Delta Cancellation Policy

Delta flight Cancellation 

If you need to cancel a Delta Air Lines flight, you can do so through the official Delta website, the Delta Fly App, or by calling Delta customer service. Delta provides a 24-hour cancellation policy for tickets booked  through these channels, allowing you to cancel your flight and get a full refund if the cancellation is made during 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least after 7 days .

If you cancel your Delta flight after the 24-hour or if your flight is within 7 days, you may have to pay a cancellation fee, which differs  based on your fare type and other factors. It's advised to check your ticket's terms and conditions or reach out to  Delta directly for more information about cancellation fees and refund eligibility.

Remember that for flights departing from the EU, you may also be entitled  for compensation under EC 261 if your flight is canceled or delayed significantly. 

Important: 

Delta's announcement on January 12, 2022, stated that existing eCredit holders will receive an additional year to utilize their eCredit. This extends the rebooking deadline to December 31, 2023, for travel through 2024.

If you purchased a Basic Economy ticket after April 30, 2021, with a travel date till December 31, 2021 (included):

• Change your Delta flight without incurring a flight change fee.
  
  

• Cancellation of flights is not allowed.
  
  

• The elimination of the change fee and award redeposit fee applies to tickets purchased in 2021 for flights originating from North America and the Caribbean (excluding Basic Economy fares bought after April 30, 2021).This allows you to cancel your award ticket and rebook it later without facing any change fees.
  
  

• The change and cancellation fees for award tickets within the U.S. have been waived, given changes or cancellations occur before the scheduled departure.
  
  

• If you cancel an award ticket expiring in 2021, you can utilize its remaining value towards purchasing a new ticket until December 31, 2022 (only the fare difference, if any, will be applicable).
  
  

• Canceling a Delta SkyMiles award ticket for U.S. domestic flights incurs no charges, provided cancellation takes place before departure.

You have the option to cancel an award ticket originating outside of the U.S. for a fixed fee of USD 150, irrespective of fare type and destination, provided the cancellation occurs at least 72 hours before departure. However, this cancellation fee is waived for SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.

Delta 24 hour Cancellation 

Delta Airlines' 24-hour risk-free flight cancellation policy extends to all tickets bought directly from Delta Airlines. This policy allows you to cancel any Delta flight within 24 hours of purchase, regardless of your fare type, and receive a full refund.

Exceptions to the  24 hour Delta cancellation policy

Delta's  cancellation policy for 24 hours excludes the following:

• Delta tickets booked through travel agencies
  
  

• Paper tickets
  
  

• Partially-flown reissued tickets

For canceling a SkyMiles Award ticket, you must reach out to Delta Reservations.

Delta Cancellation Policy for Medical Reasons

Delta Airlines' cancellation policy permits you to cancel your flight booking for medical reasons or emergencies. This provision applies to passengers who experience sudden illness before their flight, rendering them unable to travel. However, you must substantiate your reason for cancellation with valid documentation, such as a medical certificate, and cancel your flight before its scheduled departure.

Delta Cancellation Policy due to weather

According to Delta Airlines' ticket cancellation policy, in the event of flight cancellation due to severe weather conditions, passengers are entitled to cancel the affected flight (or its alternative) and receive a full refund.

Delta Cancellation Policy for military 

Delta Airlines' military cancellation policy pertains to military personnel traveling with the airline. According to this policy, if military personnel receive a deployment order preventing them from boarding their flight, they are eligible to cancel the flight and receive a full refund.

Delta Cancellation Policy for Award Ticket 

According to Delta's award ticket cancellation policy:

• Award tickets for domestic travel within the U.S. can be canceled before departure without incurring any fee.
  
  

• For award tickets originating outside of the United States, cancellation must occur at least 72 hours prior to departure, with a flat fee of USD 150. However, this fee is waived for SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.

Following cancellation, the remaining miles utilized for the flight booking will be redeposited back into the account.

Delta Cancellation Policy for Basic Economy Tickets

Delta Airlines' cancellation policy for Basic Economy tickets stipulates the following:

• Basic Economy tickets cannot be canceled or refunded beyond the 24-hour grace period.
  
