Delta Boarding Order: How it Works

The Delta Air Lines board order method can make a hectic trip more enjoyable.

Understanding the Delta boarding zone (also known as groups) is the key to the entire process. The groups are divided into a few categories, and the priority is fairly simple. Your boarding order will move faster on Delta the higher your status is with that airline. You’ll find Sky Priority lanes in some airports for passengers with priority access.

Learn how Delta’s boarding order can make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable.

Delta Air Lines’ nine boarding groups

That’s right, you read it correctly! Delta has nine distinct boarding zones plus preboarding. They are often displayed at the gate to show which group is currently boarding.

The preboarding process is for those that need more time before boarding the aircraft, as well as military personnel on active duty traveling with an official ID. Delta’s boarding groups give priority to passengers in premium cabins and those who have elite status on the airline or with its SkyTeam partner airlines.

Delta has nine zones, in the order they are boarded:

Priority Boarding Zones

The first passengers to board include those with elite status, such as partner airline members, and those in premium seating. Once the zones in question have boarded, other passengers can board.

While Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardholders are allowed to board the aircraft in the main compartment zones, their priority is not the same as Delta’s highest elite status members.

Members of the Silver Medallion program do not receive priority boarding when they depart from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or Paris Charles de Gaulle.

The Premium Economy Cabin can only be found on select aircraft, mostly those flying internationally. It features a larger seat, improved recline and upgraded amenities and meals.

The seats in the front cabin have extra legroom. These seats offer free wine, beer and other snacks to customers. Priority boarding is another perk for this particular section of seats.

Although no longer available for purchase, travellers who still possess this paid-access qualification can enjoy benefits like priority boarding or drink vouchers.

Delta’s Basic Economy fares have the most restrictive boarding levels and are therefore the least accommodating for overhead bags. Other perks such as upgrades, seats assignments and miles earning are not allowed.

What are the boarding zones?

The highest possible boarding zone is available to passengers.

If you have Diamond Medallion status and are traveling in main cabin you will be able to board the plane much sooner than other passengers in main cabin.

How to Get Priority Boarding on Delta Flights

If you want to be given priority for boarding, there are many ways to do so. The overhead bins near your seat are a great benefit for those with carry-on luggage.

You may or may not want to choose this option, but you will board faster if you can afford to pay more for a seat in the premium cabin.

Delta offers a variety of premium seats, from Delta One, its most expensive category, down to Comfort+, which has extra legroom in the main cabin. These groups are all boarded before the main cabin.

Upgrades are another way to ensure early boarding. If space allows, Medallion upgrades can be offered on many domestic flights and regional ones.

You may be able purchase an upgrade using miles or cash before your flight. This is a good way to get an upgrade that goes beyond your in-flight service, as it will also increase your priority for boarding.

Priority boarding is one of the benefits that comes with loyalty to an airline or its partners.

Delta Medallion Members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members and Elites, as well as elite members of partner airlines, all have the option to board ahead of most main cabin passengers. This gives them more time to store their bags, before there is no space left.

Delta’s elite flyers are given priority but partner elites will board soon after.

Armed forces personnel can board the plane at the front of the queue, as long as they bring identification. This is a wonderful way to show appreciation for those who have served their country.

Companies and organizations with corporate contracts with Delta can offer additional benefits to their flyers. These include faster boarding before other customers in the main cabin.

Many people choose Delta Air Lines cards for their priority boarding because of the earlier priority. AmEx cards can be used to ensure overhead bins and take advantage of other benefits like SkyMiles and discounts on in-flight meals and beverages. Cards eligible include:

Conditions apply.

Delta boarding order, recapped

This primer will explain how Delta boards its flights and who goes first. It also explains how to improve your position.

While some methods are more expensive than others, credit cards can still be an attractive option for those who want to take advantage of the many benefits that these cards offer.