So, I figured I’d share my experience since I just went through the whole process of upgrading my Delta flight from Economy Comfort (now called Comfort+) to First Class. Honestly, I was initially hesitant because I’d heard mixed things about whether it’s worth it — but after going through the process myself, I think it’s one of those “you learn as you go” situations.
It started with a work trip from Atlanta to Seattle. I’d booked a Comfort+ seat about two months in advance because it offered a bit more legroom and earlier boarding, which I always appreciate. But a week before departure, I got that itch to check what it might cost to upgrade to First Class. I mean, who doesn’t dream of stretching out with a real meal and free drinks on a long domestic flight?
Here’s what I learned: the cost of upgrading from Economy Comfort to a higher class on Delta really depends on a few things — route, fare type, and how close you are to the flight date. For me, the upgrade offer showed up in my Delta app for about $245 extra each way. Not cheap, but for a 5-hour flight, it wasn’t crazy either.
I wasn’t sure if that was the best deal, so I did what I always do when I’m uncertain — I called Delta’s customer service at 877-297-0699 to check my options. The agent was surprisingly helpful. She confirmed that because I’d already booked in Comfort+, I was eligible for a same-day upgrade to First Class without having to reissue my ticket — I’d just need to pay the fare difference. She even checked if any of my SkyMiles could cover part of the cost (they could, but I decided to save them for an international trip).
What I didn’t realize before calling is that Delta sometimes runs dynamic upgrade pricing, meaning the closer you get to departure, the more (or less) it might cost depending on demand. The rep told me that on quieter days or red-eye flights, I might’ve snagged it for under $150. But since mine was a busy weekday afternoon route, the $245 upgrade was pretty fair.
Anyway, after a quick chat and card payment over the phone, she reissued my ticket in under five minutes. Seriously — I was shocked by how fast it happened. Within moments, I had a new boarding pass in my inbox.
Once onboard, I realized why so many travelers say it’s worth it — not just for the seat, but for the entire vibe. I was greeted by name, handed a drink before takeoff, and served an actual hot meal that didn’t come in a plastic box. The flight attendants seemed more relaxed, and honestly, so was I. The seat was wide enough to cross my legs comfortably, and I even had a USB-C charging port and better Wi-Fi access.
Looking back, I think it’s all about timing your upgrade. If you’re flexible and can wait to upgrade closer to departure, you might save a bit. But if you’re like me and value peace of mind (and guaranteed comfort), paying a bit extra ahead of time is worth it.
One final tip — if you ever want to check or modify your upgrade options, or even compare costs in real-time, just call 877-297-0699 directly. Delta’s agents can usually see offers and fare buckets that don’t always appear online. They can also tell you if any special promos or SkyMiles upgrade awards are active.
All in all, it turned out to be one of the smoothest upgrades I’ve ever done. Comfort+ is great for shorter flights, but when you’ve got several hours in the air, that jump to First Class can make a world of difference — especially when you know exactly how to navigate the system (and who to call when you need help!).
