How does Delta Boardings Works?

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Published Nov 3, 2025 2:25 AM EST

Premium fares board before most Medallion members, though Delta elites and cardholders get priority boarding perks.

But what if you're stuck in the later Delta boardings groups? The good news is that you don't always need a first-class ticket to move up in line. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a cardholder, or just looking for strategic ways to board earlier. Here's everything you need to know about the Delta boardings order and how to secure a better spot on your next Delta flight.

How does the boardings process work for Delta?

Delta sky priority boarding follows a structured boarding process with eight official boarding zones. However, when you include preboarding, there are a total of nine groups. Preboarding is reserved for passengers needing extra time, active-duty U.S. military members with ID, and Delta 360° members. Once preboarding is complete, the rest of the passengers board in a specific order based on their fare class and loyalty status. Here's what to expect for Delta boarding groups at the gate:

ZoneWho Boards?
PreboardingAssistance, military, Delta 360° members
Zone 1First Class and Delta One passengers
Zone 2Diamond Medallion, Premium Select, families
Zone 3Comfort+ passengers with extra legroom
Zone 4Platinum & Gold Medallion, elite partners
Zone 5Silver Medallion, corporate, Amex cardholders
Zone 6SkyMiles members flying Main Cabin
Zone 7Main Cabin passengers without SkyMiles membership
Zone 8Basic Economy passengers board last

FlyO Tip: Basic Economy tickets don't earn SkyMiles or count toward elite status. Consider upgrading if you want to earn exclusive rewards.

What is Delta boardings policy?

Delta boarding groups follows a well-structured & organized zone-based boarding system. Preboarding is for all passengers needing assistance, active-duty military with ID, and Delta 360° members. After that, passengers board in order based on cabin class, SkyMiles status, and partner airline elite memberships.

Let's take a look at the other Delta Airlines boarding process:

Delta Family Boardings

Families traveling with their children under 2 years old can board between Zone 2 and Zone 3, giving them extra time to settle in before general boarding.

Delta Military Boardings

Active-duty U.S. military members with ID are welcomed to board early during pre-boarding, right after passengers need additional assistance. Delta honors service members by ensuring a smooth boarding experience.

Read More: How to Add TSA Precheck to the Delta App?

How many boardings groups does Delta have?

Delta boarding groups has eight official boarding zones, but before all of them, there's preboard. This boarding group includes passengers needing extra assistance or time, as well as active-duty U.S. military members with ID. After preboarding, the remaining passengers board according to their assigned zones.

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How many boardings zones does Delta have?

Delta Airlines utilizes a structured boarding process comprising eight designated boarding zones, starting with preboarding for passengers requiring assistance, active-duty U.S. military personnel with identification, and Delta 360° members.

FlyO Tip: Silver Medallion Members won't have priority boarding on Delta flights departing from AMS and CDG, following Air France-KLM policies.

What is the boardings order for Delta?

Delta follows a simple and organized boarding order, starting with preboarding for passengers who need extra assistance and active-duty military members. After that, boarding proceeds by zones, from Delta One® to Basic Economy, making the process smooth and efficient for travelers.

Here's a clear overview of the Delta boarding groups:

  • Preboarding: Passengers needing assistance, active-duty U.S. military with ID, and Delta 360° members.
  • Zone 1: Delta One® & First Class.
  • Zone 2: Diamond Medallion®, Premium Select, families with car seats/strollers.
  • Zone 3: Delta Comfort+®.
  • Zone 4: Platinum & Gold Medallion®, elite partners (Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, SkyTeam® Elite Plus).
  • Zone 5: Silver Medallion®, Corporate travelers, SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, Reserve Amex, elite partner members.
  • Zone 6: SkyMiles Members in Main Cabin.
  • Zone 7: Non-SkyMiles Members in Main Cabin.
  • Zone 8: Basic Economy.

Important Note: Earn $1 MQD for every $1 spent on a Delta-marketed flight operated by Delta or a partner airline.

Learn More: How to Hold Your Flight Tickets on Delta Airlines?

