How to Change a Delta Air Lines Flight

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, many U.S. air carriers, including Delta Air Lines, began issuing change fee waivers and made it easier (and less expensive) to modify a flight.

Since then, many of these policies have remained, and in many cases, you no longer have to pay a fee to make changes to an existing reservation. This can be helpful if you don’t want to commit to a trip 100% or if something unexpected comes up at the last-minute.

Below is a step-by-step guide for how to change a Delta Air Lines flight.

Delta flight change policy

If your Delta ticket is in the main cabin or above (including Comfort Plus, Premium Select, first class or Delta One cabins) and originates in one of the following regions, you won’t pay a fee to change your flight:

• United States.

• Canada.

• Europe.

• Africa.

• India.

• Caribbean.

The Delta flight change policy includes codeshare flights operated by a partner airline. However, change fees will still apply to flights originating in another part of the world not listed above.

You can change the ticket date, time and destination, but you must do it before the flight’s departure. In case of a no-show for your ticketed flight, its value will be lost automatically.

If your current flight is more expensive than the flight you’re trying to change to, you must cover the difference in fare. If the new fare is less expensive, the difference will be issued as an eCredit, which is valid for one year from the date of purchase of the original ticket. The eCredit can be used only by the original ticket holder and can’t be transferred to another traveler.

» Learn more: How to use a Delta eCredit

If you booked a basic economy ticket, it’s non-changeable unless you’re within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period.

Award tickets booked with SkyMiles won’t incur change fees if they originate in the United States or Canada (excluding basic economy awards).

» Learn more: Guide to Delta basic economy

How to change a Delta flight over the phone, online or in the app

If your ticket is eligible for a modification, you have a few options for changing your flight — you can do by phone, online or in the Delta app.

Keep in mind that if you booked your Delta flight through an online travel agency, like Expedia or AmEx Travel, or with miles through another airline’s loyalty program, you’ll have to contact the agency who issued your ticket directly.

How to change your Delta flight over the phone

To change your Delta ticket over the phone, dial 800-221-1212. Delta Medallion members have access to a dedicated phone line, which can be found by logging into your SkyMiles account and going to the Contact Us section of the menu.

How to change your Delta flight online

Log in to your SkyMiles account at Delta.com and navigate to “My Trips.” If no trips are listed, enter your first and last name and the six-digit flight confirmation number and click on “Find my trip.”

Once you locate the flight you intend to change, click on “Change or add flights.”

Make sure the flight you want to change is selected, as shown below, and then continue to the next step.

Search for the new flight you want and follow the steps to change it. The value of the original ticket will go toward the cost of the new ticket, and you’ll be presented with the option to pay for the difference if the new ticket is more expensive. Complete the process and voilà — your Delta flight has been changed.

» Learn more: How to Use a Delta eCredit

How to change your Delta flight in the app

The same process applies to changing your Delta flight in the Fly Delta app. Locate the flight you want to change through the “My Trips” tab.

After clicking on the flight, you’ll see the option to select seats, cancel your flight or change it. Select the “Change or Add Flights” box.

You’ll then be shown your flight and asked to confirm you want to change it. Finally, select the “Find New Flights” box to choose your new flights.

Once you’ve found the new flight you want, complete the process and enjoy your new flight.

If you need to change a Delta flight

First, check to ensure that your Delta flight is eligible to be changed. The good news is, most flights now are changeable without a fee. Then, find a new flight and follow the steps to make modifications to your reservation.

And if your new flight costs less, you just scored an eCredit. Don’t forget to take note of it and use it toward your next Delta booking before it expires.