Delta Airlines Change Fee & Fare Difference Guide

Understanding the Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy helps travelers adjust their plans without unnecessary stress or costs. Delta offers flexible change options on most tickets, allowing passengers to modify travel dates, times, or destinations with minimal restrictions. The Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy explains change fees, fare differences, same-day changes, and schedule adjustments, ensuring you know your options and can manage your booking confidently when plans suddenly change.

What Is a Change Fee vs Fare Difference?

Many travelers confuse these two terms.

Change Fee:
A penalty charged by the airline for modifying your flight.

Fare Difference:
The price difference between your original ticket and the new flight you choose.

Delta has removed change fees on most tickets, but fare differences still apply.

Tickets With No Change Fees

Delta eliminated change fees on most flights originating in the United States and many international routes.

No change fee applies to:

• Main Cabin tickets
  
  

• Comfort+
  
  

• First Class
  
  

• Premium Select
  
  

• Delta One
  
  

This means you can modify your flight date, time, or destination without a penalty but you may still pay the price difference.

Basic Economy Tickets (Important Exception)

Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive.

• Changes usually not allowed
  
  

• Cancellation may result in partial credit after fee
  
  

• No free modifications
  
  

If flexibility matters, avoid Basic Economy when booking.

Understanding Fare Differences

Even when Delta charges no change fee, you may pay more if the new flight costs more.

Example:

• Original ticket: $250
  
  

• New flight: $320
  You pay: $70 difference
  
  

If the new flight is cheaper:

• You receive an eCredit for the remaining value
  
  

Delta never refunds the difference to your bank account unless the ticket is fully refundable.

Same-Day Flight Changes

Delta offers same-day confirmed changes on many routes.

Options:

Same-Day Confirmed

• Move to another flight on the same day
  
  

• Must have available seats in same fare class
  
  

• Small fee may apply depending on status
  
  

Same-Day Standby

• Free for most passengers
  
  

• Board earlier/later flight if seats open
  
  

Elite SkyMiles members often receive these benefits free.

How to Change a Delta Flight

Changing a ticket online takes only a few minutes.

Steps:

1. Go to Delta website or mobile app
   
   

2. Open “My Trips”
   
   

3. Enter confirmation number
   
   

4. Select modify flight
   
   

5. Choose new flight
   
   

6. Pay fare difference (if any)
   
   

7. Receive confirmation email
   
   

You can also change flights at airport kiosks or through customer support.

What Happens If Delta Changes Your Schedule

If Delta significantly changes your flight time (usually 2+ hours):

You can:

• Rebook for free
  
  

• Choose a different date
  
  

• Request a refund
  
  

This applies even to non-refundable tickets.

Using Delta eCredits

If your new flight costs less, Delta issues an eCredit.

Key rules:

• Valid for future travel
  
  

• Usually expires in 12 months
  
  

• Non-transferable
  
  

• Can be used online
  
  

Always save your confirmation email to track credits.

Tips to Avoid Paying Extra

• Change flights early (prices rise closer to departure)
  
  

• Travel midweek for cheaper fares
  
  

• Use flexible fare filters when booking
  
  

• Monitor price drops
  
  

• Avoid Basic Economy tickets
  
  

Small timing decisions can save a lot of money.

Refund Processing

If you qualify for a refund instead of credit:

• Credit card: 7–10 business days
  
  

• Debit card: Up to 20 business days
  
  

Most voluntary changes result in credits, not cash refunds.

Final Thoughts

Delta’s change policy is traveler-friendly because change fees are mostly gone. However, passengers should remember the key rule: you don’t pay a penalty, but you may pay the price difference.By understanding fare differences, ticket types, and timing strategies, you can modify your trip with confidence and avoid unexpected costs. Always review ticket rules before booking and act early when your plans change.