delta also threw travelers who book basic economy a bone when it comes to canceling flights. These fares could not be changed nor canceled, period, prior to the pandemic. Now, basic economy tickets can be canceled for a fee of $99 to $199, depending on where you're going. You'll get a Delta eCredit for the leftover amount after subtracting the cancellation fee.

That's a far cry from the days of free change and cancellation even on basic economy fares from the pandemic, but it's better than nothing.

Read more: Have a Delta Flight Booked? Get a Credit if the Price Drops! 

You can now find Delta basic economy fares on all routes heading to the following locations:

• U.S. domestic flights, including Alaska and Hawaii
• Mexico and Central America
• The Caribbean
• South America

That's right: Almost every route in Delta's vast international network now features basic economy. That doesn't mean you'll always see basic economy fares on every single flight – Delta and other airlines sometimes decide not to sell these fares. But it's a strong possibility.

On the plus side, Delta gives basic economy fares one free checked bag on some of its longest routes to Asia and Australia . That's not the case if you buy a Delta basic economy fare to Europe or South America, for example.

Finally, Delta is an oddity in one way: Delta is still the only major carrier currently selling basic economy award tickets. Delta basic economy awards first cropped up many years ago but have only recently expanded to many long-haul international routes in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even Australia and New Zealand.

That means the lowest rate for using SkyMiles to book your flight will be for a basic economy ticket, unlike award tickets on most airlines which are for main cabin fares.

Even the most restrictive basic economy fares don't have to be so painful. And there are a few great ways to get ahead even with Delta's cheapest fares.

Carry a Delta Credit Card

Carrying one of the co-branded Delta credit cards offered by American Express helps you beat Delta basic economy fares . This is the key to making these fares less painful.

As a benefit of holding one of the Delta American Express cards (with the exception of the *delta blue* ), you will get a free checked bag and priority boarding . And you get these benefits even when flying on a basic economy ticket … even if you didn't pay for your Delta ticket with that card !

So while flying on a Delta basic economy ticket would normally mean you board last, holding one of these cards allows you to board in Zone 5.

Without early boarding, finding a spot for your carry-on bag once onboard the aircraft could be a challenge as you will be the last to board. So even though you are allowed a free carry-on, it may end up getting gate-checked. There's less cause for concern when you can board in the Main Cabin 1 zone.

Additionally, all of the cards also offer a free checked bag – at least a $30 value each way, every flight. That means you could check a bag for free and not worry about stowing it overhead at all. You also don't even need to pay for your ticket with the card to receive these benefits.

For example, the *delta skymiles gold card* has an introductory annual fee of $0, and then just $150 each year after that (see rates & fees .) Even in your second year with the card, it takes just three roundtrip flights with a checked bag each year to come out ahead.

Pick a Seat Assignment for Free

Like most airlines, Delta gives you the chance to pay for a seat assignment if you want to avoid that dreaded middle seat. We've seen Delta Basic Economy seat assignments on domestic flights as cheap as $19 each way – or as much as $59.

But there's another, little-known way to potentially get a seat for free with Delta Basic Economy. 

Starting when the check-in window opens 24 hours before your flight, Delta allows you to move about the cabin to any open seats … at no cost. That's your chance to check the seat map and pick the best of whatever seats are left.

This isn't a slam dunk by any means. If your flight is full, you'll be stuck with whatever seat Delta assigns you. But it's worth checking, double-checking, triple-checking, and quadruple-checking after the check-in window opens to see if you can snag a better seat as your flight draws closer. You can change your seat selection up until boarding begins.

Read our guide to picking your seat when flying Delta basic economy !

Delta basic economy fares are a mixed bag. There's both good and bad news.

Let's start with the good news. Once you get on the plane, the experience is identical whether you've got a basic fare or a main cabin ticket. These fares are more generous than what you get with other competitors in several respects, too.

You can bring a carry-on bag on board. Delta also offers two ways to pick a seat even when flying basic economy. Starting seven days before departure, you can log into your reservation and pay for a seat assignment, which typically costs $29 per seat. If you're feeling lucky, you can wait until the check-in window opens 24 hours before departure. Once that happens, Delta allows you to move to any remaining open seats for free.

Then there's the bad news. If you strike out with picking a seat, you'll likely be assigned a middle seat at check-in. When traveling with a companion or a child, there's no guarantee you'll sit together. While Delta says it tries to seat children with a family member , it won't always happen. It depends on how full your flight is, and on the agent working at the gate.

Finally, Delta has degraded basic economy more than any airline by removing the ability to earn SkyMiles or towards elite status. That's a massive, unprecedented change that automatically makes Delta basic more restrictive than any of its peers.

That's why we recommend you consider paying the upcharge for a main cabin fare if you want the best experience: Earning miles, ensuring you can sit next to a companion, and getting the ability to change or cancel your flights without a penalty.

Above all, Delta basic economy fares are just like every other airline. Airlines act like these are lower-priced fares for budget-conscious travelers. In reality, they're charging the same amount a main cabin economy ticket once cost and giving you less. It's the airlines' way of getting more money out of you in fees.

Bottom Line

Basic economy has transformed the airfare world. By offering these bare-bones fares, Delta can compete with budget carriers on price while pitting flyers with new restrictions – largely in hopes that they’ll pay up to upgrade.

Basic economy isn't going away. And as we've seen recently from Delta, it's going to continue to expand … and likely get worse.

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Kyle Potter

Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for T...

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21 Responses

Can you book a pet with basic economy?

It’s our understanding that carry-on pets/emotional support animals are handled separately by Delta, and what kind of fare you have isn’t a factor. But please check with Delta directly before booking!

So do I get to take my personal in for free or am I charged for that and if I don’t pay for a seat do I definitely get a seat on that plane since I already bought my ticket?

Yes and yes.

What is the easiest and most efficient/least expensive way to transport a bicycle?

If you have a hardshell case for the bike, that will be the easiest way. You can check as normal. If it weighs over 50 lbs, however, you’ll be on the hook for the excess weight fee.