  

• Basic Economy tickets purchased on or before April 30, 2021, can be canceled without penalty before departure. Upon cancellation, you will receive an eCredit for the full value of your booking. This eCredit must be used to rebook your new flight within the validity period, which has been extended until December 31, 2023.This extension allows you to rebook your ticket by December 31, 2023, and complete your travel by December 31, 2024.

Delta Cancellation Fee

Delta's cancellation fees vary depending on the ticket type and when the cancellation occurs. Here are the ticket types:

• Basic Economy tickets: These are the most restrictive.
  
  

• Non-refundable tickets: They come with some restrictions.
  
  

• Refundable tickets: These are the most flexible.

Remember, cancellation must take place before the flight departure. The table below provides an overview of Delta Airlines' cancellation policy by fare type, cancellation period, and applicable fees.

Delta Airlines imposes different cancellation fees based on the fare type and when the cancellation occurs. Here's an overview:

• Within 24 hours of booking: All fare types, including Basic Economy, non-refundable tickets originating within North America, non-refundable tickets originating outside of North America, and refundable/flex tickets, can be canceled free of charge.
  
  

• After 24 hours of booking: Basic Economy tickets do not allow cancellations. Non-refundable tickets originating within North America can be canceled free of charge, while cancellations for non-refundable tickets originating outside of North America result in a fee of USD 0-500 deducted from the remaining ticket value. Refundable/flex tickets allow cancellations without any fee.
  
  

• Within 24 hours of departure: Basic Economy tickets do not allow cancellations. Non-refundable tickets originating within North America can be cancelled free of charge, while cancellations for non-refundable tickets originating outside of North America result in a fee of USD 0-500 deducted from the remaining ticket value. Refundable/flex tickets allow cancellations without any fee.

Note:

When making a booking with Delta, you'll usually encounter these choices:

• Basic
  
  

• Main (refundable or non-refundable)
  
  

• Comfort+ (refundable or non-refundable)
  
  

• First or Delta One, depending on the aircraft (refundable or non-refundable)

How to Cancel Delta Flight?

You have several options to cancel a Delta Airlines flight:

• By phone: Contact Delta's customer service.
  
  

• Call the Delta office in your city/country.
  
  

• Contact the travel agent you booked your ticket with.
  
  

• Online or through the Fly Delta mobile app.
  
  

• Visit a Delta Airlines sales counter in person.

How to Cancel a Delta Flight Online?

If you bought your ticket directly from Delta (via their website, app, call center, or sales office), follow these steps to cancel your ticket online:

• Visit Delta's official website, Delta.com.
  
  

• Navigate to the "My Trips" section.
  
  

• Enter your confirmation number, credit/debit card number, or ticket number, along with your first and last name.
  
  

• Click on the search button to proceed.
  
  

• Select the flight you wish to cancel.
  
  

• Click on "Modify Flight."
  
  

• Choose the option to start the flight cancellation process.
  
  

• Follow the prompts to complete the flight cancellation.

How to Cancel an Award Ticket?

To cancel a Delta award ticket, access your SkyMiles account, locate your reservation, and click on the "Modify Flight" button. Follow the prompts provided to cancel your award ticket. Please note that it may take a few hours for your refunded miles to reflect in your account.

How to Avoid Paying Delta Cancellation Charges?

To minimize Delta airline cancellation fee, consider the following tips:

• Utilize Delta's 24-hour risk-free policy: This DOT rule allows cancellation within 24 hours of purchase for all flights within the United States.
  
  

• Opt for a refundable fare: While more expensive, these tickets waive change or cancellation fees if your plans alter.
  
  

• Hold Delta Medallion Elite status: Gold, Diamond, and Platinum members often enjoy fee waivers on award travels, typically valued at USD 150.
  
  

• Stay informed about flight schedule changes: You might be eligible for fee waivers or reductions due to significant delays (over 2 hours), route modifications, or cancellations. Delta will notify you via email, offering options to change or cancel your flight.

Delta Airlines Refund

Eligibility for a refund from Delta Airlines hinges on various factors such as the ticket's purchase method, timing, and fare type. If you are not eligible  for a refund according to Delta's policy, you will receive compensation in the form of an eCredit for future travel.

