Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy

Delta Airlines has stopped charging passengers who purchase Main Cabin or above tickets for changing flights originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. For tickets originating outside of these areas, a flight change fee may apply for all tickets (incl. Main Cabin and premium fares) depending on your fare type and location

When changing the date, time, or location of your trip before departure, you will only have to pay the fare difference if your new flight ticket is costlier. However, Basic Economy cannot be changed or cancelled in most cases.

Delta Airlines flight change policy allows you to change your flight (date, time, and/or destination) or apply for a refund in the form of an eCredit in certain situations.

Snapshot of Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy

Under the revised Delta Airlines change flight policy:

  • You can change your flight’s date, time, and/or location within 24 hours of booking without paying a flight change fee, regardless of fare type (i.e., including non-refundable fares)—by cancelling your ticket without penalty and then rebooking it.
  • The Delta flight change fees for Main Cabin and higher fares have been permanentlywaived for all domesticand international flights originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa to any destination. This includes:
    • Basic Economy tickets booked up to April 30, 2021.
      (However, some tickets may be changed for a fee, such as for trips those originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions. For details, refer to your ticket).
    • Only Delta-issued tickets, so if you booked a Delta ticket with another airline, you’ll have to check that airline’s flight change policy. 
    • All international flights operated by Delta’s codeshare and joint venture partners, as long as the ticket was issued by Delta.
  • For trips originating outside of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, a change fee may apply depending on where you’re flying from and the type of ticket you’ve purchased.
  • The change fee waiver still applies to flights originating from Israel, India, Oceania, and Asia
  • Refundable tickets can be changed anytime up to 24 hours before departure without incurring a change fee, but you will have to pay the applicable fare difference if any.
  • For award tickets (except Basic Economy) originating in the United States and Canada to anywhere in the world:
    • The redeposit and reissue fees have been eliminated. 
    • All changes (incl. cancellations) must be made before departure.
  • Same-day changes (within 24 hours of departure) are permitted within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for a fee, starting at USD 75 (depending on your ticket type). However, same-day flight changes are complimentary for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members. International flight tickets and Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for same-day changes. For details, refer to the section titled Delta Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy below. 
  • More flexibility. All tickets expiring in 2022 or purchased in 2022 can now be rebooked till December 31, 2023, for travel through 2024.
  • If you change an existing flight booking online, the changes will apply to all passengers in your booking. 
  • If you want to change a ticket issued by a third party, you may be charged an additional fee by the third party.

Delta Flight Change Policy for COVID

What is the Delta COVID policy for changes?

If you can’t travel due to COVID health-related entry requirements, you may be allowed to change your flight without penalty and issued an eCredit toward future travel on Delta. However, if you make any changes to your flight route and/or travel, you must pay the applicable fare difference. 

You will not be able to change a Basic Economy ticket outside of the 24-hour grace period (purchased directly through Delta). However, you may be allowed to cancel your ticket before departure and receive an eCredit equal to the value of your ticket minus a cancellation fee. 

Added Flexibility—Delta Airlines Policy on Changing Flights

How has Delta Airlines change flight policy been made more flexible?

Delta Airlines policy on changing flights has now been made more flexible for all passengers. You can now rebook the following tickets till December 2023 for travel through 2024: 

  • All tickets expiring in 2022. 
  • All tickets purchased in 2022.

Delta Airlines Change Flight Policy for Military

Delta Airlines change flight policy for military personnel allows you to change (or cancel) your Delta flight for free in a few special situations—such as in case of unexpected military deployment or change in orders. In such a scenario, you will likely require to produce supporting documentation before it processes your request.

Cost to Change a Flight on Delta Airlines

How much does it cost to change a flight on Delta Airlines?

If your flight ticket no longer falls under a change fee waiver*, the cost to change a flight can vary from USD 0–400, depending on your route and fare type. Remember, Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-cancellable unless they fall under a travel waiver, or you cancel within the 24-hour window and rebook to suit your new preferences.

*The flight change fee has been permanently eliminated for Main Cabin and higher tickets issued for domestic and international travel originating from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Delta Airlines Change Fee Waiver for Basic Economy Tickets

Can you change your flight on Delta Airlines on a Basic Economy ticket?

Delta Airlines has waived the change fee for Basic Economy tickets until December 31, 2021 (inclusive). Although Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable, you can make changes to any Basic Economy flight ticket without paying a flight change fee during this period. 

