You're standing in the terminal, staring at a flickering screen, wondering if Row 12 is actually going to ruin your four-hour flight. We've all been there. Choosing a spot on the Delta Airbus A319 seat map feels like a high-stakes game of Tetris where the prize is actually having enough legroom to open your laptop. Delta’s A319 is a workhorse. It’s smaller than the A321 but bigger than the regional jets, and honestly, it’s one of the more comfortable narrow-body planes in the fleet if you know where the "traps" are located.
Delta currently operates dozens of these Airbus narrow-bodies. They aren't brand new, but they’ve mostly been retrofitted with those high-resolution seatback screens and power outlets that actually work.
But here’s the thing. Not all seats are created equal.
The Basics of the Delta A319 Layout
Delta’s configuration for this bird is pretty standard across the domestic fleet. You’re looking at a three-class cabin: First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. It’s a 12-seat First Class section up front, followed by 18 Comfort+ seats, and 102 seats in the back for the rest of us.
Total capacity? 132 passengers.
First Class is set up in a 2-2 configuration. It’s comfortable, sure, but it’s not the "lie-flat" luxury you find on international A330s. Comfort+ and Main Cabin follow the classic 3-3 arrangement. If you end up in the middle seat, well, there’s no amount of "Expert Advice" that can save your elbows, but we can at least make sure you aren't sitting next to the lavatory.
Decoding the Delta Airbus A319 Seat Map for Comfort
Let’s talk about the bulkhead. Row 1 is the front of First Class. Some people love it because nobody reclines into your lap. I hate it. Why? Because you have to put every single bag in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. There’s no under-seat storage. On an A319, that's a hassle.
If you’re eyeing the Delta Airbus A319 seat map specifically for legroom, Row 10 is your first big decision point.
Row 10 is the first row of Comfort+. Like Row 1, it’s a bulkhead. You get great knee clearance, but the tray tables are tucked into the armrests. This makes the seat slightly narrower. If you’ve enjoyed a few too many airport pretzels, those fixed armrests can feel a bit tight.
The Exit Row Reality
Row 14. That’s the magic number on this plane.
Actually, it’s the only exit row on the Delta A319. Unlike the larger A321 which has multiple exit doors, the A319 just has the one overwing pair. Seats in Row 14 are usually designated as "Preferred" or sometimes sold as Comfort+ depending on the specific route and booking timing.
The legroom in Row 14 is objectively great. You can stretch out fully. However, there’s a catch that most people miss until they’re at 30,000 feet. The window seats (14A and 14F) can feel a bit chilly because of the door seal. Also, the armrest on the window side is often smaller or oddly shaped.
Is it worth it? Usually. Just bring a sweater.
What about Row 13?
Avoid it. Row 13 is directly in front of the exit row. To keep the exit path clear, Row 13 usually has limited or zero recline. You’re basically paying to sit bolt upright for the entire duration of the flight. Unless you have a specific back condition that requires a 90-degree angle, move back or forward.
The "Red Zones" You Need to Avoid
We need to talk about the back of the bus.
Rows 26 and 27 are where dreams go to die. Specifically, Row 27 is the last row on the Delta Airbus A319 seat map. It’s right against the rear lavatories and the galley.
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You’ll deal with:
- The constant "flush" sound every two minutes.
- A line of people standing in the aisle bumping your shoulder.
- Zero recline because of the back wall.
- The smell. Let's be real. It’s a plane bathroom.
Even Row 26 isn't great. The proximity to the galley means the flight attendants are back there prepping carts, clinking ice, and chatting. It’s the loudest part of the plane. If you’re trying to sleep on a red-eye from SLC to ATL, Row 26 is your enemy.
Power and Entertainment
One thing Delta actually does well on the A319 is the tech. Every seat has a USB port. Most have a standard 110V AC outlet, though in the Main Cabin, you usually have to share two outlets between three seats.
The Fly Delta app is actually pretty accurate with the Delta Airbus A319 seat map updates. If a seat is marked as "limited recline," believe it. They aren't joking.
Subtle Nuances: The Window Alignment
Ever book a window seat only to find yourself staring at a blank plastic wall? It’s infuriating. On the A319, the window alignment shifts slightly near the wings.