• Delta offers free 24-hour cancellations and refunds for all ticket types. If you cancel your ticket within this time frame , regardless of the fare type, you'll automatically receive a refund to your original payment method. After the 24-hour window, refund eligibility will be subject to the terms associated with your ticket's fare type.
  
  

• For refundable tickets, you have the flexibility to cancel your ticket at any time prior to your flight and receive a complete refund. After canceling your refundable ticket, simply submit an online refund request through Delta's website.
  
  

• Non-refundable tickets are not eligible  for a cash refund. However, you can receive an eCredit for the remaining value of your ticket, deducting any applicable cancellation fees. You can then utilize this eCredit within its extended validity period to purchase another ticket for a Delta flight.

Under Delta flight cancellation policy for non-refundable tickets:

• No  fee will be charged for tickets covered by the no-cancellation fee policy, with the exception of Basic Economy*. These include:
  
  

• Main Cabin and higher tickets for travel within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
  
  

• Main Cabin and higher tickets originating within the U.S. to any destination worldwide, including flights operated by joint venture and codeshare partners.
  
  

• Main Cabin and higher tickets between the Caribbean and the United States or Mexico.

Basic Economy tickets for travel starting from January 1, 2022, are not included in the no-cancellation fee policy. Consequently, these tickets will incur cancellation fees/charges, beginning at USD 99, depending on your itinerary (as specified in the fare rules of your ticket). Upon cancellation, you will receive the remaining value of your ticket as an eCredit, with the deduction of applicable cancellation fees/charges (except for travel originating from Mexico, which cannot be canceled).

Basic Economy tickets bought directly from Delta are eligible for refunds solely within the 24-hour window. If cancellation doesn't occur within this period, you might not qualify for any refund unless your ticket falls under a COVID-19 travel waiver. This waiver applies to tickets purchased on or before April 30, 2021, allowing changes or cancellations in exchange for an eCredit.

Cancellation fees for non-refundable flights originating outside of the United States are also waived, with some exceptions. While most Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, select tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions can be changed or refunded for a fee.

• Tickets for travel originating in India, the Middle East, and Africa can be canceled for USD 180.
  
  

• Tickets for travel originating within Europe can be canceled for EUR 150.
  
  

• Tickets for travel originating in the United Kingdom can be canceled for £150.
  
  

• Tickets for travel originating within South Korea can be refunded to the original form of payment after deducting the applicable cancellation fee.

Exceptions:

If a family member or co-passenger listed on your non-refundable booking passes away, you can request a refund from Delta. However, you will need to provide evidence to Delta's refund department, such as a death certificate.

• Delta Canceled Flight Refund: If Delta cancels your flight and the offered alternative flight does not suit your schedule, you can request a full refund.
  
  

• Refund Processing Time: Tickets purchased with credit/debit cards typically take 7 business days to process, but may take up to 2 billing cycles to reflect on your account statement. Tickets purchased with cash or check take approximately 20 business days to process.

Delta Refund Request

If you're seeking a refund within 24 hours, you can cancel your ticket and request a full refund online via Delta.com.

• Visit Delta.com.
  
  

• Log in with your Delta account and choose "Find My Trips." If you don't have an account, select "My Trips."
  
  

• Select your trip and click on the "Cancel Flight" button.
  
  

• Follow the process to submit a Delta refund request.

If you're requesting a refund after 24 hours, once your risk-free cancellation period has ended, you must use a different channel to make a refund request, as outlined below.

• To cancel your flight, utilize the online form provided and click on the "Cancel Flight" button to request an eCredit.
  
  

• If your flight experienced delays, cancellations, or a service downgrade, and you wish to cancel it for a refund, follow the same process using the online form. Click on the "Request Refund" button and complete the Cancel and Refund Form displayed on your screen.

Ensure that when canceling your ticket or applying for a refund, you complete the form(s) in their entirety.

How to Use Delta Credit from a Canceled Flight?

You can utilize your Delta eCredit to book a new flight in two ways:

• Through your SkyMiles Account.
  