Traveling from San Antonio international airport to ATL international airport then to the Caribbean with baggage will my baggage transfer to the next flight are I have to claim it and check it in again

Hi Pauline, your baggage will be checked all the way through. You won’t need to do anything on the way there.

I’m so confused so does basic E include checked luggage fee? The option I picked says “included” but on delta’s website it’s asking to estimate baggage fees

It depends where you are flying. Basic economy tickets to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia include a checked bag. Otherwise, you will have to pay for it unless you have one of the co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit cards. More information on Delta baggage fees here:

https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/airlines/avoid-delta-baggage-fees/

My sister and I just flew basic economy last week with seat assignments at the gate. Both flights we actually had great seats. Row 14 on our bigger plane and row 2 on our next plane.

I’m trying to work out how the cancellation process works if I buy a basic economy ticket using frequent flier miles. Can I cancel and get my miles redeposited?

You will be able to cancel your ticket and get your miles redeposited, but Delta will subtract 9,900 SkyMiles for domestic/shorthaul international tickets and 19,900 SkyMiles for longhaul international basic economy awards.

Flying from Australia to LA If I fly basic economy do you have to pay for food an drinks on your flight

No, all drinks and meals are free just as with a standard economy ticket.

I know I sound like an old fart but flying used to be a lot less complicated and a lot more fun. You just bought a ticket, checked a free bag, got on the plane with spacious seats and leg room, ate some hot, decent food and got to your destination. I’m amazed at how the average customer on Delta has to spend so much time deciphering information about basic things like tickets, boarding, miles, baggage, etc. It’s really become a nightmare. I appreciate your explanation here. It helped. It didn’t help on the Delta Website, which is why I came here. I still don’t know the answer to all the questions I had about SkyMiles but at least you helped out. Thank you.

Agree! It’s ridiculous all we have to go through when buying a flight

Hi there We are flying from Syd to lax next week in basic economy . I just checked to see the ‘purchase seats’ section and its costing $105 for seat reservation. Would the price get cheaper as the day comes near?

I am very disappointed I bought a round trip to Peru (3), and I ended up flying with LATAM. I paid “main cabin” because I have a special child. Flying on LATAM was the worst in my life, very uncomfortable and bad service, I paid to fly with Delta , main cabin because want to be comfortable for my son. I think I should get my money refund because in LATAM I was in economic. I hole in my way back from Lima to USA I can get better service, and refund from I paid more to fly in Delta Main cabin.

If you’re silver medallion you also get free checked 1st bag. No need for their useless cards

I appreciate your positive feedback on the blog about Qantas cancellation policy! If you have any specific questions or if there’s anything else you’d like to know about airline policies or travel in general, feel free to ask. Additionally, if you could provide the reference or context you’d like me to include, I’ll do my best to assist you.

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Delta Air Lines Boarding Zones — Everything You Need To Know [2024]

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Table of Contents

Delta air lines boarding zones, how to get priority boarding, how to boost your delta skymiles balance, final thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• Delta uses a zoned boarding system with groups determined by fare class, loyalty status, and ticket type, starting with pre-boarding for Delta 360 members and special assistance.
• Passengers with car seats and strollers board after Zone 2.
• Passengers can improve their boarding position by holding a Delta co-branded American Express card or achieving Medallion status through Delta’s SkyMiles program.

Each airline has a unique boarding process, so understanding the procedures of every airline you fly can be a challenge.

Delta Air Lines has always tried to be different . You can see it in the name, where 2 words are used for “Air Lines” instead of the single word “Airlines.” When it comes to boarding, Delta does things differently, too.

We’re here to help you understand the Delta Air Lines boarding process so you’ll be ready the next time you fly.

Delta Air Lines ‘ boarding procedures are notoriously confusing. As of changes implemented May 1, 2024, there is a mix of 10 numbered and named boarding groups , along with pre-boarding for certain customers and early boarding for others.

We can only assume this leads to some cranky passengers who, for example, might be in Main Cabin 1 but see 6 groups of people get on the plane ahead of them.

Here are the details of who is eligible to board the plane in each of the groups that Delta uses so you’ll know what to expect. You’ll never be that cranky passenger wondering why you aren’t on board yet!

If you have any concerns about when your group is boarding, the Fly Delta app has a virtual queuing feature to let you know when your seat is boarding.

When departing Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris (CDG) on Delta flights , Silver Medallion members will not have their own priority boarding group. This is due to the boarding policies of Air France and KLM which operate at these 2 airports as their main hubs.

Have the Right Credit Card

Cardholders of Delta Gold card, Delta Platinum card, Delta Reserve card, Delta Gold Business card, Delta Platinum Business card, and Delta Reserve Business card will automatically receive Zone 5 priority boarding as long as their SkyMiles numbers are on their reservations.

This benefit applies to the basic cardholder and is not available to additional authorized users on the card account. Up to 9 passengers traveling on the same reservation as the basic cardmember will also be given Zone 5 priority boarding.

Earn Elite Status

Of course, the higher your elite status, the sooner you’ll be able to board. For example, top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion elites are among the first boarding groups, and Gold and Platinum Medallion members can board Zone 4.

Check out our guide to earning Delta elite status for an in-depth look at how to earn status. Being a Delta credit card holder is also beneficial for easily earning elite status.

Elite status can elevate your boarding priority. Getting to elite status is easier with a Delta credit card, which can also give you priority boarding.

There are plenty of ways to earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles so you can put your newfound boarding knowledge to use on your next award flight.

Flying paid flights on Delta and its airline partners is probably the most obvious way to earn SkyMiles (including Medallion Qualifying Miles), but you can also earn a serious amount of SkyMiles with its co-branded American Express cards.

Depending on the level of benefits you’re looking for, the number of Medallion Qualifying Miles you are looking to earn, and the annual fee you’re willing to pay, there is sure to be a card that is right for you.

Delta and American Express even offer co-branded business cards so you can earn SkyMiles with all of your spending, whether it be for home or for work.

