Delta Launches New ‘Comfort Basic’ Tier With Extra Legroom and Priority Boarding
A more affordable upgraded experience offers added comfort—but with seat limits and no upgrades.
Delta Air Lines has announced the addition of a new travel tier called Comfort Basic, now available for booking starting November 19, 2025, on a limited number of domestic flights that the airline markets and operates.
According to Newsweek, this new tier offers passengers an extra 7.5 to 10 cm of legroom compared to standard economy seats, as well as a dedicated location at the front of the cabin for easier boarding and deplaning. Passengers also receive Zone 3 boarding priority (versus Zone 8 for Main Basic), guaranteed overhead bin space for carry-on luggage, free beverages including wine, beer, and spirits on most flights over 500 miles, and eligibility for Delta Sky Club membership.
Comfort Basic Offers Perks but With Notable Limitations
Travelers in this tier are also eligible to earn SkyMiles (miles per dollar spent, excluding taxes and fees), and Delta Sky Club members or holders of eligible credit cards can access the airline’s private lounges.
Despite the benefits, the “Comfort Basic” tier comes with clear restrictions: passengers cannot select seats in advance, with assignments typically provided at check-in and sometimes in middle seats. Booking changes or cancellations incur additional fees, and tickets cannot be upgraded to a higher class. These limitations make the tier less flexible than traditional “Comfort+,” but still an appealing choice for travelers seeking an enhanced experience without paying full premium prices.
Delta Introduces Comfort Basic to Expand Options Amid Rising Travel Demand
According to the company’s statement, Delta aims to expand travel options to meet customers’ different priorities—whether comfort, value, or flexibility. This update comes amid growing competition among U.S. airlines, all trying to attract passengers by offering multiple service levels at varying prices.
For now, Comfort Basic applies only to select domestic flights and won’t appear on all routes. Delta clarified that if the option does not show up during booking, it is simply not available for that flight.
Amid rising travel costs and growing demand for personalized options, Comfort Basic represents a strategic step by Delta to serve a wide range of passengers without compromising the essentials of the travel experience.
