Delta's refund policy depends on the ticket type you bought and when you need to cancel
Delta offers refunds on some tickets and not others. Basic Economy fares are non-refundable — if you cancel, you lose the money. Main Cabin and First Class tickets are refundable if you cancel before your flight departs. If Delta cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you can get a refund on any ticket type, or rebook on another Delta flight at no extra cost.
The refund goes back to your original payment method, not as a Delta credit. The time it takes depends on your bank or credit card company — typically three to five business days, though some take longer.
If you bought a ticket through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia rather than directly from Delta, the refund process runs through that website, not Delta directly. That can add time and create confusion about who is processing your money.
Key Takeaways
- Basic Economy fares cannot be refunded if you cancel; Main Cabin and First Class fares can be refunded up until departure.
- Delta cancellations and significant schedule changes may have access to you to a refund on any ticket type, regardless of how you booked.
- Refunds return to your original payment method within three to five business days, though your bank may take additional time to post the money.
- Tickets bought through third-party travel websites go through that website's refund process, not Delta's, which can delay your money.
- Delta credits (flight vouchers) are different from refunds and expire one year from the original ticket date.
The difference between refundable and non-refundable Delta tickets
Delta sells tickets in three main cabin levels, and refund rules differ for each. Basic Economy is the lowest price and is non-refundable. If you cancel for any reason — illness, schedule change, or just changing your mind — Delta keeps the money. You cannot convert it to a credit or use it toward a future ticket. You lose it.
Main Cabin tickets are refundable. You can cancel anytime before your flight departs and receive your money back. First Class tickets are also refundable under the same terms. The refund amount is the full price you paid, minus any taxes or fees that are non-refundable by law (though most of what you pay is refundable).
The ticket type is printed on your confirmation email and boarding pass. If you are unsure whether your ticket is refundable, log into your Delta account, find the booking, and look for the fare rules. Delta also lists this information when you call their phone line.
When Delta cancels your flight or changes your schedule significantly
If Delta cancels your flight, you are may have access to to a refund on any ticket type — even Basic Economy. The same applies if Delta makes a significant schedule change, defined as a departure or arrival time shift of more than one hour. You do not have to accept a rebook; you can request your money back instead.
To request a refund after a cancellation or schedule change, log into your Delta account and select the option to receive a refund. You can also call Delta at 1-800-221-1212. Delta will process the refund to your original payment method. If you booked through a travel website, contact that website first — they may handle the refund directly.
Delta does not automatically issue refunds for cancellations or schedule changes. You must request one. If you do nothing, Delta will hold your money as a credit (a flight voucher) that expires one year from your original ticket date.
How to request a refund from Delta
If your ticket is refundable and you want to cancel, go to delta.com, sign into your account, and find your booking. Select "Manage My Booking" and choose the option to cancel. You will see the refund amount and can confirm the cancellation. The refund will process to your original payment method.
If you booked by phone or in person at a Delta ticket counter, you must cancel the same way. Call 1-800-221-1212 or visit an airport ticket counter. Have your confirmation number ready.
If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, or another travel website, cancel through that website, not through Delta. Those websites process the refund themselves. Contact their customer service if the refund does not appear within the timeframe they promise.
After you request a refund, Delta sends a confirmation email. The refund appears in your bank account or credit card within three to five business days, though your financial institution may take additional time to post it. Check your bank's website first if you do not see the money — it may be pending.
Refunds versus Delta flight credits
A refund is money returned to your original payment method. A Delta flight credit (also called a flight voucher or eCredit) is a credit toward a future Delta ticket. They are not the same.
If you cancel a refundable ticket, you get a refund by default. If you cancel a non-refundable Basic Economy ticket, Delta does not offer a refund, but you may receive a flight credit instead, depending on the circumstances. If Delta cancels your flight and you do not request a refund, Delta automatically issues a flight credit.
Flight credits expire one year from the date of your original ticket. They can be used on any Delta flight, including Basic Economy, and can be transferred to another person. Refunds cannot be transferred — they go only to the person who paid for the ticket.
What happens if you miss your flight
If you miss your flight, Delta does not refund your ticket, even if it is a Main Cabin or First Class fare. Missing your flight is treated as a no-show, and the ticket is forfeited. You cannot get your money back.
However, you may be able to rebook on a later Delta flight for a change fee (currently $0 for most ticket types, though this varies). You would pay the difference in fare if the new flight costs more. Contact Delta before your original flight departs to rebook — waiting until after the flight has left makes rebooking more difficult.
Refunds for tickets bought with miles or points
If you booked your Delta ticket using SkyMiles (Delta's frequent flyer currency) or points from a co-branded credit card, the refund rules are different. You cannot receive cash back. If you cancel a refundable ticket booked with miles, the miles are returned to your SkyMiles account. If you cancel a non-refundable Basic Economy ticket booked with miles, you lose the miles.
If Delta cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you can request the miles back or rebook on another flight at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Delta refund?
Delta processes refunds within three to five business days. Your bank or credit card company may take additional time to post the money to your account — sometimes up to ten business days total. Check your bank's website first if you do not see the refund; it may be pending.
Can I get a refund if I booked through a travel website?
Yes, but you must request the refund through that website, not through Delta. The website processes the refund using its own timeline. Contact the website's customer service if you have questions about when the money will arrive.
What if I need to cancel but my ticket is non-refundable?
Non-refundable Basic Economy tickets cannot be refunded. You lose the money if you cancel. You may receive a flight credit instead, depending on the reason for cancellation and Delta's policies at the time. Contact Delta to ask about your options.
Can I change my flight instead of canceling?
Yes. Changing to a different Delta flight is usually free or costs a small change fee, depending on your ticket type and the fare difference. If the new flight costs less, you may receive a flight credit for the difference. If it costs more, you pay the difference. This is different from canceling and requesting a refund.
What if Delta changes my flight time by 30 minutes?
A 30-minute change is not considered significant. Delta's policy defines significant as more than one hour. You would not be may have access to to a refund for a 30-minute change, but you could contact Delta to ask about rebooking options or other accommodations.