Recommended Delta Cards

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

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Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card . The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

• $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com .
• Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards
• Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split ® , you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Receive 2x SkyMiles on Delta purchases, priority boarding, a free checked bag, and discounted award flights.

If Delta Air Lines is your first choice for business travel, and you’re always looking for more ways to earn Delta SkyMiles, this could be a great card option.

Being able to board the plane early and check your bag for free makes all the difference for a smooth flight. Plus, getting discounts on inflight purchases keeps money in your pocket and your small business.

• Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 on U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and on U.S. shipping purchases on up to $50,000 in eligible purchases per category, per year.
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
• Doesn’t offer as many perks for rewards as other Delta cards
• Welcome Offer: Earn 55,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Additionally, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
• Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
• Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
• Check and stow your bag with ease: First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $150 after using your Delta Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
• Terms and limitations apply.
• APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

The Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets
• $350 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion ® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion ® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 each month in statement credits.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Between great perks and the potential to earn plenty of SkyMiles, this card is a must-have for frequent Delta travelers.

Small business owners and frequent Delta flyers can make the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card your go-to credit card.

Cardholders earn 3x SkyMiles per dollar for purchases with Delta and access benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, priority boarding, and a free checked bag for each flight ( rates & fees ).

Plus, you can redeem your SkyMiles for travel on Delta and its partner airlines, saving you money. It’s a no-brainer!

• Save 15% on award travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta and hotel purchases
• 1.5x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 50,000 additional SkyMiles per calendar year
• $350 annual fee
• Welcome Offer: Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
• Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion ® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
• Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

The Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.
• $650 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases
• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club ® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion ® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Earn $1 Medallion ® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+ ® , or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.

The Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card option for small business owners who are both frequent travelers and Delta loyalists.

While the annual fee may be steep, the card comes loaded with perks and benefits that all frequent Delta flyers are sure to love. Let’s take a look at what makes the card unique, and why it may be a great fit for your wallet.

• 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases
• 1.5x miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and office supply stores, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in a year
• High annual fee
• Does not earn many miles for purchases outside of Delta spend
• Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enter Delta Sky Club ® at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
• Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion ® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card.
• With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
• Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion ® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion ® Studio Partner.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.

Delta Air Lines is an airline that people seem to love or hate, though it’s not because of the slightly confusing boarding procedure we’ve outlined. With a little explanation, this boarding process isn’t difficult to understand at all.

People like Delta because its inflight experience is one of the best available for domestic U.S. carriers. However, the SkyMiles loyalty program has gotten a bad reputation over the past several years. Changes such as the removal of award charts and devaluations have made it very difficult to set a goal and save up for an award flight.

As the SkyMiles program continues to evolve (hopefully in a positive way), you may be more likely to board a Delta Air Lines flight. Use the information we’ve provided above to understand the details of the boarding procedure, and you will be able to board your flight comfortably without any stress.

See you at the gate soon!

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here .

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Preferred Seating   

Delta allows our most valued customers access to preferential advance seat assignments. This service is called Preferred Seating ("P" seats). Preferred Seating is offered on Delta and Delta Connection® flights, subject to availability.  

Please note : Select seats may be reassigned to passengers with certain categories of disability. A ticket must be issued prior to the assigning of a Preferred Seat (P seat). Preferred Seating is not eligible for passengers who purchased Basic Economy.

Complimentary Preferred Seating

Except with respect to Basic Economy fares*, Preferred Seats are complimentary any time after ticketing occurs for:

• Passengers that have purchased full Y, B and M fares
• Diamond Medallion (DM)
• Platinum Medallion (PM)
• Gold Medallion (GM)
• Silver Medallion (FO)  
• Joint Venture Elite, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus partner members
• Companions (up to 8) traveling with a Medallion SkyMiles member when they are booked in the same reservation. If traveling on the same segment(s) as the Medallion member but in different reservations, please contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations for assistance.
• Agency or Corporate accounts due to contract negotiations

*Basic Economy (E) fares are not eligible for paid or complimentary Preferred Seats, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.

Preferred seats are shown on the seat map by a P indicator, following a row number. Preferred seats may include desirable window, aisle and exit row seats**. The SkyMiles or other Frequent Flyer number must appear in the PNR (OSI or SSRFQTV) and reflect the member's qualifying status as listed above.

**Exit row seats - Click here for more information regarding assigning exit row seats.

Preferred Seating for Purchase

For non-Preferred Seat eligible customers, Preferred Seats will be available for purchase starting 45 days prior to departure through the check-in window. Preferred Seats are available to purchase via delta.com .

Travel agency partners who subscribe to Amadeus or Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo and Galileo) GDSs now have the ability to sell Delta’s Preferred Seats via their GDS.  Exceptions apply.

The agency workflow to process a paid Preferred Seat is the same workflow that is used when selling Delta Comfort+™ in markets where it is sold as an ancillary seat product.

Fees will be charged per customer per segment.

  Please note: Circumvention of the seating program is subject to audit and debit memos.

Changes or Refunds to Purchased Preferred Seats

Please contact Delta Sales Support or  Delta Reservations  for assistance.

Terms and Conditions

For details on Preferred Seating as a Medallion Benefit and complete terms and conditions, visit the SkyMiles Medallion Program page on  delta.com .

Preferred seating is subject to limited availability and may not be available on all flights. Partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit  Membership Guide & Program Rules   . Offers void where prohibited by law. Offers subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Additional information

Visit aeromexico.com for information on preferred seating.

Visit Business Solutions fo seat options on Air France.

Visit  Business Solutions for information on KLM's seat options.

Visit koreanair.com for advance seat selection.

Virgin Atlantic

Visit  virginatlantic.com  for information about seating options.

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Delta Airlines Seat Maps, Seating Charts, and Seat Reviews

Delta airlines seat maps, airbus a319.