Your options. If you know when you’ll be travelling, you can rebook your ticket immediately. Alternatively, you can cancel it and receive a credit for the full value of your ticket, rebook it by December 31, 2021, and start your travel no later than December 31, 2022. If your new flight is cheaper than the original flight, you will receive a credit for the fare difference, which you can redeem for future travel. If your new flight is costlier, you will have to pay the fare difference.

Also known as the 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver, this waiver is temporary and applies to all Delta tickets—regardless of your flight’s origin or destination, as shown below: 

Ticketed DateAffected Travel DateYour Ticket Must be Reissued on/beforeYour Travel Must Begin No Later Than
May 1 – December 31, 2021July 28 – December 31, 2021December 31, 2021December 31, 2022

Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy—the United States, Canada & the Caribbean

You can change all tickets (except Basic Economy) without paying any flight change fee.
The flight change fee waiver applies to all trips originating from the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to anywhere in the world, including Basic Economy tickets that fall under Delta’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.

Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy—Outside of the United States, Canada & the Caribbean 

A flight change (or cancellation) fee may apply for tickets originating outside of the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, depending on where you are flying from and the type of ticket you’ve purchased

Delta Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy

Delta allows you to make same-day ticket changes within 24 hours of the originally scheduled departure time of your flight. Same-day flight changes are subject to seat availability and can only be made: 

  • Within the same travel class and route on a Main Cabin seat.
  • To flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
  • Online during check-in or through the Fly Delta mobile app (subject to availability). 

Exceptions. Same-day flight changes cannot be made to

  • Basic Economy fares 
  • International routes 
  • Origin/destination cities or same-city airports (JFK to LGA)

Options. Same-day ticket changes can work in the following 2 ways:

Same-Day Confirmed ChangesSame-Day Standby Changes
You can change to a confirmed seat on a new flight if a seat is available in the same travel class as your original ticket. 
• The same-day confirmed fee starts from USD 75, depending on your fare type.
• Same-day confirmed changes are complimentary for Diamond, Platinum & Gold Medallion Members.
If the same-day confirmed option is not available on an earlier flight, you can opt for an earlier flight in the same class as your original ticket.
• The same-day standby option is complimentary.
• Your original flight will remain confirmed until you’ve been allotted a seat on your preferred flight. 
• Same-day standby is not available for flights to/from Canada.

Eligibility for Same-Day Confirmed Changes

  • The same-day confirmed option is only available for travel within the U.S., U.S.V.I., Canada, and Puerto Rico on Delta Airlines and Delta Connection® flights. 
  • You must request a same-day flight change within 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight. 
  • Refundable tickets may be changed without a fee. 
  • You can standby for a Main Cabin ticket only in the Main Cabin. 
  • You can make a same-day confirmed change to a premium cabin fare such as Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class subject to seat availability in the same cabin purchased by you—or in a lower cabin. 
  • You can make a same-day confirmed change when traveling in Delta Comfort+ provided a seat is available in Delta Comfort+. However, if no seat is available in Delta Comfort+, you may be allowed to make a same-day confirmed change to a Main Cabin seat, subject to availability.
  • Same-day confirmed changes do not include:
    • International flights.
    • A change of origin and/or destination.
    • Same-city/co-terminal changes, such as from LaGuardia Airport to JFK Airport.
    • Changing a connecting flight to a nonstop flight. 
    • Basic Economy fares (E), regardless of Medallion/Elite status.

Same-Day Standby Upgrades

You can use Delta same-day standby upgrade option to upgrade your seat for a fee, subject to space availability. This option is only available:

  • Within North America, but does not include JFK-SFO and JFK-LAX.
  • To/from St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), Nassau (Bahamas), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Los Cabos (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Bermuda, and Aruba.
  • Between Atlanta and St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Costa Rica.
  • Between Cancun (Mexico) and Minneapolis, Memphis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Detroit.

Changing Non-Refundable Flight Tickets on Delta Airlines

If you want to change a non-refundable ticket on Delta Airlines and your flight is not covered under a travel waiver, the flight change fee can range from USD 0 – 400 (depending on your route). Plus, you will have to pay the applicable fare difference

You cannot make changes to Basic Economy* tickets that do not fall under the Basic Economy waiver, i.e., tickets booked before April 30, 2021, or between May 1 – December 31, 2021, as long as they’re re-issued on/before December 31, 2021, and used no later than December 31, 2022. 

*Basic Economy Tickets issued for trips originating in Mexico cannot be changed or cancelled. 

However: 

  • Some Basic Economy tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international locations can be changed for a fee depending on the fare conditions of your ticket.
    • Tickets issued for trips originating in Korea, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, and India can be cancelled and refunded after deducting 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 can change your Delta Airlines flight by phone, online, or at a Delta sales counter. If you’re changing your flight on Delta by phone, call (toll-free in the U.S./Canada) or the Delta office/call center in your city/country.

