Delta Airlines no longer imposes change fees for passengers buying Main Cabin or higher fare tickets for flights originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. However, for flights originating from other regions, a flight change fee may still be required, regardless of the fare type, depending on the ticket's origin and destination.
When modifying the date, time, or destination of your trip prior to departure, you'll only be required to cover the fare difference if your new flight ticket is more expensive. However, Basic Economy tickets typically cannot be altered or canceled in most instances.
Delta Airlines' flight change policy permits passengers to adjust their flights, including the date, time, and/or destination, or request a refund in the form of an eCredit under specific circumstances.
Highlights of Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy
According to the updated Delta Airlines policy on flight changes:
During 24 hours of booking your flight, you are allowed to modify the date, time, or destination without incurring any flight change fees, regardless of the fare type. This can be done by canceling your booking without penalty and then rebooking it as per your requirement
Delta Airlines has permanently waived flight change fees for Main Cabin and higher fares on all domestic and international flights originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa to any destination.
Some tickets, particularly those originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions, may still incur a change fee. Refer to your ticket for specific details.
The waiver applies only to Delta-issued tickets. If you booked a Delta ticket with another airline, you must review that airline's flight change policy.
The waiver covers all international flights operated by Delta's codeshare and joint venture partners, provided the ticket was issued by Delta.
For trips based outside of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, a change fee may apply based on the departure location and ticket type.
However, the change fee waiver remains valid for flights originating from Israel, India, Oceania, and Asia.
Refundable tickets allow changes up to 24 hours before departure without a change fee, but you may need to pay the fare difference.
For award tickets (excluding Basic Economy) originating in the United States and Canada, redeposit and reissue fees have been removed.
All changes, including cancellations, must be completed before departure.
Within 24 hours of departure, passengers can make same-day changes to their flights for a fee within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The fee starts at USD 75, varying based on the ticket type. However, Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members enjoy complimentary same-day flight changes. It's important to note that international flight tickets and Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for same-day changes. For more information, please refer to the Delta Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy section below.
The rebooking allows for travel through 2024.
When changing an existing flight booking online, the changes will apply to all passengers in the booking.
Changing a ticket issued by a third party may incur an additional fee charged by the third party.
Delta Flight change Policy for Military
Delta Airlines provides a special change flight policy for military personnel, allowing them to change or cancel their Delta flight free of charge in certain circumstances, such as unexpected military deployment or change in orders. However, documentation supporting the situation may be required for the request to be processed.
Delta Airlines Flight Change Fee
If your flight ticket is no longer eligible for a change fee waiver, the cost to change a flight can range from USD 0 to 400, depending on your route and fare type. It's important to note that Basic Economy tickets are typically non-changeable and non-cancellable, unless they are covered under a travel waiver or if you cancel within the 24-hour window and rebook according to your new preferences.
The flight change fee has been permanently abolished for Main Cabin and higher fare tickets for flights originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, both for domestic and international travel.
Same Day Delta Flight Change Policy
Delta enables passengers to make same-day ticket changes within 24 hours of the originally scheduled departure time of their flight. These changes are subject to seat availability and the following conditions:
Changes must be made within the same travel class and route on a Main Cabin seat.
The changes are limited to flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Passengers can make these changes online during check-in or through the Fly Delta mobile app, subject to availability.
Exceptions to same-day flight changes include:
Basic Economy fares.
International routes.
Origin/destination cities or same-city airports (e.g., JFK to LGA).
Eligibility for Same-Day Confirmed Changes
The same-day confirmed option is exclusively applicable for flights within the U.S., U.S.V.I., Canada, and Puerto Rico operated by Delta Airlines and Delta Connection.
To qualify for a same-day flight change, you must submit your request no later than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight.
Refundable tickets can be changed without incurring a fee.
For Main Cabin tickets, standby options are limited to the Main Cabin.
With a premium cabin fare such as Delta One, Delta Premium Select, or First Class, you can make a same-day confirmed change based on availability within the same cabin or a lower one that you originally purchased.
When traveling in Delta Comfort+, a same-day confirmed change is feasible if seats are vacant within that cabin. However, if Delta Comfort+ seats are unavailable, you may have the option to switch to a Main Cabin seat, depending on availability.
Same-day confirmed changes are not applicable to:
International flights.
Changes of origin and/or destination.
Same-city/co-terminal alterations, like from LaGuardia Airport to JFK Airport.
Switching a connecting flight to a nonstop one.
Basic Economy fares (E), irrespective of Medallion/Elite status.
Changing Non-Refundable Flight Tickets on Delta Airlines
For non-refundable tickets on Delta Airlines not covered by a travel waiver, the flight change fee can vary from USD 0 to 400, contingent upon your route. Additionally, you'll need to cover the relevant fare difference.