Airbus A319 (31J/W1J)

Airbus A320 (320/32R)

Airbus A320 (32K/W2D)

Airbus A321

Airbus A330-200

Airbus A330-300

Airbus A340-300

Airbus A350-900

Boeing 717-200 (W17)

Boeing 737-700

Boeing 737-800

Boeing 737-800 (73h/w3h).

Boeing 737-900 (ER/W39 )

Boeing 747-400

Boeing 757-200 (75A)

Boeing 757-200 (75D/W5D)

Boeing 757-200 (75G)

Boeing 757-200 (75H)

Boeing 757-200 (75m).

Boeing 757-200 (75P)

Boeing 757-200 (75S)

Boeing 757-200 (75U)

Boeing 757-200 (75X)

Boeing 757-300 (75Y)

Boeing 767-300 (76L)

Boeing 767-300 (76Q and 76P Domestic)

Boeing 767-300 (76T)

Boeing 767-300 (76Z v1)

Boeing 767-300 (76Z v2)

Boeing 767-400 (76d).

Boeing 777-200 / 200ER

Boeing 777-200ER

Boeing 777-200LR

Canadair Regional Jet (200 EV)

Canadair Regional Jet (SkyWest)

Canadair regional jet 700.

Canadair Regional Jet 700 (RJ6)

Canadair Regional Jet 900 (RJ9/WR9)

Embraer 170

Embraer 175 (Compass)

Embraer 175 (Shuttle America)

Embraer 190.

Embraer ERJ 145

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Are airlines required to seat families together? Guide to airline family seating policies

Editor's Note

As a mom of three, I'm no stranger to the ins and outs of flying with family .

I know how to disassemble and reassemble my double stroller with ninja-level precision so it will fit through the baggage scanner at security. I also throw screen time rules out the window on travel days. Most importantly, I don't take any chances when it comes to getting my family's seats together when we fly.

Because I know how turbulent flying with kids can be, I happily gave up my seat on a recent solo flight when a father asked if I would switch seats so he could sit with his young son.

I was also quick to say yes because he had a window seat a couple of rows in front of my own window seat. (Had he been in the middle seat, I might have needed an adult beverage thrown in to sweeten the deal, but I digress.)

Related: Should you ask to switch seats on a plane?

The crux of the issue is that it can be costly and confusing to find seats together when traveling with young kids. Some parents assume they will automatically be seated with their kids. Others may end up separated from their families if they are rebooked due to a cancellation. Regardless of the reason, airlines are not legally required to seat families together.

In November 2022, the Department of Transportation began monitoring airline seating policies to determine if federal regulation was necessary regarding family seating.

After months of monitoring, the DOT launched an online dashboard that displays, among other things, which airlines guarantee free family seating. This is part of a larger initiative by the Biden administration to improve consumer protections in the airline industry.

So far, only three airlines – American Airlines , Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines – comply with the DOT's guideline that airlines guarantee "adjacent seats for children 13 and under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types."

That doesn't mean you are completely out of luck in guaranteeing your family sits together if you are flying on another major airline. Here is a guide to each airline's family seating policy and tips for ensuring your family members can sit together on your next flight.

American Airlines

Like most major airlines, American allows you to choose your seats when booking or at any time leading up to your flight.

There is no fee to choose your seats if you book a first-class, business-class, premium economy or main cabin fare. However, you will have to pay a fee to choose your seats if you choose basic economy tickets — American's least expensive (and most restrictive) fare type.

If you're traveling with children under 15 on any fare type, American's system will detect that you are a family traveling together and automatically search for seats together if you don't choose them yourself. If adjacent seats are unavailable for your entire family, American guarantees children under 15 will be seated next to at least one adult.

Related: Here's what it's really like flying business class with little kids

It's important that you do everything in your power to choose seats for your entire family at the time of booking. This is the only way to guarantee your entire family will sit together during your flight.

To do this, American advises the following :

• Book your entire party's tickets in the same reservation.
• Book your tickets as early as possible, so there are more available seats to choose from.
• It's better to skip seat selection than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin.

Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Alaska Airlines

To select your seats at the time of booking on an Alaska flight, you'll need to book either a first-class, premium or main-cabin ticket. Only a limited number of advance seating assignments are available to customers who purchase Alaska's Saver fare tickets.

If no advance seats are available, the seats will be assigned at the gate; this is not ideal for a family wishing to sit together.

The good news is that Alaska Airlines' family seating policy does guarantee that children under 14 will automatically be seated with at least one parent or guardian at no additional charge, including on Saver fares. So, even if you can't find adjacent seats for your entire family, you can rest assured that your children won't be seated separately from an adult.

To guarantee your family sits together on an Alaska Airlines flight :

• Book as early as possible and reserve your family's seats together at the time of purchase.
• Book children on the same reservation as adults.
• Confirm seat selections made through third parties on Alaska Airlines' website or by speaking with a reservations agent by phone.
• If you cannot get reserved seats together with your family during booking, call an Alaska Airlines reservation agent to review available seating options.
• As a last resort, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight, as this is when most unclaimed seats become available (does not apply to Saver fare seats, which are assigned at the gate on the day of departure).
• Arrive at the gate at least 60 minutes prior to your departure time and speak with a gate agent. Alaska does block a limited number of seats to accommodate families and other needs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Delta Air Lines

All but one of Delta's fare types allow you to select your seats when you purchase your tickets.

If you want your family to sit together, steer clear of Delta's basic economy fares because they do not include advanced seat selection. If you purchase first class, Comfort+ or main cabin tickets, you'll have the option to select your seats during the booking process.

Delta's has other tips for getting your family's seats together :

• Book children on the same reservation as the adults in your party.
• Confirm seat selections made through third parties by calling a Delta reservations agent or going online .
• If you cannot obtain seats together with your family, contact Delta by phone to review your options or, as a last resort, speak with a Delta gate agent at the airport.

Delta does try and seat family members together but only upon request.

Flight attendants will sometimes ask for volunteers to switch seats. The airline also blocks a handful of rows in the main economy cabin on most flights to accommodate groups and families. Still, there are no guarantees unless you reserve your family's seats together before arriving at the airport (preferably at the time of booking).