How to Change Flight Online at Delta Airlines?

Changing your flight on Delta Airlines online is quick and easy. You can use the website to:

  • Change the date, day, or time of your flight.
  • Change the origin or destination of your flight.

To change your Delta flight online

  1. Go to Delta.com 
  2. Click on My Trips 
  3. Select/enter your:
    1. Confirmation number, or
      Credit/Debit card number, or
      Ticket Number 
    2. First and last name 
  4. Click on the Find My Trip button
  5. Select the flight you want to change 
  6. Click on Modify Flight
  7. Choose Start Flight Change
  8. Book your new flight 

How to Change a Delta Award Ticket? 

Delta Airlines award tickets can be changed online as explained below. The refund of your mileage can take a couple of hours to show up in your account. 

  1. Go to Delta.com 
  2. Click on My Trips or Log in 
  3. Select the flight you want to change 
  4. Click on Modify Flight
  5. Click on Start Flight Change
  6. Select your new flight(s)
  7. Complete your checkout 
  8. Pay the fare difference (if any) 
  9. Receive your confirmation

Note. Basic Economy Award Tickets cannot be changed or refunded outside of the 24-hour window unless they fall under Delta’s Basic Economy waiver.

Flight Change Tips (applies to all tickets)

  • If you don’t change or cancel your ticket before departure, it will have no remaining value later. 
  • If your new flight ticket is cheaper, the difference will be refunded in the form of a credit for future use. 
  • If your new flight ticket is costlier than your original flight, you’ll have to pay the price difference.
  • You cannot change a Basic Economy ticket unless it falls within Delta’s Basic Economy Waiver. However, some tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions can be changed for a fee. For details, refer to the fare conditions of your ticket.

Delta Airlines Change Fee

How much does Delta Airlines charge to change a flight?

If your flight does not fall under a travel waiver, you may be charged anywhere between USD 0 – 400 to make changes to your flight, in addition to any fare differences that apply—depending on when you cancel your ticket and the type of ticket you’ve purchased (see the table below). 

Time PeriodBasic Economy TicketsNon-refundable TicketsRefundable Tickets
Within the 24-hour risk-free periodNo change fee—only the price difference will apply.No change fee—only the price difference will apply.No change fee—only the price difference will apply.
After the 24-hour risk-free cancellation periodNot allowed—but some tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international locations can be changed for up to USD 200 per ticket.Subject to a change fee of USD 0 – 400 + price difference (refer to the fare rules for details).Only the price difference will apply.
Within 24 hours of departureNot allowed—but some tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international locations can be changed for up to USD 200 per ticket.Starting from USD 75, subject to seat availability.Starting from USD 75, subject to seat availability.

How to Avoid Delta Airlines Flight Change Fee/Charges?

Follow the tips below to save on flight change fees at Delta:

  • Leverage DOT’s 24-hour risk-free policy. Use the 24-hour rule of the U.S. Department of Transportation to cancel any flight for free within 24 hours of purchase and rebook per your preference. 
  • Buy a flexible ticket. It’s more expensive but you won’t have to pay a change fee if your travel plan changes. 
  • Get a Delta Medallion Elite status. You’ll enjoy special fee waivers if you’re holding Gold, Diamond, or Platinum status. 
  • Take advantage of schedule changes. If your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, cancelled, or rescheduled, you’re allowed to change your flight (or cancel it).

What to Do if Delta Changes Your Flight?

You can opt for a new flight on the same day as your originally scheduled flight if:

  • Your Delta flight is delayed by 2 hours or more.
  • Delta changes your flight route by adding one or more stops to your original itinerary.
  • Your flight carrier is changed from Delta Mainline to Delta Connection.
  • A flight change causes you to miss a connecting Delta flight on which you hold a confirmed booking.
  • If Delta cancels your flight and no comparable/acceptable flight is available within 2 hours

Note. Your new flight’s origin, destination, and service class must remain the same. Earlier, Delta used to allow passengers to change their flight one day before or after the original flight, but this does not apply any longer. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Delta Flight Change Policy

What is Delta flight change fee like?

After the risk-free 24-hour window has passed, Delta change flight fee can range from USD 75–200 within the United States, whereas Delta Airlines change fee for international flights can range from USD 200–500, depending on your fare class and destination.

Has Delta flight change fee been eliminated?