How do you get a boardings pass for Delta Airlines?

You can quickly get your Delta boarding pass by checking in online (available 24 hours before your flight) or in person at a kiosk or check-in counter. For online check-in, you can choose to receive your boarding pass by email or through the Delta mobile app.

Alternatively, you can contact our airline reservations at +1-571-378-7016 for an efficient online check-in process with FlyOfinder.

Read More: How to Book Flights with Delta Airlines Low Fare Calendar?

How do I get priority boardings on Delta Airlines?

You can access priority boarding on Delta by paying a fee, holding a Delta credit card, earning elite status, or upgrading your ticket to First Class or Delta One®.

Here are the best ways to get priority boarding:

  • Paying a fee: Purchase priority boarding when booking or at the gate.
  • Delta Credit Card: Some SkyMiles® Credit Cards include priority boarding as a perk.
  • Elite Status: Medallion® Members get priority boarding based on their status level.
  • Upgrading your ticket: Upgrading to Delta One® or First Class grants priority boarding.

Don't miss out on the best seats! Contact our expert reservations team at +1-571-378-7016 to enjoy a smooth boarding experience.

FlyO Tip: MQDs for the total package value are shared between the lead booker and other travelers on the itinerary, ensuring fair mileage credit.

How to qualify for early boardings on Delta Airlines?

You can qualify for early boarding on Delta by flying in a premium cabin, such as Delta One®, First Class, or Delta Premium Select. Alternatively, you can earn Medallion® Status or hold a Delta co-branded credit card to enjoy this benefit.

Read More: How to Get Delta Flight Delay Compensation?

Final Takeaways

Navigating Delta Airlines boardings process is a breeze with its clear and well-organized zones. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a family with little ones, or an active military member, Delta boarding groups has designed a system that ensures a smooth and efficient experience for all. Every step, from preboarding to priority boarding for Medallion members, is crafted to make your journey more comfortable and stress-free.

Need help with booking or priority seating? Contact FlyOfinder reservations at +1-571-378-7016 to make your next Delta flight hassle-free and enjoy the best boarding experience.

FAQ’s

Q1: How does Delta organizes boarding groups?

Delta boards passengers in specific zones to ensure a smooth process. It starts with preboarding for those needing assistance, followed by First Class, Medallion members, and different economy classes.

Q2: When does Delta starts boarding?

Delta typically begins boarding 30-40 minutes before departure. The process starts with preboarding and continues through each zone until all passengers are seated.

Q3: When does Delta stops boarding?

Boarding stops around 10-15 minutes before departure. Passengers need to be seated and ready to ensure an on-time departure. For more help with specialized flight bookings, contact us at +1-571-378-7016 to grab our best Delta airline deals.

Q4: What are Delta boardings zones?

Delta boarding zones are groups assigned to different passengers for efficient boarding. These include preboarding, First Class, Medallion members, Comfort+, and economy classes.

Q5: What zones does Delta boards the military?

Military members with ID are eligible for preboarding, which is the first group to board, ahead of all other zones.

Q6: Can military spouse board early on Delta?

Military spouses can board early if traveling with active-duty military members. They qualify for preboarding if they meet the criteria.

Q7: Does Delta Airline do family boardings?

Yes, Delta boarding groups allows families with young children to board early. Families can board after higher-status passengers but before other economy-class travelers. Contact our reservations team at +1-571-378-7016 for Delta Airlines manage booking.

About the author
Author Profile

Elena Porter, a passionate traveler and writer. With over 12 years of experience in the travel industry, Elena Porter began her career as a customer service agent for a major international airline, giving her first-hand insight into the complexities of ticketing and passenger support. Since joining FlyOfinder in 2019, she has specialized in decoding complex airline policies to help travelers save money and avoid stress. Known for her insightful advice, Elena's advice focuses on practical, actionable strategies. She is an expert in leveraging airline loyalty programs, navigating intricate baggage fee structures, and finding unpublished deals using tools like the low-fare calendar.