The Delta Boarding Order Explained – NerdWallet

No flyer likes a long line at the gate, but the Delta Air Lines boarding order methodology can smooth out an otherwise hectic travel experience.

The key to understanding the process is learning the Delta boarding zones (also called groups). There are a number of groups, but the prioritization is rather simple. The higher your elite status with the airline, the quicker your boarding order on Delta will be. In some airports, you’ll also find a premium Sky Priority lane for those with priority boarding access.

Here’s how the Delta boarding order works to help make your next flight experience smoother and more relaxed.

The nine Delta Air Lines boarding groups

You read that right! There are a whopping nine different categories of Delta boarding zones, plus preboarding, and often, they are displayed on gate screens to indicate the current group that is boarding.

Preboarding covers those who need extra time to board the plane as well as active duty military personnel traveling with official identification. What follows are Delta boarding groups that give priority to those in the premium cabin as well as those with elite status with the airline and its SkyTeam partners.

These are Delta’s nine zones in order of boarding:

Among the first to board are elite status holders, including those of partner airlines, as well as those seated in the premium cabin. Only once those zones have boarded do other passengers get the chance to board.

It’s important to note that while Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders do get to board in the first main cabin zone, they do not receive the same priority as Delta’s top elite status members.

Another key detail is that when departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Silver Medallion members do not get the same priority boarding status as they do when flying from other airports.

This premium economy cabin is only on certain aircraft — mostly flying internationally — and comes with a wider seat, better recline, upgraded meals and onboard amenities, and the ability to board before other passengers.

These are extra-legroom seats toward the front of the main cabin. Customers in these seats also enjoy free beer and wine and more snack options. Another perk of this section of seats is priority boarding.

While no longer for sale, travelers that still have this paid-access qualification enjoy perks like priority boarding and drink vouchers.

Delta’s basic economy fares are the airline’s most restricted and come with the lowest boarding tier, which means overhead bag space may be limited. They also do not allow other perks like upgrades, seat assignments and mileage earning.

How are boarding zones assigned?

Passengers get access to the highest boarding zone for which they are eligible.

For example, if you are a Diamond Medallion member traveling in the main cabin, you can board much earlier than others in the main cabin who do not have status.

How to get priority boarding on Delta flights

There are several ways to upgrade your boarding priority if that is important to you. Those with carry-on bags will value having overhead bin space near their seat.

This option may not be for everyone, but if you are able to spend more to fly in a premium seat, you’ll board sooner.

There are several premium seat options on Delta ranging from its highest category, Delta One business class, to Comfort+ in the main cabin with extra legroom. All of these groups board before other main cabin passengers.

Another nice way to get early boarding is by securing an upgrade. Complimentary Medallion upgrades are available on most domestic and regional flights if space is available.

Customers may also be able to purchase an upgrade online or through the app using cash or miles before a flight. It’s a great way to upgrade beyond the in-flight experience since it also moves up your boarding priority.

Staying loyal to an airline and its alliance partners has its perks, including priority boarding.

Delta Medallion members, SkyTeam Elite Plus and Elite members, and partner airline elites all enjoy the opportunity to board before most other main cabin customers — allowing them time to stow bags before space runs out.

You’ll notice that Delta’s top-tier elites take priority, but then partner elites board shortly after Delta’s most loyal flyers.

Those in the armed forces do get to board at the head of the line, provided they have identification with them. It’s a great way for the airline to honor those who serve their country.

Organizations and companies with a corporate contract with Delta offer some additional perks to those flyers, including faster boarding ahead of other main cabin customers.

For many, priority boarding is a key reason they look to Delta Air Lines credit cards because they come with earlier boarding priority. If you want to assure overhead bin space, as well as take advantage of other perks like earning SkyMiles on purchases and in-flight food and beverage discounts, an AmEx card can help. Eligible cards include:

Delta boarding order, recapped

If you’re curious about how Delta boards flights, this primer should explain who gets to go first and how you can improve your boarding position.

Some methods cost more than others, but the credit card pathway can be a favorite for travelers who enjoy the many perks that come with these cards.