Delta Airlines Change Flight Policy And Fee

Flight plans aren’t always set in stone. If you require modifying your forthcoming Delta Airlines reservation, this detailed manual will review all potential choices, expenses, and Delta’s guidelines. Whether needing date adjustments or complete cancellations, be informed of protocols and constraints that may apply based on your ticket terms. Delta facilitates flight change with notice for a cost for most regular fares. This content illuminates processes, prerequisites, exceptions, and valuable knowledge if travel must be altered.

Before booking any flight, read Delta’s terms and conditions thoroughly and understand any restrictions that may apply to your fare class. Particular basic economy and discounted tickets have strict policies around modifications and cancellations. Avoid those types if your plans are prone to change. For most standard fares, Delta does allow flight changes with advance notice for a fee. This article outlines the procedures, requirements, exceptions, and what you’ll need to know if your travel must be adjusted.

When Can I Make Changes to My Delta Flight?

Delta allows flight changes up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. You have a few ways to modify your reservation:

• Make changes yourself through Delta’s website or mobile app
• Call Delta’s reservations line to speak with an agent
• Visit a Delta Airline Flight ticketing counter at the airport

To change your Delta Airlines flight online:

• Go to delta.com and log in to My Trips
• Select your reservation and click “Change Flight.”
• Choose your new flight details and complete the exchange

Delta’s customer service numbers for flight changes:

• Reservations (Domestic US): 1-800-221-1212
• Reservations (International): 1-404-209-3434

Calling allows you to speak with a Delta agent who can explain your change and cancellation options in detail. This is recommended for complex itineraries.

Airport ticketing counters can assist but will charge an additional $50 processing fee. Online or phone changes are best when possible.

Important Delta Flight Change Deadlines

Keep these timeframes in mind when changing your flight with Delta:

• Changes must be made at least 24 hours before your originally scheduled departure.
• Name changes and corrections require at least 72 hours’ notice.
• Award ticket changes must happen at least 3 hours before departure.
• Same-day flight changes can only occur within 24 hours of purchase and over the phone.

Last-minute changes are restricted to prevent disruptions on the day of travel. Plan if possible.

What Are Delta Airline Change Fees?

Changing an existing Delta flight typically incurs a fee, with a few exceptions:

Delta Change Fees For Domestic Flights

• The change fee for domestic flights is $200.
• You’ll also need to pay any difference in airfare if your new flight has a higher price.
• If the new flight is the same price or lower, you’ll just pay the $200 change fee.

Delta Airlines Change Fee for International Flights

• Change fees for long-haul international flights can be up to $500.
• You must also pay any airfare difference if the new flight is higher.
• Changes between roundtrip and one-way tickets are not allowed.

Exceptions to Delta Airlines Change Fees

Delta does waive change fees in certain circumstances:

• Active military personnel are exempt from fees when traveling on orders.
• No change fee applies if you switch to a flight of equal or lesser value. You only pay for any airfare difference.
• Severe weather waivers and airline schedule changes also eliminate change fees.
• Elite status members and premium cabin flyers sometimes have fee waivers.
• Basic economy fares have much stricter policies. Changes are not allowed at all for these discounted tickets.

Steps to Change Your Name on Delta Tickets

Need to correct a name or update your information on a Delta reservation? Here’s precisely how to complete the process:

Delta Airlines Minor Name Corrections

• Spelling fixes and minor corrections can be accessible through Delta’s website or mobile app.
• A minimum of 72 hours before departure is required for changes.
• You’ll need to enter your passport information to verify your identity.

Delta Airlines Legal Name Changes

• Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal status updates require official documentation.
• Email copies of your documentation (marriage license, court order, etc) to Delta Special Assistance.
• The team will review and process your official name change for a fee of $200 domestic or $500 international.
• Notify Delta as soon as possible, at least 72 hours before your flight.

Change Delta Flight When Booked via Third Party

If you booked through a third-party site like Expedia or a travel agency, they must modify your name. Delta can only adjust reservations booked directly through them.
Contact your booking provider for assistance with name changes on third-party tickets.

