Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy: What You Need to Know

Airlines. Delta's flexible cancellation policy is designed to mitigate the impact of such uncertainties and give travelers peace of mind that they can adapt their itinerary when circumstances dictate. Here we provide a comprehensive guide to Delta Airlince cancellation policy so you can make smart decisions when booking or changing your flight.

1. Risk-Free 24-Hour Cancellation

Delta provides a risk-free cancellation on all tickets for 24 hours. When you purchase a flight from Delta's website or app, you have 24 hours to cancel after buying a ticket, and you'll receive a full refund — no questions asked. This covers all tickets, refundable or not, as long as the reservation was made at least 7 days prior to the departure date.

Key Points:

• Disabuse you of a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking.

• Affects all types of tickets.

• Preflights; must be cancelled through the channel you reserved with (website, app, or customer service).

2. Non-Refundable Tickets

Delta now charges no change or cancellation fee for most domestic and international flights, whether it’s flying a main cabin or above non-refundable ticket (except for Basic Economy fares) (below on that one). Instead of a refund, you’ll generally get something called an eCredit, which can be applied toward a future Delta ticket.

Details:

• Most non-refundable tickets come with no cancellation fee.

• The value of the cancelled ticket is issued as an eCredit.

• eCredits are typically valid for a minimum of 365 days from the date of issuance.

Exceptions:  Some International routes, partner-Operated Flights may still incur cancellation fees depending on fare rules.

3. Refundable Tickets

Refundable tickets are the priciest but also the most flexible. You can cancel these with no penalty before you set off, and receive a full refund to the original form of payment. You can request refunds online through “My Trips” or by reaching out to Delta customer service.

Advantages:

• You can cancel at any time for a complete refund.

• Best for tourists who don't know their itinerary.

• Refunds will be issued back to the original payment method.

4. Basic Economy Tickets

Delta’s lowest class of service is its Basic Economy fares, the most restrictive. This is also a non-changeable, non-refundable fare — unless you request the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window. If you cancel a Basic Economy ticket beyond that window, there’s no refund or eCredit.

Policy Highlights:

• 26 No changes or cancellations within 24 hours.

• No eCredit issued.

• Pick 1 only if you know your travel plans.

5. Same-Day Cancellations and Changes

Delta has a same-day travel change option that might come in handy if you need to cancel your original flight and book a different one for the same day.

Eligibility:

• NOTE: Valid only on Domestic legs of travel.

• Must be no more than 24 hours from the original scheduled departure.

• A same-day confirmed or standby fee might apply, sans elite Medallion status.

6. How to Cancel a Delta Flight

There are multiple ways to cancel flights with Delta:

• Mobile App: Go to your trip and select “Cancel Flight.

• Customer Service: Call Delta’s support line for assistance with cancellations and refunds.

• In-Person: At any Delta ticket counter or airport kiosk.

7. Special Circumstances and Travel Waivers

During severe weather, global health emergencies or other major disruptions, Delta may decide to issue travel waivers. These let travelers cancel or rebook their flights without penalty, including for Basic Economy fares.

Check Delta’s Travel Updates page on its website for active waivers.

8. Delta eCredits and Refunds

Remember that if you cancel a flight and get an eCredit, you can use it for future travel and apply it at checkout. You will require the eCredit number and the name of the passenger who it belongs to.

Tips:

• You can monitor eCredits in your Delta SkyMiles account or by checking the eCredit lookup page.

• An eCredit can only be used for flights, and does not apply toward taxes or fees.

• Delta has added some extra eCredit validity for tickets affected by COVID-19 disruptions — it’s worth checking your credit’s specific terms.

9. Cancellation Fees (If Applicable)

Though Delta has eliminated most change and cancellation fees, you could still see fees in some situations:

• Basic Economy tickets for international travel

• Tickets booked for awards through certain partner airlines

• Certain group or bulk-purchase fares

Full details are always available in the specific fare rules at the time of booking.

10. Delta SkyMiles Award Tickets

If you booked your flight with SkyMiles:

• Most award tickets can be canceled, and miles redeposited at no charge, particularly for U.S. domestic travel.

• International or partner award ticket cancellation rules are also different.

• Basic Economy award fares typically have the same draconian no-change, no-refund policy.