What Are Delta Flight Cancellation Policies for Refundable and Non-Refundable Flights?

Delta Airline Flight Cancellation Policy

The thought of canceling a flight ticket makes us fret, but not with Delta. Thanks to the Delta flight cancellation policies and processes, this isn’t something to worry about. The post gives you all the insights on how you can have a seamless flight cancellation process. But if you’re looking for support right away, call on +1800-865-1484 for immediate assistance.

Delta flight cancellation rules

Delta has rules associated with cancellation and as a flyer knowing these beforehand helps prevent paying hefty fees. While purchasing the ticket, it is important to find out the rules associated with the type of ticket purchased. This way, you are aware of costs that you might incur in case of changes made or cancellation.

Delta flight cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their ticket and get complete payment back to their source account. But the ticket you purchase will determine if there is a partial fee charged for it or if it is non-refundable. Delta flight cancellation policy covers all options like rebooking, date change, and refund eligibility.

Highlights of Delta flight cancellation policy

Check out the cancellation policy below to use it to your advantage:


  • If you cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking you can be eligible to get a full refund
  • The date of departure must be 7 days after the date of reservation for such eligibility
  • Delta reservations and types of ticket matter to make you eligible for get full refund on Delta ticket
  • If the flight is canceled by the airlines, you are entitled to get a full refund from Delta
  • You can convert the value of refund into Delta eCredit to encash it during a future ticket purchase

Delta flight cancellation policy for non-refundable tickets

Here is what happens when you try to cancel a non-refundable ticket with Delta Airline:

·   Your Delta ticket automatically becomes non-refundable if you purchase a ticket that departs within 1 to 6 days from reservation

·   Non-refundable tickets are cheaper compared to refundable ones but doesn’t allow add-on services post ticket purchase

·   You cannot upgrade your seat or get extra legroom after purchasing a non-refundable Delta ticket

·   Delta flight delay compensation ensures you get your money back if airlines cancels or delays your flight beyond a certain timespan

Can I cancel a non-refundable Delta ticket?

While you cannot encash non-refundable tickets, you can redeem points and use them for your next ticket purchase. To do this, you have to:

  • Log in to your Delta account from the official website
  • Open ‘My Trip’ section to find your current flight
  • Go to the ‘Cancel Flight’ option
  • Click on the tab and pay fee if applicable
  • Find options to redeem points from the canceled ticket
  • Explore the eCredits eligible to you and have them stored
  • Redeem points while booking another flight

Delta flight cancellation policy for 24 hours post reservation

Here is how you can or cannot get a full refund when you cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking:


  • If the date of departure is more than 7 days from reservation
  • All tickets get this facility irrespective of class, price, and travel route
  • Tickets purchased through SkyMiles cannot avail this facility
  • The policy does not apply to group bookings if there are over 9 members
  • All flights departing from the US and Canada can avail this facility
  • If the ticket you purchased was rescheduled or redeemed it is not refundable
  • E-certificates used for ticket purchased are not refundable
  • If you purchased a ticket within 7 to 10 days by using Delta gift certificate, it will be restored as travel credits post cancellation

Delta flight cancellation process within 24 hours

There are two ways to cancel your ticket and get a full refund on Delta flights:

Using Delta Account

You can use the official website of the airline company to cancel your booking. Here are the steps:


  • Login in your Delta account
  • Select ‘My Trips’
  • Choose the flight you want to cancel
  • Click on the ‘Cancel’ option

Make sure you have all the details of getting the refund.

Calling Delta customer support

If you find it difficult to browse through the website or want additional assistance, you can directly call the airlines. While you might have to wait for a while to get through to a customer care executive, they will solve your problem in real-time. Dial +1800-865-1848 to reach out to Delta right away.

Policy for cancellation when using SkyMiles

If you are a frequent Delta flyer, chances are you have a SkyMiles account. You get 72 hours to cancel your flight while others get 24 hours only. Within this time, you can cancel the ticket to redeem points for your next booking. If it is over 72 hours, you will lose the majority of points that otherwise could have been redeemed.