Changes cannot be made to Basic Economy tickets unless they fall under the Basic Economy waiver. This includes tickets booked before April 30, 2021, or between May 1 and December 31, 2021, provided they are re-issued on or before December 31, 2021, and used no later than December 31, 2022.
Basic Economy tickets issued for trips originating in Mexico are non-changeable and non-cancellable.
Nevertheless, certain Basic Economy tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and various international destinations may be subject to change for a fee, contingent upon the fare conditions of your ticket. For tickets issued for journeys commencing in Korea, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, and India, cancellation and refund options are available, with a deduction of the cancellation fee (€150 for Europe; £150 for the U.K., and USD 180 for Africa, the Middle East, and India).
How to Change a Delta Airlines Flight?
You have the flexibility to modify your Delta Airlines flight through various channels: by phone, online, or at a Delta sales counter. If opting for phone assistance, simply dial the toll-free number within the U.S./Canada, or contact the Delta office or call center in your city or country.
How to Change Flight Online at Delta Airlines?
Modifying your Delta Airlines flight online is a convenient and efficient process. You can utilize the website to:
Adjust the date, day, or time of your flight.
Change the origin or destination of your flight.
To change your Delta flight online:
Visit Delta.com.
Navigate to My Trips.
Provide/enter the necessary details:
Confirmation number
Credit/debit card number
Ticket number
First and last name
Click on the Find My Trip button.
Select the specific flight you wish to modify.
Click on Modify Flight.
Choose Start Flight Change.
Proceed to book your new flight.
How to Avoid Delta Airlines Flight Change Fee/Charges?
Here are some strategies to reduce flight change fees with Delta:
Utilize DOT’s 24-hour risk-free policy: Take advantage of the U.S. Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule, allowing you to cancel any flight for free within 24 hours of purchase and rebook according to your preferences.
Invest in a flexible ticket: Although pricier, flexible tickets exempt you from change fees if your travel plans alter.
Obtain Delta Medallion Elite status: Holders of Gold, Diamond, or Platinum status enjoy special fee waivers, reducing or eliminating change fees.
Seize opportunities with schedule changes: In the event of a flight delay exceeding 2 hours, cancellation, or rescheduling, you have the option to change or cancel your flight without incurring fees.
What to Do if Delta Changes Your Flight?
You have the option to select a new flight on the same day as your initially scheduled one under the following circumstances:
If your Delta flight is delayed by 2 hours or more.
If Delta alters your flight route by adding one or more stops to your original itinerary.
If your flight carrier changes from Delta Mainline to Delta Connection.
If a flight change causes you to miss a connecting Delta flight for which you hold a confirmed booking.
If Delta cancels your flight and no comparable or acceptable alternative is available within 2 hours.
Please note: Your new flight must maintain the same origin, destination, and service class. Previously, Delta allowed passengers to change their flight one day before or after the original flight, but this policy is no longer applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delta Flight Change Policy:
How much does Delta change flight costs?
Delta's change in flight fees generally range from USD 75–200 for domestic flights within the United States and USD 200–500 for international flights, depending on the fare class and destination.
Has Delta eliminated change fees?
Yes, Delta has eliminated change fees for all flights originating from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including SkyTeam and codeshare partners. Excluding Basic Economy fares not covered by Delta’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
Is there a change fee waiver for tickets booked before April 30?
Yes, Delta offers a change fee waiver for all tickets, including Basic Economy, booked on or before April 30. These tickets can be changed free of cost up to December 31.
What happens if the new flight is less expensive?
If the new flight is cheaper, the remaining amount will be credited to your account as an eCredit, which can be utilized for future travel.
How can I check my eCredit balance and expiration date?
You can check your eCredit balance and expiration date by searching delta.com/redeem and filling the required details, such as your eCredit number.
Are there any situations where flight changes are free?
Flight changes are free under various situations , including tickets booked before April 30, 2021, travel dates in 2021, flights departing from North America, and various exceptions for Basic Economy tickets covered under Delta’s waivers.
Can I change my flight day on Delta?
Yes, you have an option to change your travel date on Delta either over the phone or online, depending on the fare conditions of your ticket and any applicable travel waivers.
What is Delta’s flight change number?
For changing flights you can either do it online or you can directly call Delta Airline on their toll-free number 800-221-1212.
What is Delta’s international flight change fee?
Generally, Delta's international flight change fees vary from $200 to $500 USD per ticket, also any difference in fare if the new ticket is more expensive than the original one.
Delta emergency flight change fares?
Delta Airlines provides additional flexibility for last-minute travel due to medical emergencies. This policy allows for modifications to the best published fare for your itinerary in such situations. To book a medical emergency fare, you can contact Delta Airlines.
Does Delta waive flight change fees?
When you book directly with Delta, you have the option to cancel your flight without paying any penalties if it's within 24 hours of purchase. Make sure to cancel your flight prior to your scheduled departure time to avoid any charges.