Flight cancellations are no fun, especially if you have a busy schedule or the cancellation disrupts future plans. Still, it's better to find out about a flight cancellation before you get to the airport than when you're already on board or sitting at the gate.
Here are some pointers on how to deal with Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy so you're not surprised if this happens to you.
Yes, Delta has had some public flak regarding flight reliability recently, but it's not the only one. So, why did Delta cancel the flight?
Staffing issues. Airline staff shortages and overtaxed air traffic control systems mean that when weather disrupts the air travel system, dominoes can fall quickly. The same applies when the crew is transferred to another city or a mechanical problem means the plane cannot be ready for the next flight.
Weather-related and mechanical issues. These happen, sometimes more often than travelers like.
A lack of pilots. The country's lack of trained pilots didn't help. This problem has been exacerbated during the pandemic when many airlines have allowed pilots to retire early. Not enough new pilots are coming into the system to keep up with demand, which is why many regional airlines (such as those operating for Delta Connection) have canceled flights and some destinations altogether.
What to do if your Delta flight gets canceled
First, follow the steps that Delta provides in its communication. If you received a cancellation notification via text, email, or alert in your Delta app, there is likely a link to provide you with a flight alternative.
From there, you can rebook yourself by choosing an alternative flight or sometimes a different departure or arrival airport than your original airport.
For upgraded bookings and group travel
If you're paying to upgrade your seat (perhaps with a regional or global upgrade certificate you've chosen as an Preferred Benefit of being a top Medallion member) or are traveling with a group or unaccompanied minors, things get more complicated. Sometimes, these upgrades may not transfer to your new flight or there may be limited availability. This requires you to call Delta reservations (if you have Medallion elite status, there is a dedicated number for you to call for faster service) or contact Delta through the in-app messaging feature.
Delta will be able to assist you as long as the ticket was issued by Delta, a joint venture partner, SkyTeam or a code partner. They can also help if a Delta flight is canceled and re-ticketed by another airline that Delta has an agreement with.
For all tickets booked directly from Delta Airlines, the airline's 24-hour risk-free flight cancellation policy is in effect. According to this policy, you have 24 hours to change or cancel any Delta ticket and get a full refund, regardless of your fare type.
When a Delta trip is canceled, the scheduled departure date must be seven days or more away.
Regardless of the class of service booked, Delta's 24-hour cancellation policy will apply to all fares.
SkyMiles award tickets are subject to Delta's award ticket cancellation policy and are not subject to Delta's 24-hour cancellation policy.
If the reservation has more than nine passengers and is covered by a group contract, cancellation of Delta tickets within 24 hours will not be valid.
All flights departing and arriving in the US and Canada are subject to Delta's 24-hour cancellation policy.
Flights that have been rescheduled or for which travel credit has been earned are not covered by Delta's 24-hour cancellation policy.
If you purchased your flight ticket via e-credit, Delta's Refund policy does not apply to you.
Except for airline reservations made with Delta Gift Certificates, which you will receive back in the form of an electronic travel certificate, Delta refund requests under 24-hour cancellations will be processed back to the original payment source within 7–10 business days.
Delta Cancellation Policy For Medical Reasons
Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy allows passengers to cancel their flight reservations in case of a medical emergency. This provision applies to individuals who develop an unexpected illness prior to their scheduled flight, preventing them from starting their journey. However, confirmation of the reason for cancellation is important, requiring valid documentation such as a medical certificate. It is important to start the cancellation process before the flight departs to take advantage of this policy.
Weather Cancellation Policy of Delta
If your flight is canceled by Delta Airlines due to bad weather, you are allowed to cancel the flight (or have it replaced) and receive a full refund.
Cancellation Policy For Award Tickets
For Travel Within the U.S.:
Award tickets can be canceled prior to departure with no fee.
For Award Tickets Originating Outside the U.S.:
Cancellations must occur at least 72 hours prior to departure.
A fixed fee of USD 150 applies, regardless of fare type or destination.
SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion members enjoy this fee waive.
Delta Airlines Cancellation Fees
Flight cancellation fees apply only to flights by Delta Airlines and are assessed per person per ticket. If the reservation is made through one of the following channels: delta.com, Delta's customer care line or the airport's Delta ticket cancellation counter, passengers may request cancellation of their Flight. Here are the main things you should know before asking for your Flight to be canceled:
Regardless of the class of service selected, Delta Airlines ticket cancellation penalties will apply to both the restricted and unrestricted price rules.
If the reservation is made using SkyMiles, there will be no cancellation fee for the flight on Delta Airlines.