Frontier Airlines

Frontier's base fares can be alluring to budget-conscious flyers. However, you'll have to pay extra if you want the luxury of advanced seating assignments.

Luckily, Frontier updated its family seating policy to be in compliance with the DOT's recommendations and guarantees that children under age 14 will be seated automatically with at least one parent or guardian at no additional charge.

Unless you have elite status with Frontier , seat selection fees run between $17 and $90 per passenger per flight segment. There are no fare types that include complimentary seat selection for non-elite members if you want your entire family to sit together.

However, you could potentially make up the extra cost by joining Frontier's Discount Den and choosing a Kids Fly Free flight .

Frontier also recommends that families:

• Book as early as possible and purchase advance seat reservations at the time of booking.
• Book children on the same reservation as adults in your party.
• If you book through a third party, visit Frontier's website as soon as possible to purchase advance seat selections.
• Check in as early as possible online or through Frontier's mobile app and Frontier will assign group seats together if any are available.
• If your family is not assigned seats together, speak with a gate agent for assistance.

JetBlue offers complimentary seat selection with all fare types except Blue Basic, meaning Blue and Blue Extra fares include free advance seat selection. However, for Blue Basic fares, there is a fee of between $5 and $40 each way to choose your seat more than 24 hours before departure (Seat selection is available for free at check-in).

With JetBlue's family seating policy , however, the airline guarantees that children ages 13 and younger will be seated next to at least one adult traveling with them on the same reservation without an additional fee. This applies to all fare types, including Blue Basic fares. At the time of booking, JetBlue's system will assign seats together for at least one accompanying parent as long as adjacent seats are still available when you book your flight.

Other tips from JetBlue :

• Book as early as possible for maximum seat selection availability.
• Confirm seat selections made through a third party on JetBlue's website.
• If you cannot obtain seats together at the time of booking, contact a JetBlue agent at check-in or talk to one at the gate. They will do their best to seat your family together.

JetBlue does its best to keep families together and blocks a limited number of rows until the day of travel for passengers with disabilities and unaccompanied minors . If any seats are available after accommodating these passengers, JetBlue may be able to use them to seat families together.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the one airline on this list that does not assign seats in advance, so you cannot purchase a specific seat assignment ahead of time.

With Southwest's open seating policy , you will be assigned a boarding group (A, B or C) and a position within that boarding group (1 through 60-plus) at check-in. Essentially, A1 is the best boarding position and you'll have the most seating options available to you when you board the plane.

Because of this, the strategies for getting your family's seats together on a Southwest flight differ from other airlines.

Check in on time

To get as high of a boarding group as possible, you'll need to check in exactly (like, to the second) 24 hours prior to your flight. This should land your family in an A or B boarding group, and most of the time, you won't have an issue getting your family's seats together. You may have to venture to the back of the plane to find those seats, though.

Utilize family boarding

If you have a B or C boarding group and are traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, you will have the option to board between the A and B groups during "family boarding."

Southwest's policy states that up to two adults can board with a child age 6 or younger during family boarding. If you have more adults than this in your party, speak with a Southwest gate agent to determine your best strategy for finding seats together once on board.

Related: Southwest Airlines offers expanded family boarding ages on some flights

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding

You can also purchase EarlyBird Check-In , which gives you the convenience of automatic check-in 36 hours before your flight. (Southwest's regular check-in process begins 24 hours prior to your flight.) This means you'll automatically receive an earlier boarding position and more available seats to choose from than if you'd done it yourself.

EarlyBird Check-In pricing starts at $15 per passenger per flight segment, and you must purchase it for everyone in your party. Depending on availability, you may also be able to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate for between $30 and $50 per person per flight segment to secure an A1-A15 boarding position.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card holders can receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, which can bring the total cost for your family down a bit. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card also has a benefit of four Upgraded Boardings per year.

Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members (and those traveling on the same reservation) automatically receive a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure, though you will still need to check in within 24 hours of your flight to receive your boarding pass.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Buy a Business Select fare

Finally, you have the option to purchase a Business Select fare, which, among other perks, includes priority boarding in the A1-A15 group.

Speak with an agent

If you don't heed our advice and find yourself at the airport with a less-than-desirable boarding group, Southwest advises that you speak with a gate agent or flight attendant. They will see if any passengers are willing to move to accommodate your family if you aren't able to get seats together.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines keeps its family seating advice plain and simple: The only way to guarantee you'll be able to sit with your family is to purchase your seat assignments ahead of time.

Seat assignments start at $5 per person per segment and vary by route and seat location in the aircraft. You can purchase your seat assignment when you book your flight, during check-in or anytime in between. However, the earlier you choose the seats, the better chance your entire family will be able to sit together.

Spirit currently has no official family seating policy. It only states that it "can't guarantee that you'll sit with your friends and family" if you don't purchase seat assignments; it says that gate agents will work to provide adjacent seats for guests flying with children aged 13 and under whenever possible.

There are ways to save money when purchasing your seats, though. Spirit Saver$ Club members receive low fares and discounted prices for add-ons like bags and seats. There is an annual fee, but if you have a large family or plan on flying Spirit Airlines often, the cost may be less than purchasing seats for your entire group.

Speaking of frequent flying, members of Spirit's Free Spirit loyalty program at the Gold level receive, among other perks, free seat selection at the time of booking. Unlike Frontier's program, Spirit's elite status perks, such as seat selection, do not confer to other members on the reservation.

United Airlines

United is also among the few airlines committed to helping families sit together on flights. United's family seating policy guarantees families with children under age 12 in certain cabins can sit together for free, regardless of fare type.

Now, United's new "dynamic seat map feature" will enable passengers to book two seats together for travelers under 12 and an adult companion for free, including on basic economy fares.

You'll probably want to avoid basic economy on United if you want your party to stay together. United explicitly states on its website that it's not able to guarantee your entire party will be able to sit together if you purchase a basic economy fare and do not purchase advance seat assignments.