  

• Using the standard booking process and selecting to pay with eCredits.

To book through your SkyMiles account, follow these steps:

• Log in to your SkyMiles account.
  
  

• Navigate to your Profile.
  
  

• Your personal details page will appear.
  
  

• Click on "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers" under Profile.

You can access all your eCredits, unused tickets, and certificates, including their values and expiry dates.

• Select the box of the voucher you want to apply to your new booking.
  
  

• Proceed with your booking as usual.
  
  

• If your new flight costs more, you'll need to pay the difference.

To book in the usual manner and pay with eCredits:

• Navigate to the homepage and book your flight as usual.
  
  

• Choose your preferred flight.
  
  

• Confirm passenger information.
  
  

• When selecting your payment method, opt to "Use eCredits."
  
  

• Your active credits will be displayed.
  
  

• Select the eCredit you wish to redeem.
  
  

• Finalize your booking.

Delta Flight Cancellation Compensation

If your Delta flight is within the United States or doesn't depart from a European Union airport, U.S. laws don't mandate airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays or cancellations. However, you may be entitled to compensation in the following cases:

• If you're involuntarily bumped from an oversold Delta flight at a non-EU airport.
  
  

• If your Delta flight departing from a European Union airport is delayed by 3 hours or more, canceled, or if you are involuntarily bumped from it.

Delta Flight Compensation for Denied Boarding (Flights departing from a non-EU airport):

• If Delta arranges alternative transportation: You'll receive the lesser of 200% of the fare or USD 675 to your next stopover/final destination (including surcharges and taxes).
  
  

• If Delta cannot arrange alternative transportation: You'll receive the lesser of 400% of the fare or USD 1,350 to your next stopover/final destination (including surcharges and taxes).

Note: If you qualify for involuntary denied boarding compensation, you'll receive it on the same day and at the place where the boarding denial occurred—in cash or by immediately negotiable check. However, if alternative transportation is arranged before compensation can be made, you'll receive it within 24 hours of the boarding denial, by mail or other means.

Compensation under EC 261 for Delta flights departing from the EU is: 

• For flights flying less than 1,500km, travelers may receive up to EUR 250 per passenger.
  
  

• Flights within the EU exceeding 1,500km: Up to EUR 400 per passenger.
  
  

• Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 – 3,500km: Up to EUR 400 per passenger.
  
  

• Non-internal EU flights exceeding 3,500km: Up to EUR 600 per passenger.

Note:

• The flight compensation applies only to flights departing from an airport in the EU (in addition to a full flight refund).
  
  

• It applies if you were notified of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure, and if you took a replacement flight resulting in a significantly different arrival time compared to the original flight.
  
  

• The cancellation reason must be within Delta's control for compensation to apply.

No flight compensation applies:

• If your flight departs from outside the EU or arrives at any EU airport.
  
  

• If the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, medical emergencies, terrorism, etc.
  
  

• If you're informed at least 14 days before departure, or 7 – 13 days before departure with an alternative flight departing within 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after your original flight, or less than 7 days before departure with an alternative flight departing within 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after your original flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Delta provide a 24-hour cancellation policy?

Yes, Delta offers a 24-hour cancellation policy to passengers for tickets booked through the official Delta website or the Delta Fly App.

How can I cancel my Delta flight?

You can cancel your Delta flight either via  the official Delta website or the Delta Fly App. Instead, you can also cancel at the airport counter by providing  all the necessary documents to the airline staff.

How can I request a refund from Delta?

If you are qualified for a refund, you can request it through Delta's official website or by contacting their customer care.

How can I check the status of my Delta refund request?

You can check the status of your Delta refund request by either contacting the airline's customer care or logging in to Delta's official website.

Is there a cancellation fee for Delta flights?

Yes, there may be a cancellation fee starting from $99, depending on your fare type and conditions.

What happens if my Delta flight gets  canceled?

If your Delta flight is canceled, the airline will shortly search for an alternate flight for you and make a reservation. However, you have the right to decline this reservation. Depending on your ticket type, Delta will either process refunds or issue credits accordingly.