Delta change flight fee (starting from USD 75–200/ticket) has been eliminated for all domestic and international flights originating from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes flights operated by Sky Team and codeshare partners but does not apply to Basic Economy fares that do not fall under Delta’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.

What is Delta Airlines change fee waiver?

Per Delta Airlines change fee waiver, all tickets purchased on or before April 30—including Basic Economy tickets—can be changed up to December 31, without incurring any change fee. This means if you purchased a ticket on April 30, you can either: 

Rebook your flight immediately without having to pay a flight change fee.
Cancel your ticket, convert it into an e Credit by December 31, and use the e Credit to commence your trip by December 31.

What if my new flight is cheaper than my original flight?

If your new flight (i.e., Delta Airlines changed flight) is cheaper than your original flight, the excess amount will be credited to your account as an eCredit which you can redeem later for travelling in the future.

How do I check the status of my eCredit?

You can check the balance and expiration date of your eCredit by visiting delta.com/redeem and entering the required details, such as your eCredit number.

Does Delta Airlines charge a change fee for changing the origin or destination?

Other than the applicable fare difference, you will not have to pay a flight change fee for changing your flight’s origin or destination if

1- You cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it (without penalty), and rebook.
2- You purchased your ticket on/before April 30 (incl. Basic Economy)
3- You purchased your ticket after April 30, with a travel date in 2021 (incl. Basic Economy).
4- Your trip originates in North America to anywhere in the world; however, Basic Economy tickets are 5- not included unless they’re covered under Delta’s Basic Economy Changeability Waiver. 
6- Your trip originates in and is between the Caribbean and North America/Mexico (both ways), but 7 7- this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless they’re covered under Delta’s Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
8- Your trip originates outside of North America and you purchased it on or after May 1, except for Basic Economy tickets with some exceptions. This is a temporary fee waiver and can be withdrawn anytime, so do check with Delta before changing.

What is Delta Airlines change flight phone number?

Delta flight change phone number (toll-free in U.S./Canada) is 800-221-1212. This number is open 24/7.

What is Delta Airlines international flight change fee?

Delta Airlines international flight change fee can range from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.

What is Delta Airlines international flight change fee?

Delta Airlines international flight change fee can range from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.

Can I change the flight day on Delta Airlines?

Yes, you can change the flight day on Delta, i.e., change your travel date, over the phone or online. Whether you’ll be charged a flight change fee or not will depend on the fare conditions of your ticket, and whether your ticket falls under a travel waiver. Remember, Basic Economy tickets cannot be modified, unless they’re covered under a change fee waiver.

What is Delta Airlines flight change price?

The flight change price on Delta ranges from USD 200 – 500, depending on your flight’s route.

How do I call Delta Airlines to change a flight?

You can check the balance and expiration date of your eCredit by visiting delta.com/redeem and You can call customer service to change your flight. This number is open 24/7 and toll-free if you’re calling from the U.S. or Canada.

Is changing your flight on Delta Airlines free?

Changing your flight on Delta Airlines is free if:

1- You bought your ticket on or before April 30, 2021. 
2- You bought your ticket on/after May 1, 2021, and your travel date is in 2021.
3- Your flight originates in North America, but this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless
they fall under Delta’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver. 
4- Your flight originates outside North America and you purchased your ticket on/after May 1, 2023, except for Basic Economy tickets with some exceptions. This is a temporary fee waiver.
5- Your flight trip originates in and is between the Caribbean and North America/Mexico (both ways), but this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless they’re covered under Delta’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.

How can I change the date of a flight on Delta Airlines?

You can change the date of your flight on Delta Airlines by phone or online via My Trips. You may or may not be charged a change fee, depending on your route and travel class. 

How do I change flight reservations on Delta Airlines?

You can change your flight reservations on Delta Airlines by phone or online via My Trips.

If I change an international flight on Delta Airlines, how much will I be charged?

If you change an international flight on Delta Airlines and your flight is not covered under any travel waiver, you can be charged anywhere from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.

How can I change a return flight date on Delta Airlines?

You can change your return flight date on Delta Airlines over the phone by calling or a Delta office in your city/country, or online. 
If you’re changing your flight date online, go to Delta.com, select My Trips and enter your ticket number (or credit/debit card number/confirmation number) and name, click on the search button, select your flight, choose the Modify Flight option, select Start Flight Change, change the flight date, and confirm the changes to rebook your flight. Remember, you’ll have to pay the fare difference (if any) and the applicable change fee (if any).

What is Delta Airlines fee to change a flight?

Delta Airlines fee to change a flight (if the flight does not fall under a change fee waiver) ranges from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route. 

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