Travelling can be unpredictable, but having a clear understanding of the Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy can help you avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss. Whether you experience a sudden change in plans or your flight is impacted by weather conditions, every passenger must know how to navigate Delta’s regulations. If you require immediate help with your booking, you can contact Delta’s customer service directly at 1 (800) 221-1212.

In this guide, we will outline everything you need to know regarding the Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy, including the 24-hour risk-free window and the distinctions between Basic Economy and Refundable tickets.

The 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Delta adheres to the customer-friendly regulation set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Customer Commitment for most reservations:

If you make a booking directly with Delta (via their website, app, ticket office, or reservations phone line), you have the option to cancel within 24 hours of your purchase and receive a complete refund to your original payment method.

This generally applies to all fare categories, including Basic Economy, as long as:

The flight is booked at least 7 days before departure.

How to Cancel Risk-Free Booking:

• Find your trip or log in, selecting My Trips.
• Select the trip you are going to cancel.
• Click the Need to Cancel button.
• Select ‘Start Flight Cancellation’ to follow the process.
• You will receive a total refund, automatically placed back on the account you originally used to pay.

Delta will refund your ticket within 24 hours of your purchase if you cancel it. Some banks/credit card companies may impose a hold on your funds on a credit card or debit card, and we suggest you reach out to the card issuer for their policies.

Cancelling a Non-Refundable Ticket

If your plans change and you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket, you can still cancel it for an eCredit after deducting any applicable cancellation fees. Please note that Classic and Basic tickets are non-refundable. Please ensure that you cancel your flight before departure. If you do not change or cancel non-refundable tickets before departure, they will hold no value.

How to Cancel a Non-Refundable Ticket:

• Go to My Trips on delta.com and click on “Need to Cancel?”
• Select “Start Flight Cancellation”
• Complete the remaining steps in the cancellation process.

Certain experiences do not incur cancellation fees, including:

• Delta Main Classic and higher tickets for travel within the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
• Delta Main Classic and higher tickets for travel starting in the US and Canada to any destination worldwide (this includes flights operated by joint venture and code-share partners).
• Basic experience tickets (Delta Main Basic and Delta Comfort Basic) are not included.
• Cancellation fees will be subtracted from your ticket value, and you will receive the remaining amount as an eCredit. Your eCredit will expire one year from the purchase date unless your ticket terms specify otherwise.

Refundable Tickets

Refundable fares tend to be pricier, but they offer you the greatest flexibility:

• You can cancel your flight anytime before departure.
• You are generally entitled to a complete refund to your original payment method.
• Typically, there are no cancellation fees involved.
• When making a reservation, be sure to check for the term “Refundable” in the fare details, since many tickets are non-refundable by default.

Delta Cancellation Fees:

The amount of any penalty fees for changes or cancellations can range from $0 to $400, depending upon where you fly to and from, as well as the type of ticket you purchase. There are no change fees on Classic, Extra or Refundable tickets that you purchase for travel to or from the U.S. and Canada.

Travelling From The U.S. and Canada

Please note that the penalty fees for changes and cancellations listed below are based on the type of ticket and your travel destination when flying from the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or Canada.

*For Basic tickets bought before November 6, 2025, modifications are not permitted. Basic experiences acquired before November 6, 2025, can be cancelled to obtain an eCredit, with a deduction of a $99/$199 fee based on the destination. For tickets starting in Canada, the amounts are calculated in Canadian dollars.

How to Cancel Your Delta Flight

To cancel your Delta flight reservation, it is easy and can be done in several ways.

1. Cancelling Delta Flights Online

To cancel online, please visit the Delta website, delta.com and follow these steps: 

1. Go to “My Trip” on the website.
2. Enter a confirmation number, SkyMiles account number or credit card number to look up your trip.
3. Select the flight that you wish to cancel.
4. Confirm your cancellation details (i.e. full refund vs. eCredit).
5. Confirm your cancellation.

2. Cancelling Delta Flights with the Delta Mobile App

To cancel using the Delta app, please open the app, log in to your profile and then:

1. Tap “My Trips.”
2. Find your upcoming trip;
3. Choose “Cancel Flight” and follow the prompts.

3. Cancelling Delta Flights by Phone or at the Airport

If you would like to cancel your Delta flight by phone or at the airport, you have two options:

Call Delta Representatives at 1 (800) 221-1212 (a good option for cancellations involving complicated situations or unusual circumstances)

Go to a Delta ticket counter at an airport; however, it’s important to remember that phone or in-person cancellations may take longer to process during busy travel periods. So online or via app is typically a faster option.

What happens when Delta Cancels your Ticket?

If your Delta flight is cancelled or significantly delayed (usually more than three hours for domestic flights or more than six hours for international flights), Delta’s Cancellation Policy will allow you to:

1. a) Book a new flight without paying any additional fees.
2. b) Receive a full refund to your original payment method if you decide to cancel your trip.
3. c) Receive an eCredit for future use if you decide to save the amount instead of travelling now.

If you are experiencing a travel disruption at an airport, it may be quicker to call at 1(800)221-1212, and a Delta live Representative will assist you with it.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy provides travellers with flexibility, clarity, and various options when their plans shift. By comprehending your fare type and cancellation entitlements, you can steer clear of unwarranted fees and make more informed booking choices. Whether you are cancelling within 24 hours or transforming your ticket into an eCredit, Delta equips you with resources to handle your travel confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to cancel my Delta flight and obtain a refund?

Yes, you can if you bought a refundable ticket or if you cancel within 24 hours of making the reservation. If not, you might get an eCredit rather than a cash refund.

What is the typical timeframe for receiving a refund?

Refunds generally take 7–10 business days to process, depending on your payment method and bank.