Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with Delta Air Lines. Fare rules on your ticket govern.
Delta Air Lines Flight Changes and Cancellations: Policy Explained
What it costs to change a Delta Air Lines flight, when you can get a refund, and how to get it done. Call (708) 866-8751 with your confirmation code and a licensed agent will check your fare rules and make the change or cancellation for you.
Changing a Delta Air Lines flight
Delta removed change fees on Main Cabin and above for travel originating in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. You pay only the fare difference, and if the new flight is cheaper the difference is returned as an eCredit.
Basic economy fares are the exception on most carriers: they generally cannot be changed and are non-refundable outside the 24-hour window.
Same-day confirmed changes are available on most domestic fares for a fee (waived for Diamond and Platinum Medallion members); same-day standby is free on many fares.
Cancelling a Delta Air Lines flight
Under US Department of Transportation rules, any ticket to, from, or within the United States booked at least seven days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.
Main Cabin and above tickets can be cancelled before departure for an eCredit valid for one year from the original purchase date. Refundable fares are returned to the original payment method.
If Delta cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are entitled to a refund even on a non-refundable ticket.
How to change or cancel by phone
- Have your Delta Air Lines confirmation code and the name on the booking ready.
- Call (708) 866-8751. The agent pulls up the booking and reads the fare rules that apply to your ticket.
- For a change, the agent finds new flights and quotes any fare difference or fee before anything is done. For a cancellation, the agent tells you whether you get a refund or a credit, and how much.
- Approve, and the updated itinerary or the cancellation confirmation is emailed to you.
Related help for Delta Air Lines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on changes, cancellations, and disruptions
Airline policiesThe 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Rule, ExplainedHow the US Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule works, which tickets it covers, and how to use it.
Airline policiesSame-Day Flight Changes: How Each Airline Handles ThemSame-day confirmed changes and standby rules on Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.
Airline policiesYour Flight Was Cancelled: Rights, Refunds, and RebookingWhat airlines owe you when they cancel, how to choose between rebooking and a refund, and how to get moving fastest.
Airline policiesWhen Airlines Owe You a Cash Refund, Not a CreditThe US Department of Transportation's automatic refund rule: which cancellations and schedule changes qualify, how fast the money must come back, and how to ask.
Airline policiesWhen the Airline Changes Your Schedule: Your Rebooking and Refund RightsAirlines move flight times and drop connections weeks before you travel. Which changes you can refuse, when a full refund is owed, and how to get a better rebooking than the one they picked.- Airline policiesFlight Delays: What US Airlines Owe You, and What They Don'tThere is no federal payout for a delay in the US. What you can actually claim — meals, a hotel, a refund — and how the controllable-versus-weather line decides it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to change a Delta flight?
Main Cabin and above: no change fee, fare difference only. Basic Economy: changes are not permitted.
Can I cancel a Delta flight and get my money back?
Within 24 hours of purchase, yes, for a full refund. After that, refundable fares are refunded and non-refundable fares become an eCredit.
What happens if Delta cancels my flight?
You can rebook at no cost or request a refund to your original form of payment, even on a non-refundable ticket.
Delta Air Lines booking · Delta Air Lines baggage · The 24-hour rule