How to Change a Delta Air Lines Flight

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard to make concrete plans since things are constantly evolving and customers and airlines alike are changing schedules and travel itineraries.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show how to change Delta Air Lines flight bookings and explain everything else you need to know. Delta, like many other airlines, has simplified its process for travelers when they need to change dates or travel times.

Here’s what you need to know about changing a flight whether you booked a flight with cash or miles and how to avoid Delta’s flight change fees. It boils down to where the flight originates and the fare class of the purchased ticket.

These policies apply to tickets purchased after Aug. 9, 2020. For all flights originating in North America, there are no change fees when you buy tickets in the main cabin or above. This includes the following seat types:

• Main cabin.

• Delta Comfort+.

• First class.

• Delta premium select.

If your travel originates outside of North America, there will be waived change fees except for basic economy tickets, which are not changeable (unless subject to a waiver).

You must change or cancel a ticket before departure for it to retain its value. Eligible tickets allow travelers to make changes to time, date and location prior to departure, not after.

The Same-Day Ticket Changes policy applies to tickets within 24 hours of departure.

Basic economy tickets cannot be changed after the risk-free 24-hour cancellation period (unless it’s eligible under a special waiver).

If your ticket is changeable, there are a few ways to go about changing your flight including online, via the mobile app and contacting Delta’s reservations department. You may contact reservation sales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a representative about a new or existing reservation. Call 800-221-1212.

If you are an elite member, the “Contact Us” section in the Fly Delta mobile app will list the number for your dedicated phone line. If you purchased a ticket from a third-party travel agency like Expedia or AmEx Travel, you may have to contact them directly if you’re unable to modify your flight online. Delta award tickets booked with SkyMiles can be changed the same way as those booked with cash or other payment methods.

1. Locate the confirmation number in your reservation email and enter it at Delta.com to pull up the booking. Alternatively, you can navigate to the “My Trips” section in your Delta SkyMiles account and click on the trip you’d like to change.

2. Click on the red “Modify Flight” button in the top right corner.

3. Then, you’ll be given a choice of whether you would like to change the flight or cancel. Select the “Start Flight Change” option.

4. This change screen option shows all the flights included in the particular reservation; you’ll need to select the flight or flights you wish to change by checking the box next to the flight.

5. Click “Find New Flights” to advance to the next page.

6. At this step, all of your new flight options will appear and you’ll select the flight you’d like to change it to and the amount you paid for the existing ticket will be applied to the cost of the new ticket price. You will either have to pay the balance as usual or you’ll receive a refund or an eCredit for the fare difference depending on the type of ticket originally booked.

If you’re using an eCredit, the value of the credit will be applied to the new ticket and any remaining balance will have to be paid. If the new flight is cheaper, a new eCredit for the amount of the price difference will be applied to your account for future travel on Delta.

The flexibility Delta offers on changes to travel can help you save time and money, not to mention stress since you can always at least get an eCredit for all travel originating in North America except basic economy. While changing your flight is never fun, knowing how to handle those situations can make rebooking with Delta less stressful if a situation does arise.

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