6 Things to Know About Delta’s Flight Delay Compensation Policy

If you're flying with Delta Air Lines, you may be able to get compensation for significant flight delays for flights departing in the U.S. The airline also offers hotel accommodations when delays stretch overnight.

Here's what you should know:

1. Airlines, including Delta, are now required to provide compensation for delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation outlines rules that airlines must follow. The DOT states that airlines are now required to compensate for delays for flights departing the U.S.

As of April 2024, airlines must refund passengers in certain situations including:

• A canceled or significantly changed flight when the passenger does not accept alternative arrangements or flight credits.

• Significantly delayed baggage return.

• A passenger pays for services that are not received, like wi-fi or seat selection.  

The DOT considers a significant change or delay to be a change in departure or arrival time of more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally, departures or arrivals from a different airport, an increase in the number of connections or a downgrade in class of service.

Each airline can outline policies for handling flight disruption and delays. So it’s a good idea to be familiar with your carrier’s policies before you head to the airport. Luckily, Delta is known for being generous.

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2. Delta will keep customers informed about delays

Delta is committed to making customers aware of known delays, cancellations and diversions. According to the airline’s customer commitment, the airline will alert customers within thirty minutes of becoming aware of the change of status of the flight.

This includes displaying updates on boarding gate signs, flight information display screens at airports, and on the Delta website and app. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the status of your flight so you know what to expect.

3. Delta will rebook you on the next available flight

If you experience a delay, cancellation or other operational disruptions, Delta will automatically attempt to rebook you on the next available flight. The airline will also make every reasonable effort to reroute your checked baggage on the same flight.

If you are onboard a flight and are in danger of missing a connection or need to rebook, you can use the Delta website or app for free using onboard wi-fi to check rebooking options.

4. If you’re inconvenienced overnight, Delta will provide hotel accommodations or offer compensation

Delta’s customer commitment outlines what the airline will do if delays, cancellations or irregular operations result in you being inconvenienced overnight.

The airline promises to do the following:

• Delta will provide hotel accommodations at Delta contracted facilities based on availability if you are inconvenienced overnight while away from your home or destination due to a delay, misconnect or cancellation within Delta’s control.

• Delta will provide ground transportation to and from the hotel. 

• If a Delta-contracted hotel is not available and you need to book your own accommodations,  Delta will reimburse you for reasonable costs for a hotel room and for ground transportation to and from.

• If accommodations are unavailable, the airline will reimburse you with a credit for reasonable costs commensurate in value with the contracted hotel rate. 

• Delta will provide meal vouchers if a delay is more than three hours.

5. Travel insurance can protect you even more

If you’re worried about the potential for flight delays, you may want to invest in travel insurance.

With the right travel insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for expenses resulting from travel delays and disruptions.

You can purchase coverage through a travel insurance agency. However, comparing travel insurance policies is a good idea before buying one.

You should also compare coverage details to ensure you get the right policy for your needs. There are several resources available that will allow you to compare policies from different insurance companies.

Travel insurance could be a beneficial backup resource since flight delay compensation isn’t guaranteed and requires additional steps.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

6. Your travel card may already include travel insurance benefits

Some premium travel cards include travel insurance coverage as a card benefit. If you use an eligible card to book your Delta tickets, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for extra expenses not covered by Delta due to flight delays.

The exact coverage offered varies by card but may include coverage for trip delays, trip interruptions, baggage delays and lost baggage.

Some examples of travel cards with travel insurance benefits include:

» Learn more: Credit cards that provide travel insurance

Review your policy before your trip if you have a card with these perks. It’s important to know what’s covered and whether there are any exclusions before you make a claim.

The bottom line

No one likes dealing with travel delays, but they do happen. Delta may offer compensation depending on the situation and severity of your flight delay. However, the airline isn’t required to compensate customers in most cases.

You can ask the airline what they will do for you if you experience lengthy travel disruptions. To better protect yourself, consider investing in a travel insurance policy.