Delta Airlines Change Fee Guide 2026 — What You Need to Know

Quick Reference — Delta Change Fees

Fare Type	Change Fee	Notes
Basic Economy	❌ No changes	Non-changeable after 24h
Main Cabin	✅ Free	Pay fare difference only
Comfort+	✅ Free	Pay fare difference only
First Class	✅ Free	Pay fare difference only
Delta One	✅ Free	Pay fare difference only
Refundable	✅ Free	Full cash refund available

Delta's No-Fee Change Policy Explained

In 2020, Delta became one of the first major US airlines to permanently eliminate change fees on most tickets. Today, you can change a Delta flight as many times as you want without paying a change fee — you only pay any difference in fare price.

This applies to all domestic US flights, and most international routes including transatlantic, transpacific, Latin America, and Canada. The policy covers Main Cabin, Comfort+, Delta One, and First Class fare types.

The One Exception: Basic Economy

Delta Basic Economy tickets are completely non-changeable and non-refundable after the 24-hour cancellation window. If you purchased a Basic Economy ticket and need to change it, your options are:

Within 24 hours of booking: Cancel for a full refund, then rebook the correct dates
After 24 hours: No options — the ticket value is forfeited
Exception: If Delta cancels or significantly changes your flight, you get a full refund regardless of fare type

Always check whether you're booking Basic Economy before purchasing. The savings are rarely worth the inflexibility.

Need to check if your fare is Basic Economy?

Our agents can look up your booking instantly and walk you through your best option — free to call, no hold times.

Call Now — Free

How to Change Your Delta Flight

Method 1: Call a Live Agent (Fastest)

Call +1 (800) 903-1468— our agents are available 24/7 and can process Delta flight changes in minutes. We'll find available flights on your new dates, confirm the fare difference (if any), and issue your new itinerary immediately.

Method 2: delta.com or Fly Delta App

Log in at delta.com and click "My Trips"
Enter your confirmation number and last name
Select the flight you want to change
Click "Change Flight" and select your new date and time
Pay any fare difference — no change fee will be charged
Confirm and receive a new email confirmation

Delta Same-Day Flight Changes

Delta's same-day change options let you move to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day:

Same-Day Confirmed ($75 fee)

You receive a confirmed seat on a different flight. Available starting at midnight on the day of travel. Diamond and Platinum Medallion members get this free. The new flight must be on the same route (same origin and destination).

Same-Day Standby (Free)

You're added to the standby list for an earlier flight at no cost. If a seat opens, you board. You keep your original flight as backup. Available to all fare types except Basic Economy.

What You Pay: Fare Difference Rules

When changing a Delta flight without paying a change fee, the fare difference rules are:

New flight costs more: You pay the difference
New flight costs the same: No charge
New flight costs less: Delta issues an eCredit for the difference (no cash refund for non-refundable fares)

eCredits are stored in your SkyMiles account and valid for 1 year from the original ticket issue date. They can be applied to future Delta bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delta charge a fee to change a flight?

Delta eliminated change fees on most domestic, short-haul international, and transatlantic flights. You can change for free but must pay any fare difference. Basic Economy tickets are the exception — they cannot be changed at all after the 24-hour window.

Can I change a Delta Basic Economy ticket?

No. Delta Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or cancelled after 24 hours. You forfeit the full ticket value. For any flexibility, book Main Cabin or higher.

How do I change my Delta flight same day?

Delta offers Same-Day Confirmed changes ($75 or free for Diamond/Platinum Medallion members) and Same-Day Standby (free). You must request same-day changes at least 1 hour before departure. Call our agents for instant assistance.

Does Delta charge a change fee on international flights?

No change fees on Delta-marketed flights to/from the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and most other international destinations. Some partner-operated flights and certain Pacific routes may still carry fees.

What if my new Delta flight is cheaper than my original?

If you change to a cheaper flight, Delta issues an eCredit for the fare difference. You cannot receive cash back on the difference unless you had a fully refundable ticket.

How long does a Delta eCredit last?

Delta eCredits issued from flight changes are valid for 1 year from the original ticket issue date. Credits from cancelled flights may have different expiration terms. Check your SkyMiles account for the exact expiry of your specific eCredit.