Row 12 and Row 15 generally have good window alignment. Row 14 (the exit row) has the window positioned slightly forward because of the door mechanism. You might have to lean forward to see the clouds.
Comparing the A319 to the A320 and A321
If your flight gets swapped (a classic Delta move), you might find yourself on an A320 instead. The A319 is basically the "short" version. It’s more maneuverable and often used for shorter hops or high-altitude airports like Aspen (though Delta usually runs regional jets there, the A319 is a mountain beast).
The A319 feels more intimate. With only 132 seats, deplaning is significantly faster than the A321, which can hold nearly 200 people. If you’re sitting in the back of an A321, you might spend 20 minutes just waiting to get off the plane. On the A319, even from Row 20, you’re out the door pretty quickly.
Expert Strategy for Upgrades
If you’re a Medallion member, the A319 is a tough one for upgrades. With only 12 seats in First Class, those spots fill up fast with paid fares and Diamond/Platinum members.
Your best bet for a "poor man’s upgrade" is monitoring the seat map 24 hours before departure. Sometimes Delta opens up Row 14 or the bulkhead for free if they haven't sold them as premium seats.
Real-World Feedback: What Frequent Flyers Say
I’ve talked to travelers who swear by the left side of the plane (A-B-C) for better views on certain routes, like flying into LGA. But strictly looking at the Delta Airbus A319 seat map, the right side (D-E-F) is identical in terms of dimensions.
One frequent flyer, Sarah Jenkins, who flies the MSP to ORD route weekly, notes that the overhead bin space above Row 10 is often filled with emergency equipment. "If you're in the first row of Comfort+, get to the gate early," she warns. "Otherwise, your 'priority' bag is going to end up back in Row 18."
That's a solid tip. The A319 bins aren't the new "Space Bins" you see on the A321neo yet. They are the older, pivot-style bins. They fill up. Fast.
The Under-Seat Storage Trap
In First Class, because of the seat supports, the under-seat storage isn't a wide-open space. It’s divided. If you have a bulky "personal item" like a large backpack or a Pelican case, it might not fit under the seat in front of you, even in the expensive cabin.
In the Main Cabin, the middle seat (B and E) actually has the widest under-seat area because it doesn't have the aisle or window seat supports encroaching on the floor space. It’s a small consolation for being squished between two strangers.
Practical Steps for Your Next Flight
Stop looking at the generic seat map on the Delta website and assuming it’s all fine. It’s not.
- Open the Delta Airbus A319 seat map on the app.
- Check Row 14 first. If it's open and you don't mind a slight chill, grab it.
- Avoid Row 13 and Row 27 at all costs. No recline is a dealbreaker.
- If you’re tall, look for Row 10, but remember the "narrow seat" trade-off.
- Double-check your flight number on a site like Aerolopa or SeatGuru. While Delta’s internal maps are okay, those sites show the actual window placement with much better accuracy.
The A319 is a reliable, fairly comfortable plane. It doesn't have the "wow" factor of a brand-new A321neo, but it’s a lot better than a CRJ-900 where you have to gate-check your carry-on.
Know where the lavatories are. Know where the exit row is.
If you're stuck in the back, just remember that the flight is temporary, but the "limited recline" of Row 27 is a special kind of misery you only experience once before you learn your lesson.
Next time you book, look at the equipment type. If it says Airbus A319, you now have the blueprint. Choose Row 14, keep your bags light, and hope the person in Row 13 doesn't try to force their seat back against the laws of physics.
Before you head to the airport, check the Delta app one last time. Equipment swaps happen. A seat map for an A319 looks nothing like a Boeing 737-800, and you don't want to be surprised by a middle seat near the engine when you thought you had an exit row.
Secure your seat as soon as the booking window opens. Delta’s algorithm starts hiking prices for those "Preferred" seats as the plane fills up. If you see a good spot in the mid-cabin windows, grab it. Row 11 and 12 are generally the sweet spots for a quiet ride without the bulkhead or exit row drama.
Safe travels. Enjoy the Biscoff cookies.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current reservation: Log into the Fly Delta app and confirm if your flight is still listed as an A319.
- Verify Row 14: If you are in Row 13, move immediately to any other row to ensure you have recline capabilities.
- Download offline maps: If you're picky about window views, cross-reference your seat number with a window-alignment guide to ensure you aren't staring at a wall.