What is the cancellation policy of Delta?

Delta Air Lines offers a flexible and transparent cancellation policy that caters to a wide range of passenger needs. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, understanding Delta’s cancellation rules can help you make more informed travel decisions and avoid unnecessary fees.

Delta provides a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window for all tickets. If you book a flight and then change your mind, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the ticket was purchased directly through Delta and at least seven days before departure. This policy applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, which is otherwise restrictive.

For most domestic and international flights, Delta has eliminated change and cancellation fees for Main Cabin and higher fare classes. If you need to cancel your flight, you can receive a credit for the value of your ticket, which can be applied to a future trip. This credit typically must be used within one year of the original ticket issue date. The flexibility makes it easier for travelers to adjust their plans without worrying about high penalties.

However, for Basic Economy tickets, the rules are stricter. These tickets are generally non-refundable and cannot be changed after the 24-hour risk-free window. If you cancel a Basic Economy ticket after this period, you will not receive a refund or credit unless the fare was purchased during a special waiver or promotional period.

Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time before the flight’s departure, and the cost will be refunded to the original payment method. For award tickets booked with SkyMiles, Delta allows cancellations and redepositing of miles in most cases, although fees may apply for last-minute changes, depending on your frequent flyer status.

In the event that Delta cancels your flight, the airline typically offers a full refund or rebooking on another flight at no extra cost. Passengers affected by involuntary cancellations may also receive compensation, depending on the reason for the disruption and applicable regulations.

In summary, Delta’s cancellation policy is traveler-friendly, with no change fees on most fares and easy refund options within 24 hours of booking. The policy is designed to offer flexibility while encouraging travelers to book with confidence.