Delta fare classes, also known as booking codes or fare buckets, are an essential part of Delta’s pricing strategy. They are alphanumeric codes that the airline assigns to specific ticket prices, each representing a different level of service, flexibility, and price. These codes help differentiate various categories of tickets, such as Delta One, First Class, Premium Select, and Economy.
Each fare class has its own set of rules and restrictions. For example, some might allow ticket changes or cancellations without a fee, while others might offer extra frequent flyer miles. Moreover, fare classes are closely associated with inventory management; Delta adjusts the number of seats available in each fare class based on demand prediction algorithms, allowing them to maximize their revenue.
Why should you care about this? Well, if you’re looking for your chances of an upgrade on Delta or hoping to earn extra MQDs, you may want to consider your fare class.
Delta has over 20 different fare classes which belong to various cabins and boarding zones with varying restrictions. While fare class J is typically referred to as Delta One and fare class Y is typically referred to as economy (these are full fare tickets), there are many other fare classes. The higher your fare class, the more likely you’ll receive a complimentary upgrade within your Medallion upgrade window (on domestic flights).
| Fare Class | Cabin | MM Miles*** | Boarding Zone* | Upgrade Order | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Delta One or First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| C | Delta One or First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | |
| D | Delta One or First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | |
| I | Delta One or First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | |
| Z | Delta One or First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | Discounted first class (cheapest bookable ticket) |
| F | First Class | 100% | Zone 1 | – | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| P | First Class or Premium Select | 100% | Zone 2 | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| A | First Class or Premium Select | 100% | Zone 2 | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| G | First Class or Premium Select | 100% | Zone 2 | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| W | Comfort+ | 100% | Zone 3 | ** | The ticket has an underlying economy fare basis code. |
| S | Comfort+ | 100% | Zone 3 | ** | The ticket has an underlying economy fare basis code. |
| Y | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 1 | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| B | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 2 | |
| M | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 3 | |
| H | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 4 | |
| Q | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 5 | |
| K | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 6 | |
| L | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 7 | |
| U | Economy | 100% | Zone 6 | 8 | |
| T | Economy | 100% | Zone 7 | 9 | |
| X | Economy | 100% | Zone 7 | 10 | |
| V | Economy | 100% | Zone 7 | 11 | |
| E | Basic | NONE | Zone 8 | N/A | Most restrictive ticket. No elite earnings. Last to board. Not eligible for upgrades. |
* your boarding zone may be different if you have Medallion status with Delta (or status through one of their SkyTeam partners). For example, Gold Medallions receive SkyPriority benefits, which changes your boarding to Zone 4.
** Comfort+ has an underlying economy fare basis code, which is determined for your domestic First Class upgrade priority.
*** MQM bonuses are no longer offered. Now, every flight (excluding Basic Economy) earns 100% of the miles flown towards Million Miler status. Furthermore, the 500 mile minimum for flights under 500 miles is no longer offered.
Delta’s upgrade order changed on January 1st, 2024, and the airline now processes them in this order:
You will have better chances at a complimentary upgrade by booking a more premium ticket, like Comfort+. Keep in mind, Medallion status is the most important factor so, in most cases, you shouldn’t put too much weight into this if you’re not Diamond or Platinum.
How do I find out my underlying Comfort+ fare basis code?The easiest way is to view the Fare Rule summary when booking your ticket. The third letter of the Fare Code code is the underlying economy class code. You can also call Delta and ask an agent for this information.
What fare classes can I use my companion certificate on?It depends on your American Express card. The Delta Platinum requires booking class L, U, T, X, or V (Main Cabin), and the Delta Reserve includes the same classes along with I, Z, and W (Discounted First or Comfort+).