How to Change an International Delta Flight Booking

• Changing an international Delta Airline flight follows the same overall process, but be aware of some key nuances:
• As noted above, change fees for long-haul international flights can be up to $500. Regional international flights follow the $200 domestic fee policy.
• Tickets must be exchanged before departure of the first flight, even for roundtrip reservations. You must modify more than one leg of a roundtrip international ticket.
• You must keep the same between roundtrip and one-way tickets for international flights. The ticket type must remain the same.
• Extra requirements like visa documents may apply for flights to destinations like China, India, etc.
• Return dates cannot be postponed if your destination requires a specific visa duration or validity period. You may need to reapply for visa extensions before extending a return flight.
• Open-jaw itineraries allowing travel to another country mid-trip can be challenging to change—research visa rules thoroughly before booking open-jaw tickets.
• Flights around major holidays often fall under more restrictive change policies—review blackout dates and limitations.
• If you combine Delta flights with other airlines, changes become more complex. Partner flights may not align with Delta’s policies.

With intricate international bookings, your best option is to call Delta directly. Their agents can walk through all options and explain any localized policies, visa constraints, and restrictions for your destination. Having an expert review your specific itinerary can avoid headaches if plans must adjust.

Changing Delta Basic Economy Fares

Basic economy fares are Delta’s ultra-discounted ticket option with stringent rules. These types of tickets:

• Do not allow any changes after 24 hours of purchase
• Cannot be canceled for refunds or credits under any circumstances
• Have no modifications permitted once travel has started

Your only recourse is to book an entirely new flight, which will be at the current last-minute airfare rate. You also forfeit the entire value of your original basic economy ticket.

• Keep in mind primary economy tickets may not allow seat selection. If you need to change flights, you’d likely be stuck with whatever middle seat is left.
• Even elite status flyers are not exempt from basic economy restrictions. Upgrades, changes, and perks are not allowed, no matter your loyalty tier.
• If you have an essential economic connection and miss the first flight, your ticket becomes null and void. The rest of your itinerary will be canceled automatically.
• Families should avoid basic economy. If one person needs to change their flight, the rest of the group would also have their tickets canceled and need rebooking.

Think carefully before booking basic economy fares, significantly if your travel plans shift, or you may need to cancel. The severe inflexibility makes them an extremely risky option outside of 100% firm plans. Know all restrictions before purchasing.

How to Change Your Delta Flight Date Online

• Check the confirmation number within the email you received about the reservation, then enter it on Delta.com to gain access to it. On the other hand, navigate to the “My Trips” section of your Delta SkyMiles account and choose the trip you wish to change the date.
• Select “Modify Flight” by clicking the red icon in the upper right corner.
• After that, you’ll have the choice to change the date and cancel the flight. Select the “Start Flight Change Date” option.
• Choose “Find New Flights” to navigate to the corresponding webpage.

At this point, you will have access to all of the new flight choices, and the price of the original ticket can be deducted from the replacement cost. Depending on the ticket type you originally bought, you will receive an eCredit and a refund for the fare difference, or you will pay the remaining amount as usual.

After the value of your eCredit is applied to the new ticket, you will be responsible for paying any unpaid debts. If the new flight is cheaper, a new eCredit for the price variation can be deposited into your account for future Delta travel.

How Much do I Need to Pay to Change My Flight Date?

• Regardless of the amount or kind of ticket, there is no fee to change the dates, according to the 24-hour policy. 
• The Basic Economy rate cannot be changed after 24 hours, but in addition to the fare difference for non-refundable tickets, you must pay between $0 and $40. If your tickets are refundable, changing the date or destination costs nothing. 
• Travellers must pay $75 for refundable and non-refundable tickets when a flight is rescheduled 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Steps to Cancel a Delta Flight for a Refund

If you need to cancel your upcoming Delta flight entirely, here is how to request a refund:

• Cancel at least 24 hours before departure to avoid extra cancellation fees.
• Cancel through Delta’s website or app or by calling reservations directly.
• The refund will be issued back to your original form of payment automatically.
• Allow up to 7-10 business days for refund processing if paid by credit card.

Cancellation Fees

Cancellation fees apply in most cases:

• $200 for domestic flights
• $500 for long-haul international itineraries
• Primary economy tickets are non-refundable

eCredit Option

Alternatively, you can choose to cancel your Delta flight for an eCredit voucher instead of a full refund:

• Credits are valid for up to 1 year from the original ticket issue date.
• They can be used to book future flights with Delta only.
• Credits are issued to the passenger’s name on the original reservation.
• Using an eCredit provides maximum value since no cancellation fees apply.
• You can request credits via Delta’s website or app or call in.

