Delta Airlines Change Flight: Fees & How to Reschedule

What Is Delta Airlines' Flight Change Policy?

Delta allows eligible passengers to change their flight before departure, but the exact rules depend on the ticket purchased.

For many flights originating in the U.S. and Canada, Delta Classic and Extra experiences can be changed without a traditional change fee. You may still have to pay the difference if the new flight costs more. Basic experiences have separate restrictions and may carry a change fee depending on the ticket and itinerary.

These are general guidelines rather than a guaranteed price for every itinerary. Delta's system will show the applicable amount when you attempt to change the reservation.

How to Change a Delta Flight Online

The easiest option for a ticket that Delta can service online is My Trips.

If the online option isn't available, Delta recommends contacting its reservation support.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Delta Flight?

There isn't one universal Delta flight change fee. For eligible tickets, Delta's current policy shows that a change can range from $0 to $400, depending on the ticket, origin, and applicable fare rules. In addition, you may have to pay a fare difference when the new flight is more expensive.

For many Delta Classic and Extra tickets originating in the U.S. and Canada, the standard change fee has been eliminated. That doesn't mean every change is free: a higher-priced replacement flight can still cost more. For travel originating outside the U.S. and Canada, Delta says change fees may apply depending on the point of origin and ticket type.

Can You Change a Delta Basic Economy Ticket?

Delta now refers to Basic Economy as Delta Main Basic in its Travel Experience structure. Delta Main Basic has limited flexibility. Delta states that ticket changes are generally not allowed after the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, although a fee-based change or cancellation option may be available depending on the origin and ticket rules.

Basic tickets are also excluded from Delta's Same-Day Confirmed and Same-Day Standby programs. If you booked recently and are still within Delta's qualifying 24-hour risk-free period, different rules apply.

Can I Change My Delta Flight Within 24 Hours of Booking?

Yes, qualifying tickets purchased directly from Delta can generally be changed or canceled within the 24-hour risk-free period. Delta says eligible customers who book directly through Delta can cancel within 24 hours and receive a full refund. The policy also allows a qualifying ticket to be changed during this period, subject to the applicable terms.

Can I Change a Delta Flight on the Same Day?

Yes, but Delta's same-day program is different from a normal flight change. A Same-Day change is requested within 24 hours of the original scheduled departure and involves moving to another eligible flight on the same calendar day.

What Is Delta Same-Day Confirmed?

Same-Day Confirmed lets an eligible passenger move to a confirmed seat on another flight on the same day. For eligible customers, Delta currently lists a $75 Same-Day Confirmed fee. The fee is waived for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, as well as certain Extra and refundable tickets.

What Is Delta Same-Day Standby?

Same-Day Standby allows an eligible passenger to wait for an open seat on another flight. The service itself is complimentary, but you don't have a confirmed seat until Delta assigns one. Your original flight remains confirmed while you're waiting.

Can I Change an International Delta Flight?

Yes, international Delta flights can be changed when the ticket rules permit it. However, don't assume that the U.S. change-fee policy applies identically to every international itinerary. For tickets originating outside the U.S. and Canada, Delta says change and cancellation fees may apply depending on the origin and ticket type.

Same-Day Confirmed and Same-Day Standby programs aren't available for international flights.

What Happens If the New Delta Flight Is More Expensive?

You'll generally have to pay the difference. This is why a "no change fee" policy shouldn't be interpreted as a guarantee that every flight change will cost $0.

What Happens If the New Flight Is Cheaper?

Don't assume you'll automatically receive cash back. The result depends on the fare and ticket conditions. Delta applies the remaining value according to the rules of the ticket, and eligible non-refundable value may be issued as an eCredit rather than returned as cash. The safest approach is to review the final price and credit information shown before confirming the change.

Can I Change a Delta Award Ticket?

Delta SkyMiles Award Tickets follow separate rules. For many award tickets originating in the U.S. and Canada, Delta allows members to change the origin, destination, routing, date, or time without a change or redeposit fee. However, Delta Main Basic and Delta Comfort Basic award fares are exceptions and may have change fees when changes are permitted. Mileage differences, taxes, and fees can also apply.

Common Mistakes When Changing a Delta Flight

What Information Should I Have Ready?

Delta Flight Change Policy: The Bottom Line

If you need to change a Delta Airlines flight, start with My Trips and check the exact cost for your reservation. For many Classic and Extra tickets originating in the U.S. and Canada, Delta has removed the traditional change fee. You may still pay a fare difference if the replacement flight costs more. Basic tickets have substantially more restrictions, while same-day changes are subject to separate eligibility rules.

If your ticket was booked through a travel agency or another airline, check who issued the ticket before trying to make the change. And if Delta itself changed or canceled your flight, look at its disruption options rather than treating the situation as an ordinary voluntary change.