Delta Airlines Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

Airline PolicyAirline Policy
5 min read

When unexpected events throw a wrench in your travel plans, Delta Airlines has your back. Whether you're dealing with last-minute changes or severe weather disruptions, Delta makes it easy to request a refund—if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Here’s a complete guide to understanding the Delta Airlines refund policy and how to confidently secure your refund when you need it most. Dial: +1-888-415-1245 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK)


How Can Delta Passengers Request a Refund?

Delta passengers can request a refund by filling out a simple online form after canceling their flight. The process is straightforward and can be completed either via the Fly Delta app or on delta.com.


What Is the Delta Airlines Refund Policy?

The Delta refund policy depends on your ticket type, how you booked, and when the purchase was made. If you're not eligible for a monetary refund, you may still receive an eCredit for future travel.

Here are the key points:

  • If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed (3+ hours for domestic flights, 6+ hours for international), Delta will automatically rebook you.

  • If you're not satisfied with the rebooking, you can search for other options via the Fly Delta app or My Trips.

  • You can cancel the rebooked flight and request a refund for the unused portion, including prepaid seat upgrades and baggage fees.

  • If rebooking isn’t possible and no action is taken within 24 hours, Delta will automatically issue a refund to your original payment method.

  • If you are involuntarily downgraded, you can request a refund for the difference in fare.

  • If your flight was canceled or significantly changed, you can request a refund instead of an eCredit.


Can You Get a Delta Refund After 24 Hours?

Yes, but it depends on your fare type. Delta offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy:
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking a flight on delta.com or through the Fly Delta app, you’ll receive a full refund with no fees, regardless of fare class.


Who Is Eligible for a Delta Airlines Refund?

Delta's refund eligibility varies by ticket type. Here's how it breaks down:

✅ Refundable Tickets

  • You can cancel your trip and request a full refund.

  • Tickets must be purchased using cash, check, or credit card.

  • Refund requests must be submitted through Delta’s online refund form.

  • Refunds are returned to the original payment method.

❌ Non-Refundable Tickets

  • Not eligible for cash refunds, but you can cancel and receive an eCredit.

  • Domestic travel: Rebook and travel within one year of the original date.

  • International travel: Rebook to the same or another international destination within one year.

  • Important: Basic Economy fares are not eligible for changes or refunds after 24 hours.

⚠️ Basic Economy Tickets

  • Only refundable within the 24-hour risk-free window.

  • After that, no refunds are available unless covered by travel insurance.

  • You may receive an eCredit, minus a cancellation fee, which typically expires one year from the date of purchase.


Are Award Tickets Refundable?

Yes, but it depends on how you booked them using SkyMiles:

  • Award Tickets: If fully booked with SkyMiles, miles are redeposited upon cancellation.

  • Pay with Miles: Miles are not refunded, but you’ll receive an eCredit.

  • Miles + Cash: The cash portion is non-refundable, but the miles are returned.

  • Upgrade with Miles: Miles used for upgrades are only refundable if canceled within 24 hours of booking.


How to Request a Refund from Delta Airlines

🖥️ Online (Within 24 Hours of Booking):

  1. Visit delta.com or open the Fly Delta app.

  2. Go to My Trips or use Find Your Trip if you don’t have an account.

  3. Select your flight and click Cancel Flight.

  4. Follow the instructions to submit a refund request.

🖥️ Online (After 24 Hours of Booking):

  • Refundable Tickets: Use the Delta Refund Form.

  • Non-refundable Tickets: Use the same form to cancel and request an eCredit.

You’ll need:

  • Your first and last name

  • Your 13-digit ticket number (found in your booking confirmation)


What If My Delta Flight Was Delayed or Canceled?

Under the Delta refund policy, you have multiple options:

  • Rebooking: Delta will try to rebook your flight automatically.

  • If you’re unhappy with the new flight, you can:

    • Search for alternatives in My Trips.

    • Cancel the rebooked flight and request a refund for the unused portion, seat upgrades, and baggage fees.

  • If Delta cannot rebook your flight and you don’t take any action within 24 hours, a refund will be issued automatically to your original payment method.


Refunds Are Not Available For:

  • Fully used tickets

  • Tickets booked through third-party travel sites

  • Tickets that have already been refunded

  • Basic Economy fares after 24 hours

  • Nonrefundable tickets that aren’t affected by significant delays

To check your refund status, visit the “Check Refund Status” section on the Delta website.


Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter with Delta Airlines Refund Policy

Travel can be unpredictable—but Delta’s refund policy gives you the flexibility and confidence to handle changes with ease. From full refunds on refundable tickets to future travel credits for nonrefundable ones, Delta ensures you have options. So whether your plans shift due to life’s surprises or schedule changes, you can count on Delta to help you navigate the refund process smoothly. Dial: +1-888-415-1245 (US) or +44-203-869-5245 (UK)

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