Additionally, Delta cancellation fees differ depending on the flight origins, including:
For travel from the Asia-Pacific region, China, Japan, and the transcontinental route network operated by Delta Airlines and its partner airline agreement flights, passengers must pay 400 USD per passenger as a Delta flight cancellation fee.
If the Flight originates from one of the following locations on the Delta Airlines network: Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico, there will be a cost of 275 UD.
If the Flight originates from the UK, Europe, or any other trans-Atlantic location covered by the Delta airline network, a cancellation fee of USD 375 per passenger per booking will be payable.
Delta No Show Policy
Regardless of the class of service selected, Delta's No Show policy will apply to all fare types. According to Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy, travelers must notify Delta Airlines prior to departure if their travel intentions suddenly change in order to maintain the value of their ticket. The following routes are subject to Delta's No Show Policy:
Each fare is non-refundable with Delta
For flights booked with a refundable/non-refundable fare combination, the strictest fare rules will apply.
Only applies to trips operated and marketed by Delta Airlines.
Applies to all or some Delta Airlines flight segments that have not yet departed.
How to Cancel a Flight on Delta Airlines?
There are three ways for passengers to reschedule their flights with Delta:
1) Visit Delta airlines website to cancel flight
Go to delta.com and select "My Trip."
To retrieve the reservation, enter your CONFIRMATION NUMBER along with the passenger's first and last name.
Click "Cancel Flight"
Go through the Delta flight cancellation process after selecting the Flight you wish to cancel.
According to Delta's cancellation policy, customers must pay a charge to request the cancellation of an existing reservation.
Depending on the type of ticket and reason for cancellation, you may receive your refund for a canceled Delta ticket as a Delta Airlines flight credit or to a payment source.
Within 7 to 10 business days, customers who purchased Delta flights can receive their money back in the original payment method.
2) Call to Cancel a Delta Flight – 1800-407-707
When you connect with a reservation executive at the Delta Airlines support desk, save your Delta flight confirmation code.
Provide the details of the flight you wish to cancel.
Passengers may request a refund or travel credit on the unused portion of their ticket following Delta's cancellation policy.
Your refund will depend on the type of ticket and the reason for the canceled flight. Refund amount either as Delta airlines flight credit or to payment source.
If you purchase restricted fares, you will receive travel credit, and you will receive a travel voucher at your registered email address along with Delta's cancellation confirmation. Flight tickets on Delta Airlines are good for one year after the date of issue. Passengers must complete their journey within one year of the validity period after they started travelling.
3) At the airport, cancel a Delta flight
Go to the departure airport and come to the Delta ticket counter.
Give the Delta flight representative on duty your PNR for your Flight.
Provide details about the flight you wish to cancel.
To execute the request, the passenger must pay Delta's cancellation fee in advance.
Depending on the type of ticket and reason for the canceled flight, you will receive a refund for your canceled Delta ticket as a Delta airlines flight credit or to the original payment source.
You will get the refund amount stated to the original form of payment within 7-10 business days in the case of unlimited or refundable fares.
Delta Airlines Refund Policy
The full explanation of Delta Airlines’ tickets cancellation refund policy is below:
If the ticket was booked through Delta within the previous 24 hours and the planned departure date is more than a week away at the time of cancellation, it may be eligible for a waiver of the Delta ticket cancellation fee and the passenger is entitled to a full refund of the fare.
Basic Economy tickets are not available for flight modifications. However, they are, if the purchase is made at least one week before the originally scheduled departure time, available for Delta canceled flights within 24 hours of the date of purchase.
Customers can submit refund requests for eligible Delta Airlines fares using the My Trip area, which also allows them to cancel their booking and receive a refund.
Depending on the location of your billing address, different cancellation and refund rules may apply. For Columbia, Middle East, Argentina, Taiwan and South Korea, different Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy apply.
Travelers are entitled to a full refund under Delta's cancellation policy if the disruption is caused by the airline.. Passengers will receive a full refund of their booking fee with no cancellation fees.
How to contact Delta airlines for cancellation or refund requests?
The best way to contact Delta airlines for a cancellation or refund request is to call their customer service number at +1800-407-707.
You may also be able to cancel your flight and request a refund online through their website, but it's best to contact customer service to confirm that your request has been processed. Also it is a good idea to read delta airlines refund policy.
If you have started your journey and need to cancel your flight while in transit, you can go to the nearest Delta ticket counter and speak with a customer service representative. Get more information by calling about Delta's cancellation policy.