Here are a few more helpful tips for families flying United :

• Book your tickets as early as possible and reserve your family's seats together when booking.
• Confirm seat selections made through a third party.
• If only scattered seats are available at the time of booking, you are better off letting United's system automatically choose seats for you because it will attempt to seat families on the same reservation with unassigned seats together.
• If you do not select seats in advance, United's system will attempt to find adjoining seats for you and your children under 15 on the same reservation, regardless of fare type.
• If you cannot obtain seats together, arrive early at your departure gate and speak with a gate agent. They will ask for volunteers to move seats and help accommodate your family.

General tips

There is a lot of overlap with the guidance for getting your family's seats together on most U.S. airlines (with Southwest being the exception).

You want to do everything possible to:

• Book early and select seats when you book. Do not wait until the last minute to check your seat assignments.
• Avoid saver or basic fares because they often do not offer complimentary seat selection.
• Choose your family's seats when booking, whether it's included with your fare or you have to pay an additional fee.
• If you are unable to get your family's seats together at the time of booking, call the airline and speak with a reservations agent to determine the best course of action.
• Keep checking seat availability in the months and weeks leading up to your flight, especially in the final week before your trip and again 24 hours before your flight. These are the times when people make last-minute changes or elite flyers receive automatic seat upgrades, freeing up space on the seating map.
• If you arrive at the airport and still haven't been able to secure your family's seats together, politely ask a gate agent or flight attendant for help. You may still have the option to pay for an upgrade, or they can assist you by finding open seats. It may be too late to do anything official, but they'll be much more willing to help if you approach them with kindness.

Related: Where to sit on a plane with 2 small kids

Bottom line

Sometimes kind travelers will help parents who end up in a bind onboard, but there's no guarantee. Luckily, airlines are falling in line and making it easier for families traveling together to sit together.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

The Last Flight out of Moscow

Sep 15 2015.

When Delta ended its direct route to JFK, it represented the end of an era for longtime Russia expats like Resa Alboher

Earlier this year, Delta Airlines announced that it would be discontinuing its direct flight to Moscow from JFK this September through to at least the end of the year. I had taken that famed flight back and forth so often that Delta had become another home to me. First in the old business class configuration where my husband John and I most often sat in our favorite seats—row 5, seats A and B—and then when all the frequent flier miles ran out, in any exit row seats we could muster. The last direct Delta flight I took out of Russia in the spring of 2014 was on a ticket purchased at the very last minute in panicked response to an emergency.

At that time, John was in the U.S. after having been laid off from a position he had held for ten years. I was still in Moscow, pretty broke and teaching American writing at the Humanities University, when I found out that John was being rushed to the hospital in New York City. You should come here right away, my nephew texted to my Russian cell phone.

A friend in New York bought me a $600 ticket on Delta. I chose an emergency row seat with a lot of legroom. A Russian dude—beefy, attractive, with light blue eyes—was next to me in the window seat. Across the aisle was a kindly babushka who rarely flew and was afraid of flying.  Ya baius’,  she said to me—I’m scared—and reached across the aisle so I could hold her hand during takeoff.

At Sheremetyevo and at most airports in Russia, there are kiosks where you can buy Russian Orthodox icons. For a long time I would carry an icon or two whenever I traveled anywhere. Russia can make you superstitious. After two decades of living there, I cannot kiss or shake hands across a threshold or forget to look in the mirror before I go out, and it is physically impossible for me to go on a trip without sitting for a moment with my suitcase before I leave. In fact, it is only by living in Russia that I finally understood the poignancy of the scene at the end of Chekhov’s  The Cherry Orchard  when Lubov Andreyevna and her family leave their ancestral house for the last time. They sit for a moment with their suitcases, then linger, knowing they will never return. That is my fear about leaving Russia. Or leaving anywhere. Armed with icons, I am still afraid.

This last Delta flight had something of the epic to it. As the flight progressed, I was worried about John in the hospital. I paced out of anxiety and had an argument with him in my head.  You are always stubborn and wait till you are near death to see a doctor,  I said to John. I had been up all night on the phone with relatives and ambulance drivers, arguing with the real John who didn’t want to go to the hospital. I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was walk up and down the aisles having my imaginary argument with John until the plane landed. But in the section right before Business Elite a guy with a shaved head and what looked liked prison tattoos blocked my way. He wore military fatigues and was harassing a woman who was pointedly ignoring him as he said to me:

Where are you going? Where is there to go? Don’t go up there. Don’t you see that curtain? That is where the bluebloods sit. All the rich oligarchs and Jews. Don’t oligarchs have their own planes?  Good point,  he said,  but I don’t even want to talk with you. You are an American. Good you are going home. I want all the foreigners to go home.  Then why are  you  leaving the Rodina?  He was surprised.  How is it you know the concept of Rodina?  He paused, standing unsteadily on his feet.  The Motherland. Nothing in your English invokes this Russian word. You are a young country, a bunch of babies, what the hell do you know from Rodina? I lived in the Rodina over twenty years. Twenty years—twenty years are you telling me? How is that possible, your Russian totally blows. How is it you aren’t ashamed of yourself?  Actually I am,  I said.  I want to speak better Russian.  Well, we are speaking it now, and while your Russian sucks, I do sort of understand what you are saying, even though you have the accent of a Jew.

I met a man in the early 1990s who had been tortured by Russian speech therapists when he was a boy to roll his r’s so he didn’t sound like a Jew. He told us the story one night at a Russian banya party while we ate iced watermelon and drank horseradish vodka.  Oh it was awful,  he said.  The teacher stuffed pencils in my mouth. Now say reka. Ryba. Roman. But I could hardly say anything at all with all those pencils in my mouth.  He remembered spitting and nearly choking on pencils. He remembered the taste of lead.

