Delta Expanding First-Class Seating on Select Planes

Airline to launch new, larger Delta First cabin with 44 premium recliner seats.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Delta Air Lines will launch a new, larger Delta First cabin on some of its aircraft this summer, featuring 44 premium recliner seats - more than double the typical number found in standard Delta First cabins. The updated cabin is designed to meet growing demand for premium seating on popular transcontinental routes and will debut in May with full operations beginning in June.

Why it matters

As air travel continues to rebound from the pandemic, airlines are responding to increased demand for premium seating options, particularly on high-traffic routes. Delta's expansion of its first-class cabin reflects the carrier's efforts to cater to business and leisure travelers seeking more comfort and amenities.

The details

The new Delta First cabin will include 44 premium recliner seats, which will eventually lie flat for sleeping on long flights. This is more than double the typical number of seats found in standard Delta First cabins. The updated cabin configuration is designed to meet the growing demand for premium seating on popular transcontinental routes.

  • The updated cabin will debut in May 2026.
  • Full operations of the new Delta First cabin will begin in June 2026.

The players

Delta Air Lines

An Atlanta-based major U.S. airline and a legacy carrier.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Delta plans to roll out the new, larger Delta First cabin on select aircraft over the coming months, with the goal of meeting growing demand for premium seating options.

The takeaway

Delta's expansion of its first-class seating capacity reflects the airline industry's focus on catering to the evolving preferences of air travelers, particularly those seeking more comfort and amenities on popular routes.