Elite Status and Premium Refunds

Top-tier Diamond Med Anders and First/Business Class passengers can sometimes receive voucher refunds even on primary economy tickets.
If you booked a higher fare class or have elite status, ask about eCredit exceptions when canceling.

What if My Flight is Rescheduled or Delayed?

If Delta reschedules your flight or makes a significant change, you have options:

For Minor Schedule Changes

Accept the revised flight time at no charge. Minor time adjustments allow you to keep your original booking.

For Significant Changes

• Request a full refund back to your original form of payment, including for basic economy.
• Pick an alternate Delta flight within the same cabin class for no additional fee.
• Request a Delta travel voucher for future travel.

You can verify whether Delta considers your change as “minor” or “significant” when contacting them about a rescheduled flight.

Generally, schedule changes of 2+ hours or that impact connections are significant.

For Delays

If your original flight is delayed, Delta will rebook you for free on the next available flight. For lengthy delays:
⦁ Request meal vouchers while waiting at the airport.
⦁ Ask about hotel voucher accommodations if delayed overnight.
⦁ Inquire about full refund options if you prefer to cancel after an extensive delay rather than rebook.

Be aware of your options and Delta’s policies for flight irregularities. You can request assistance if impacted by forces outside of your control.

Using Delta Schedule Change Waiver Codes

If Delta significantly changes or cancels your original flight, you may receive a schedule change waiver code when contacting them to rebook. This 6-letter prorated code allows you to waive change fees and fare differences when rescheduling your flight. When provided a schedule change waiver code from Delta, make sure to note it and use it when selecting your new replacement flight to avoid all additional charges. The code will be attached to your reservation but must be entered manually to redeem the benefits. Schedule change waivers provide flexibility if Delta alters your plans.

Changing Flights on Delta Award Tickets

If you booked your original Delta flight using frequent flyer miles, there are some particular policies and fees to be aware of when making changes:

• Award tickets can be changed up to 3 hours before departure for $150 per person.
• Any changes within 72 hours require redepositing the miles and rebooking a new award flight at current mileage rates.
• Elite Medallion members and Premium class tickets have reduced or waived change fees on awards.
• Award flights cannot be changed day-of-travel once the scheduled departure time passes.
• If the original flight is delayed or canceled, you can switch to standby on earlier flights for free.
• Partner award flights on other airlines follow different change policies than Delta-operated flights.

When changing an award ticket booking, be prepared to either pay a change fee or redeposit miles if inside the 72-hour window. Have a backup mileage balance on hand.

Steps to Modify Your Flight with the Delta App

Delta’s mobile app provides an easy way to make flight changes and cancellations from your phone. Follow these steps:

• Open the Fly Delta app and log in to your account.
• Tap on “My Trips” and select your reservation.
• Click “Change Flight” or “Cancel Flight” and choose your modifications.
• Pick your new flight or cancellation refund type.
• Enter payment information to cover any change fees or unique fare differences.
• You’ll receive instant confirmation of your updated itinerary.

The Delta app allows self-service changes 24/7 if you are outside the 24-hour pre-travel window. It’s quick and convenient for on-the-go modifications.

Critical Takeaways for Changing Delta Flights

• Changes and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before departure. Primary economy tickets are non-changeable.
• Change fees are $200 domestic, $500 international – plus any airfare differences.
• Name corrections are free if made 72+ hours in advance. Legal name changes cost $200-500.
• Contact Delta directly for complex international or award travel changes.
• Schedule changes by Delta allow free rebooking, refunds, or future travel vouchers.
• Top-tier elite flyers and First/Business class tickets have the best flexibility for waivers.

Review Delta’s change, cancellation, and rebooking policies before booking. Understand any restrictions that may apply to your situation and fare type.

Advanced planning and knowing Delta flight rules can give you confidence in booking travel even when plans may shift. Pick ticket types offering flexibility when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delta Change Policies

By clearly understanding Delta’s policies in advance, you can decide which fare class makes the most sense and modify your plans smoothly if needed. Have a backup option in mind when booking heavily restricted primary economy tickets.