The Russian nationalist continued speaking. You are a short woman. I am not attracted to you at all. You are my age, and might be even older. What are you, 48, 49? Something like that. I only like younger women and don’t like wrinkles and well, in this light, I can see you are starting to get some. I am not available anyway. Oh good. I don’t want to offend you. You don’t?  You know though, you  look  like a Jew . That’s OK, I  am  a Jew. You are a  Jew? He paused, then with a flourish said,  I am an anti-Semite. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Anti-Semite.  There was an uncomfortable silence, then something in his face softened as if he had made a decision. I like you,  he said. How could you? I am a Jew.  He laughed. Flying over Iceland, the Jew and the anti-Semite were on their way from the old world to the new.

John and I moved to Russia over two decades ago. He had studied Soviet Foreign Policy when there was still a Soviet Union. A few months after our first trip together to Moscow in the summer of 1990, the old empire began to collapse. John felt he couldn’t sit idly by in the U.S., watching the news on CNN. He wanted to be there in the midst of change.

While Moscow was the center of unfolding events in Russia, the first city we lived in was St Petersburg. Even with the post-Perestroika economy imploding, shops empty and people’s pensions wiped away, there was still a fervor in the St Petersburg arts and culture scene—an excitement I had never witnessed before and will probably never get to see again. Piter seemed central enough to me.

IN RUSSIAN SLANG IT TRANSLATES TO SOMETHING LIKE DORMITORY SHITHOLE

We were broke and living in the faculty side of a dormitory, called an  obshaga in Russian slang, which translates to something like “dormitory shithole.” Our  obshaga  rooms were nicer than the rooms the students got, but you had to tape up the windows from early autumn to the hesitant summer which began a month later than Moscow’s summer (we were so close to the Arctic Circle) to keep out the icy wind blowing in from the Gulf of Finland.

At some point, not the single year as planned, but maybe six limping years later, John got completely fed up. We were doing our laundry in the bathtub and the water was a perennial rusty brown. We had no kitchen and even with the taped up windows the cold wind cut through in a constant slow whistling howl. As I hung the laundry all over the room, John was cutting carrots on top of the Belarusian mini fridge that kept icing over no matter how many times we tried to defrost it. That’s it, he said, I’m outta here.

We returned to New York, but not long afterwards John was offered a position in Moscow. He came to Moscow first to find us an apartment, and I followed several months later. I remember that flight to Moscow as one of the most comfortable I had ever taken—I stretched out and slept across the Atlantic. John’s new job paid for business class tickets and sometimes we could upgrade to first. So for a while we flew British Airways in splendor back and forth. I drank smoothies and watched British comedies. In first class, they would give us pajamas and our choice of DVDs. I felt someone had made a big mistake letting us fly in such grandeur.

The other day I asked John, When did it shift? When did we start flying Delta? At that time in the mid nineties, Delta was the only U.S. carrier that offered nonstop service to Moscow. He thought for a moment: 1998. The financial crash. When the Gekko markets fell. You know, when everybody blamed George Soros. And when expats left in droves?

I remember the bank runs. I watched them from our windows that looked over the Garden Ring Road across to a bank on the other side, the desperate crowds outside the building trying to withdraw their funds. I thought of my parent’s childhood memories about living through the Great Depression. I was witnessing something like that as we continued living a normal life in Moscow.

We had the fortune of being able to escape and return more or less as we pleased. We ate ice cream sundaes on Delta Business Elite, watched movies and after a few runs across the planet and back found that we had our favorite and habitual row—row 5 seats A and B. As the plane took off, I would say Buddhist sutras quietly to myself and hold John’s hand. I love you, I’d say as the plane ascended. If the plane were to crash, I wanted him to know this. Everything’s OK, he’d say, but a few minutes into the flight when we had reached cruising altitude, almost like clockwork he’d turn to me and say, I’m bored. Shouldn’t they be bringing drinks and warmed mixed nuts by now?

Not all our comings and goings from Russia were in such luxury or with such ease. When John and I departed the first time, after traveling with a student group in the summer of 1990, we left by train from the Finland Station, where Lenin arrived to start the revolution. I was having trouble carrying my suitcases through the crowded streets and something in me gave way. I threw down the bags and wept. Something about the weight of our possessions made me snap. It was like I felt the burden of all those before us who had to leave Russia and could bring only a few suitcases with them.

Maybe my grandfather felt that way when he left. I never met him since he died before I was born, so I can only imagine what he went through when he travelled by ship from Odessa (in his time part of Russia) to Ellis Island. My mother felt like she belonged in Russia on her one trip to St Petersburg in the mid 1990s. I feel closer to my father here, she said with a kind of longing. Her side of the family wasn’t as happy I was living in Russia, always reminding me of the pogroms and anti-Semitic persecution that forced my grandfather to flee.

In my mind, I felt that my living in Russia could be a sort of reconciliation with the horrific bigotry my ancestors once faced. The simple fact of my residence in Moscow would be an act of forgiveness, wiping the slate clean. Whenever the plane began its descent into Moscow, I always felt like I was returning to holy ground.

I would argue with a friend about the soulfulness of Russia. That is such a myth, she once told me, the myth of the  rodina , of the Russian soul. I would insist that Russia is mythic, that there is something to the Russian soul. My friend would sigh and shake her head. You are deluding yourself, she said. Lately I have started to wonder what it would be like to put down roots. I thought I was putting down roots in Russia, but I was always a foreigner there. At times a welcome one, but a foreigner all the same.

Flying on Delta, I once had a memorable and heart-stopping arrival. We were about to land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport one January morning. I felt the wave of relief I usually feel especially in winter when I see the frozen Moscow River below and the city as a kind of snowy topographical map, its white geometrical shapes forming a Malevich-esque painting.

As the falling snow pelted the windows, the plane suddenly heaved up in a dramatic rush. We all fell backwards and heard carry-on bags crashing from the overhead compartments and a huge bang when a service cart fell out of its storage area and went flying down the aisle. People around us screamed. I don’t remember if I screamed too, but I remember clutching John’s hand. And then we were horizontal again, back up in the clouds. The pilot made an announcement. Sorry about that, folks. We were almost there, but there was an unscheduled plane on the runway. Our pilot had avoided a collision. I saw passengers crossing themselves as his announcement was translated into Russian.

