Delta Air Lines offers refunds for canceled flights depending on the type of ticket purchased and the reason for cancellation. Here's what you need to know:Refundable Tickets
If you have a refundable ticket and Delta cancels your flight, you are eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment. To request a refund, you can do so through the Delta app or website by going to "My Trips", selecting the canceled flight, and choosing "Need to Cancel?". Follow the prompts to complete your refund request.Non-Refundable Tickets
Though Delta's basic economy tickets are typically non-refundable, if the airline cancels your flight, you are still eligible for a full refund. The refund will be issued to your original form of payment.If you have a non-refundable ticket and Delta makes a significant change to your itinerary (such as a schedule change of more than 120 minutes), you may be eligible for a refund. In this case, you can request a refund through the Delta app or website by going to "My Trips", selecting the flight, and choosing "Need to Cancel?"Refunds for Tickets Booked Through Third Parties
If you booked your ticket through a third-party website or travel agency, you must contact them directly for a refund. Delta advises having their contact information handy in case of unexpected cancellations while traveling.Refunds for Tickets Booked with Miles
If you used miles to book your ticket and Delta cancels your flight, the miles and any taxes charged will be refunded back to your SkyMiles account. If you purchased a "Pay With Miles" ticket using a Delta SkyMiles American Express card, the refund will be issued as a travel credit.Refund Processing Times
- Credit/debit card purchases are typically processed within 7 business days and may take up to 2 billing cycles to appear on your statement
- Cash or check purchases are typically processed within 20 days
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
Delta offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy for tickets originating in the United States. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of purchase, you will receive a full refund with no cancellation fees. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets.To cancel your flight within 24 hours, go to "My Trips" on Delta's website or app, select the flight, and choose "Need to Cancel?". Follow the prompts to complete your cancellation and receive a full refund to your original form of payment.Cancellation Fees for Non-Refundable Tickets
- If you have a non-refundable ticket and need to cancel your flight outside of the 24-hour risk-free period, you may be subject to a cancellation fee. The fee varies depending on your ticket type and the time of cancellation:Basic Economy tickets: $99-$199 cancellation fee, with the remaining value issued as an eCredit
- Non-Refundable tickets: $0-$400 cancellation fee, with the remaining value issued as an eCredit
To cancel your non-refundable ticket, go to "My Trips" on Delta's website or app, select the flight, and choose "Need to Cancel?". Follow the prompts to complete your cancellation and receive an eCredit for the remaining value minus the applicable fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I booked my ticket through a third-party website or travel agency?
If you booked your ticket through a third-party website or travel agency, you must contact them directly for a refund or to make changes to your reservation. Delta advises having their contact information handy in case of unexpected cancellations while traveling.
How do I check the status of my refund request?
Delta offers a convenient way to track pending refunds through its online refund status tool. You'll need your full name and ticket number. If you were issued a refund request number, you can enter it in the tool as well.
What if my flight is canceled due to weather or other factors outside of Delta's control?
If Delta cancels your flight due to reasons outside of its control, such as inclement weather or labor disputes, the airline is not required to provide compensation. However, you may still be eligible for a refund or to rebook your flight.
Are there any federal protections for canceled flights?
In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) currently does not require airlines to provide compensation for delayed or canceled flights. However, a new law effective June 25, 2024, requires U.S. and foreign airline carriers to notify consumers of their right to a refund and to provide automatic refunds for significant involuntary itinerary changes or flight cancellations within seven days for credit card bookings and 20 days for other payment methods.
What if I need to cancel my flight within 24 hours of departure?
If you need to cancel your non-refundable ticket within 24 hours of departure, you may be subject to a higher cancellation fee. Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable within 24 hours, but some Basic Economy tickets originating from Europe, Africa, and other international markets may be changeable for a fee up to $200.
Can I get a refund for prepaid fees and charges?
If you cancel your flight within the 24-hour risk-free period, you will receive a full refund, including any prepaid fees and Direct Ticketing Charges, with no cancellation fee.
What if I need to change my flight instead of canceling?
Delta offers the flexibility to change the date, time, or location of your trip prior to departure for tickets originating from the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Change fees may apply depending on your ticket type and the time of change