Delta flight cancellation through app

If you have a Delta app, the cancellation process becomes easier. Here are the steps to follow:


  • Open the app and click on ‘Menu’ from top right corner
  • Select ‘My Trips’ option to find your booking
  • Tap on the ‘Cancel’ option
  • Make sure you get all details related to the refund beforehand so that it goes into your source account.

Delta flight cancellation at an airport near you

If meeting a customer care executive in person is what suits you best, you can visit an airport near you to solve the problem. While this might be time-consuming, it helps you have complete assurance of cancellation and processes thereafter. Here is how you can do this:

  • Visit an airport near you
  • Make sure you carry your ID proof
  • Go to the counter dedicated for Delta
  • Share booking details at the counter
  • If you eligible for a refund, the support team will guide you
  • The amount can only credit back to your source account and not be paid in cash
  • The process can take 7 to 10 days to reflect the money back to your bank

Visiting an airport makes the process lengthy and is best avoided until your case is complicated and requires a visitation. A customer care executive can solve the same problem over a phone call if you dial +1800-221-1212. For a faster response contact here +1800-865-1848 instead.

What happens during flight delay or cancellation?

Delta flight cancellation policies and refunds are different when there are issues on the airline’s end. In such cases, you are not only entitled to a full refund but might get additional points for inconveniences caused.

Cancellation due to delay

Delta flight cancellation due to delay can get you a compensation of almost $1,000. Here are the conditions in which this might be applicable:

  • If your Delta flight is delayed by more than two hours, it is the airline’s responsibility to offer in-flight food and beverages for free
  • If a flight is delayed over six hours, the passenger can reschedule their flight for another date or get a full refund of ticket cost
  • If the rescheduled flight is one day after original date of departure, Delta Airlines accommodates overnight stay and meals as compensation

Flight cancellation

Delta flight cancellation happens rarely. But there are rules for such unforeseen circumstances. Here are some possibilities:

  • If your Delta flight is cancelled two weeks prior to departure, you will get an alternative flight option or complete refund
  • Weather conditions can also cancel flights that might not be immediately replaceable depending on natural situations beyond airline’s control
  • If a connecting flight is cancelled, you will get an alternate option or complete refund of the unused portion of the ticket
  • Note that in such conditions it might be difficult to get an alternative option during your preferred time. It is better to keep multiple options handy so that you don’t get stuck in transit.

Boarding denied

In rare occasions boarding can be denied if a Delta flight is overbooked. Here is what can happen at such times:

  • The airline might offer you another flight within one hour and in such cases, they will not allow cancellation or compensation against the same
  • You can demand a 200% return on your ticket price if the airline fails to give you an alternate flight at your earliest convenience

Delta flight cancellation due to weather

If a Delta flight is cancelled due to weather conditions, the airlines require both the passenger and company to take responsibility. In such a case, you can get a complete refund of your ticket prices after deduction of taxes and surcharges. But it is more lucrative to get a rescheduled flight as it saves money and gets you the next best option.

For compensation you can follow this process:

  • Log in to your Delta account through official website
  • Go to the ‘My Trips’ section
  • Add in your flight details or select booked flight
  • You will find a Retrieve option
  • ·You will find a ‘Retrieve’ option after the airline cancels the flight
  • Cancel the flight to get an alternative flight option or compensation
  • If you opt for refund the amount will be credited to your source account within 7 business days

Rules associated to flight cancellation due to weather

Unforeseen weather conditions cause hindrance to both an airline company and passengers. Delta Airlines ensures to keep their passenger’s convenience on top priority during times of abrupt flight cancellations. Here are all the things that are associated to what you can expect if your Delta flight is cancelled due to the weather:

Prioritizing safety

Delta prioritizes the safety of passengers and cancels flights only during times when flying is risky. Such conditions can be snowstorms, hurricanes, thunderstorm, and natural calamities.

Mass cancellations

In a situation where an area is heavily effected, Delta Airlines might cancel several flights going to the same destination. In such circumstances, it is difficult to create an immediate replacement of a ticket but passengers can retrieve compensation.

