Delta Airlines Change and Cancel Policy
Delta Airlines have a distinctive policy on making changes and cancellation, find out more.
Delta Airlines have different policy for different fare types. The highest fare types are fully refundable. However, for all non refundable tickets, you will see non-refundable written in the terms and condition. It is easy to identify if a ticket is refundable or not. At the time of booking the flight while picking up the fare, it is clearly shown 'Non-refundable'. After booking the flight, it will be sent out along with the itinerary the email. It can be seen on the first page online whenever you pull up the itinerary.
In general, there are three categories of fare types namely, Basic Economy Fare, Non-refundable Ticket and Refundable (Also called Flex Ticket).
In general, there are three categories of fare types namely, Basic Economy Fare, Non-refundable Ticket and Refundable (Also called Flex Ticket).
Basic Economy Ticket
The basic economy fare is the most restricted ticket of Delta Airlines. It is non refundable and cannot be changed once booked. However, there is only one exception, as all tickets with Delta Airlines whether it is basic economy or non-refundable. It can all be refunded within 24 hours of booking the flight. When traveling with basic economy ticket, carry-on bags are not allowed. The only thing that is allowed is a personal item. All carry on will be charged $ 30.00 and send for check in.
You might wonder, what is the point of booking basic economy ticket because of all its restrictions? Well, this is a highly discounted ticket. And mostly people who travel light prefers to take it and save money during travel.
You might wonder, what is the point of booking basic economy ticket because of all its restrictions? Well, this is a highly discounted ticket. And mostly people who travel light prefers to take it and save money during travel.
Non Refundable Ticket
The non-refundable ticket of Delta Airlines can be cancelled within 24 hours of the booking and it can be changed without penalty. Once the 24 hours window is over, the ticket becomes non-refundable. Any change will cost a penalty of $ 200 -500, depending on the restrictions of the ticket and the type of journey (Domestic/International). On top of that if the new fare is higher, it will also apply.
When passengers are unable to take the trip that is booked, the ticket has to be cancelled before the check in. In such scenario, the ticket cost becomes a credit. These types of credits are valid for one year from the date it was issued. Remember, the expiration date counts from the date of issue, not from the date of cancel or date of flight. A lot of people gets confused with these scenario, so be aware of it, as it applies not with Delta but with most of the major carriers.
Some airlines will allow passengers to fly after the expiration date as long as it is re-booked within the ticket validity time. But, with Delta Airlines the flight has to be flown before the expiration of the credit.
When passengers are unable to take the trip that is booked, the ticket has to be cancelled before the check in. In such scenario, the ticket cost becomes a credit. These types of credits are valid for one year from the date it was issued. Remember, the expiration date counts from the date of issue, not from the date of cancel or date of flight. A lot of people gets confused with these scenario, so be aware of it, as it applies not with Delta but with most of the major carriers.
Some airlines will allow passengers to fly after the expiration date as long as it is re-booked within the ticket validity time. But, with Delta Airlines the flight has to be flown before the expiration of the credit.
Delta Airlines
Change and Cancel Policy
Refundable Ticket/Flex Ticket
The refundable ticket is fully refundable. If changes are made on the refundable ticket, the change fee is waived off except for the difference in fares. Passenger has to pay the difference between the original ticket cost and the new ticket cost. In case the new ticket cost is cheaper, passengers are eligible to get the refund of the difference back to the original form of payment or as a credit for the next trip.
However, there are cases when a refundable ticket is changed to non-refundable ticket at the time of making changes. In such a situation, the rules of non-refundable will be applicable on the ticket henceforth.
However, there are cases when a refundable ticket is changed to non-refundable ticket at the time of making changes. In such a situation, the rules of non-refundable will be applicable on the ticket henceforth.
Same-Day Flight Change
Flight can be changed within 24 hours of departure to another flight flying on the same day, if the same fare type (Booking class) is available on the new flight. It will cost a nominal fee of $ 75.00. It is called same day confirmed. However, there is a same day standby option also available. If seats are available on another flight (flying on the same day), then you can get on that flight by paying $ 75.00. Both these type of changes are complimentary for elite customers of Delta Airlines like Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members.
Other Refund Cases
Non-refundable ticket may be applied for refund request online with Delta Airlines. For that, one can apply online mentioning the circumstances along with the supporting documents. It may be due to flight cancellation, Irregular operations, extenuating circumstances or demise of the passenger. Filing in the request does not guarantee a refund, and Delta may not be obligated to provide the refund.
Insurance
It is highly advisable to add flight insurance on tickets if the travel is booked well in advance. The insurance can be added at the time of booking the reservation and will cost around only 14% of the flight ticket. It has proved to be helpful for many passengers if the cancellation is made due to medical or other unavoidable circumstances.