Now on my last direct Delta flight back to JFK, the Russian nationalist and I both looked out the window over the head of the woman who he had been harassing. The sun was creating a blinding glare and I thought: We are doing a form of time travel, flying backward in time from the Moscow late afternoon, toward what was morning now in New York City. The woman was pretending to sleep. And everyone else in this forward cabin, this cabin behind where the bluebloods ate their ice cream sundaes and reclined on their flatbed seats, was looking pointedly away from us. The nationalist was drunk. He wasn’t the first nationalist or anti-Semite I had met in my life. But he was the one blocking me from pacing back and forth.

So, do you think I am attractive?  You’re OK,  I said, and he said  you’re OK too . And then he moved in closer, I could feel his hot breath as he whispered: Can you believe it, this young girl Masha—she was all of 18—we sat on a bench in Sokolniki Park and kissed half the night. Do you know what an 18-year-old kisses like? Then we walked all over the city and at dawn went along the river toward the Kremlin—have you seen our Kremlin? Come on, that’s ridiculous how can you ask that?  He apologized and seemed even more unsteady on his feet.

You could hear the bells of the Spassky Tower. We looked at our Kremlin, and I almost missed this flight.  Can you imagine, 18… I am a Nationalist. We were at the Kremlin. I saw the Kremlin this morning. And kissed a girl of 18. I am proud to be Russian.

The plane went through a bit of turbulence. There was an announcement in English then in Russian for us to take our seats. The Nationalist took my arm, maybe to steady himself.

I don’t need to take my seat,  he said,  a little turbulence doesn’t scare me at all. But are you scared,  he asked. I was scared of so many things.  You know,  he said,  actually, it is good talking with you. I will find you again. I’ll come visit you later in the flight. I know where you are sitting. I know your row. You have a lot of room around you. How did you get that seat?

I held on to the backs of seats to steady myself through the turbulence as I walked back to my exit row and felt a deep exhaustion. The beefy dude was resting his head on a pillow against the windowsill. You could see pure sky and clouds. Were we still somewhere over Iceland? In 2005, soon after my father died, I saw the wonder of the northern lights over Iceland and John and I watched the dazzling green flashes igniting the dark as the rest of the plane slept all around us in their flatbed seats. I wept then for my father, but now I worried for John. The plane was flying into more daylight, and when I got to NYC it would be more daylight still, and I would sit in a hospital as I had sat in so many these past few years.

What was I doing with my life? I had been in the Rodina twenty years and still could hardly speak passable Russian—the Nationalist was right. I was a foreigner. Always would be one. I thought about other foreigners and their miserable fates. Rastrelli came to mind; his architecture gave Petersburg its character, yet he died penniless and forgotten. I thought of how in the novel  Honey for the Bears  a British antiques dealer is done in by Russia. Has Russia done me in? I wondered. I will never quite belong in Russia, but it is difficult to live anywhere else.

The other day, I felt a wave of relief going to a Russian store in the United States. They had Chudo Yagoda juice and cranberry  mors . They had Russian chocolates— Mishka—my favorite kind. But these are meager symbols to carry such a heavy sense of belonging. When the Nationalist came to my seat to find me, I pretended I didn’t see him. He lingered for a moment and then walked on by.

I plan to go back to Russia. I keep telling myself there is a lot left unfinished. Lectures I am supposed to give, museums I still need to visit, didn’t I want to see the Marina Tsvetaeva house, and in twenty years in Russia I have yet to visit Yasnaya Polyana, Tolstoy’s country estate. John and I spent twenty years talking about going there. I’ll only agree to see Yasnaya Polyana if I can see it with him.

With the ruble unstable, and sanctions and tensions over Ukraine, the flights on Delta lately have had too many empty seats—a logical reason for their cancellation—but I hope that Delta revises this decision. There is only one Delta flight:  The  Delta Flight as expats call it. And on that flight, those few hours in the air were a kind of freedom, a relief from the confusions of a life abroad. On the Delta flight I was more at home than in either country the plane would take me.

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• Mobile check-in
• Curbside check-in at the airport
• Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
• Ticket counter check-in at the airport

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. You may use this option if:

• you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on Delta Air Lines (DL)
• you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
• you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes, you may check bags but you must drop them at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline for your flight.

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer mobile check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

• you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)
• you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter).
• you are not traveling with an infant (a printed boarding pass is required)

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check Delta Air Lines (DL) website for an exact list of participating airports.

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

Delta Air Lines (DL) does not charge a fee for selecting a standard seat assignment.

When do I need to check-in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for an Delta Air Lines (DL) flight is:

• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

• 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage:

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for Delta Air Lines (DL) flights:

• 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

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Aeroflot Seat Assigments - Moscow Forum

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I have successfully used Aeroflot's own web site to purchase tickets AND pick seats at the same time. But it doesn't seem to work if you buy elsewhere...

Come to the airport early

Based on my experience, and as noted, you are ok (only?) if you bought the ticket thru the Aeroflot site...

If yoiu buy from Aeroflot directly you can assign a seat. Otherwise, 24 hrs before departure try internet-check-in, if it works from JFK. If not - come to check-in early.

I bought my tickets directly on Aeroflot web site, and when I clicked "Select Your Seats" link at the end of the process, it said seat maps were not available. When I called Aeroflot and they looked up my reservation, they told me that the fare I booked was not eligible for advance seat selection.

So it looks like if you book a discount fare (booking class W or L, maybe some others), you won't be able to select seats in advance, regardless of how you booked it.

I have got my tix last summer thru Orbitz.

Then I went to Aeroflot website and found my reservation and was able to assign myself a seat.

But I am a Aeroflot Bonus member, so I found this ressie only after logging in...

There's also limited online registration 24 hrs prior... list of cities is limited though (((

I am also an Aeroflot Bonus member but I am unable to locate the link you just mentioned.

Could you please let us know how to access the "select a seat" feature ?

Best regards

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