Immediate notification

Delta Airlines immediately notified passengers if a flight is cancelled. You are likely to get updates on your app, SMS, and email. Once received, you can check your Delta account to get compensation or ticket replacement.

Refunds and replacements

Depending on the weather conditions and availability of seats on following flights, Delta gives you an option to replace your ticket or get a refund on the cancelled ticket. There are chances where you might have to pay extra for a replacement ticket if the demand is high on the route you travel.

Delta flight cancellation through customer support

Here is how you can cancel your Delta flight by contacting customer support:

  • You need to call +1800-865-1848 to get in touch with a Delta representative
  • The automated call will let you dial the numbers that helps you solve your query
  • When the call connects you to a representative share your flight details and problem
  • Give them reasons of your cancellation and adhere to policies levied by them
  • The representative will cancel the flight real-time and share details of all refund possibilities

Delta flight cancellations costs

The charges associated with cancelling Delta flights vary depending on several conditions. These are:

24-hour risk free cancellation

You can cancel a Delta flight within 24 hours of booking the flight for free. It is applicable for basic economy tickets, refundable tickets and also non-refundable tickets. However, the date departure must be 7 days after the date of booking the flight.

After 24 hours cancellation

Basic economy ticket can cost you up to $99 to $199 as cancellation charges as deduction from the remaining value, which can be later used as e-credits. The policy of the same, however, changes from one flight to another. For non-refundable tickets, the charges for the same is between $0 to $500. Only refundable tickets allow you to get the complete money back to your source account.

Cancelling Delta flight without penalty

Here are ways to get a complete refund on your Delta tickets. Keep a note of the following to save yourself from cancellation charges:

24-hour refund policy

As discussed, you get a full refund on a ticket you purchase if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Just ensure the departure date is 7 days later from the day of booking/cancellation.

Buying refundable tickets

Delta tickets for higher cabin classes let you purchase refundable ticket options. While you pay extra to ensure you get the full ticket price refunded, it safeguards you from massive cancellation charges.

Perks for SkyMiles account holders

If you are a frequent flyer with a lot of points added to your SkyMiles account, you can be eligible to get a complete refund. As it differs from account to account, it is best to speak to a Delta representative to make your case.

Acquire Delta Medallion Elite Status

Delta Medallion Elite Status has three membership option – gold, platinum and diamond. Acquiring any of these as a frequent flyer automatically gives you perks to cancel flights and get complete refunds.

Other cases

If you are sick and you cannot take the flight, Delta might give you a complete refund. It differs from one case to another and requires medical reports to verify the same. It might not be allowed to all or excuses for every case.

Delta flight compensation costs

Delta Airlines can be accountable to pay up to $750 to their customers for cancellations that happen from their end. Such conditions might include:

  • If a flight is delayed over three hours
  • If flight is cancelled within 14 days before departure
  • ·If a passenger is denied booking due to overcrowding of booked flight

The charges of compensation differ according to the distance covered by each flight. For example, if the flight distance is less than 2000 km then compensation is $250, anywhere between 2000 to 4000 km the compensation cost is $500, and more than 4000 km increases compensation costs up to $750.

Conclusion

Delta flight cancellation options vary as per ticket purchase, route, and reasons for cancellation. If you are unable to process refunds or get appropriate value back for the ticket you purchase, it is best to get in touch with a customer care representative at +1800-865-1484 to solve your problem in real-time and make the most of the refund you are eligible to receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Delta have a cancellation policy?

Yes! Delta Airlines allows you to get complete money refunded on tickets that are cancelled within 24 hours of booking. After 24 hours, you will be charged an amount if your ticket is economy or non-refundable.

Accordion 2

Delta flights are refundable if cancelled within 24 hours or when purchasing a refundable ticket. Other than these conditions, you can be entitled to pay $200-$500 when cancelling a Delta ticket.

3. How long does a Delta refund take?

The maximum number of days you can take to get a refund back on your Delta flight is 20 business days. While the official website states the same, it doesn’t take that long. Within 7 business days you can expect to get a refund back by retrieving the money you paid by sharing your ticket number through the website or by calling customer care. You can also apply for eCredit that makes you immediately eligible to use the same for your following bookings.