Most travelers don’t realize this — but the letter on your Delta ticket (fare class) controls your price, upgrades, refunds, miles, and perks.
💺 Premium Classes (J, C, D, I)
✔ Lie-flat seats
✔ Refundable fares
✔ Best upgrade chances
✔ Maximum SkyMiles
✨ Comfort+ (W, S)
✔ Extra legroom
✔ Priority boarding
✔ Better onboard perks
💼 Main Cabin Economy (Y → V)
🔹 Higher letters = more flexible
🔹 Lower letters = cheaper but stricter
🔹 Impacts refund rules & miles earned
🚫 Basic Economy (E)
❌ No seat choice
❌ No upgrades
❌ No flexibility
💰 Cheapest — but most restricted
📌 Pro Tip:
Paying just a little more for a better fare code can mean more miles, easier changes, and better upgrade chances.
🔥 Want smarter, cheaper flight deals?
👉 https://siyatra.com/blog/delta-fare-classes-and-booking-codes/ helps you find cheap flights, airline deals, and smart travel tips — so you don’t overpay or over-restrict your ticket.
Delta Air Lines has changed their fare class names to make the booking process simpler.
Those mysterious letter codes on your next Delta flight booking aren't random characters. Delta's ticket class codes tell you everything about your ticket—from cabin type to flexibility and even SkyMiles earning potential.
The codes play a crucial role since SkyMiles members earn varying rewards based on fare type. Classic tickets earn 5 miles per $1, while Comfort Basic tickets only earn 2 miles per $1. Main Basic tickets don't earn any SkyMiles.
Your travel needs determine which of Delta's fare types works best for you. The options range from basic economy to first class, with multiple subcategories in between. Smart booking decisions depend on understanding these codes, especially if you want to balance flexibility, cost, and rewards.
The Basics of Delta Airlines Fare Classes
Delta Airlines revamped its fare class system to make the booking process easier. Learning about delta ticket class codes will help you book smarter and get the most from your travel benefits.
What are Delta Airlines fare classes?
Delta fare classes use alphanumeric codes that show specific ticket types in each cabin. These codes determine your ticket flexibility and SkyMiles earning potential.
Delta offers two main categories of tickets:
- Non-refundable tickets: Include Basic fares (Delta Main Basic, Delta Comfort Basic) and Classic fares (Delta Main Classic, Delta Comfort Classic, Delta Premium Select Classic, Delta First Classic, Delta One Classic)
- Refundable tickets: Include Extra fares (Delta Main Extra, Delta Comfort Extra, Delta First Extra, Delta One Extra)
Delta provides several cabin experiences:
- Delta One – Premium experience with lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals
- Delta Premium Select – You'll find these mostly on long-haul international flights
- Delta First – Available on domestic flights
- Delta Comfort – Main cabin seats offer more legroom
- Delta Main – Standard main cabin seating
Each fare class comes with different service levels, flexibility options, and price points within these cabin experiences.
Delta flight class codes vs fare basis codes
Flight class codes and fare basis codes serve different purposes, though people often mix them up:
Flight Class Codes use single letters that show your cabin and fare type. To cite an instance:
- F: First Class
- D: Delta One
- P, Q, U: Delta Premium Select
- C, I, 1, 2: Delta Comfort
- M: Delta Main
- B, L: Delta Main Basic
Fare Basis Codes (FBCs) use more complex alphanumeric combinations that give detailed ticket information. Airline staff can see your ticket's:
- Cabin type
- Refundability status
- Upgrade eligibility
- Booking restrictions
- SkyMiles earning potential
A fare basis code "XAVNA0F" shows First Class (F in the 7th position), while "XEVQA0BA" indicates Delta Main Basic.
