Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delta’s seat blocking policy?

Driven by customer feedback for more space on board, the following temporary changes have been implemented on Delta-operated flights through April 30, 2021:

• On aircraft with middle seats: We will block the selection of middle seats in Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin for parties of 1-2. Parties of 3+ can continue selecting seats together.  
• On aircraft without any middle seats: We will block the selection of one aisle of seats on smaller aircraft.  
• Blocking adjacent seats in First Class.*  
• Tip: Blocked, occupied and available seats are visible for every flight in our seat maps when booking, in My Trips, or on the Fly Delta app. Check the seat map as the seat adjacent to yours may be occupied. 
• Limiting the total number of passengers on board. 
• On select routes where customer demand is high, we will look for opportunities to upgrade to larger aircraft or add more flying to promote space on board. 
• Boarding by row, starting from the rear of the aircraft to the front. Delta One, First Class and Diamond Medallion customers may board at any point during the boarding process.

* Delta One cabins with two aisles will have no capacity limitation. Parties of 2 in the First Class cabin and in any Delta One cabin with one aisle may select seats together.

 If Delta is blocking seats, could I still be seated next to someone I don’t know?

Depending on the type of aircraft and seat layout, some customers from different parties will be seated next to each other. 

It is easy to find out if you are/or may be seated next to someone on your upcoming flight. Visit My Trips and click to view the seat map for your flight. Your seat map will have a Seat Key/Legend for reference. If you see a seat that is labeled “blocked for space,” that seat will not be occupied by another customer outside of your traveling party. Seats that do not say “blocked for space” may already be or can be occupied by another customer. Seats are still assigned through the boarding process. When you see the seat as “occupied,” this means the seat is already taken by another passenger.

How will Medallion® Complimentary Upgrades be handled?

Medallion Members will be cleared for Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One (within the U.S. 50), First Class and Delta Comfort+ based on their designated clearance window in priority order, availability and other measures we have implemented – like reducing the number of passengers per flight – to create space onboard and provide a safer environment for our customers and employees.

If Members do not wish to be automatically upgraded or instead prefer to select their own seat on the seat map during their designated clearance window, they can opt out of all automatic Complimentary Upgrades in the Preferences section of My Profile on delta.com or set individual flight preferences in My Trips. As always, Members can use the seat map to select any available seat across the seat map – even after an automatic Complimentary Upgrade has been processed.

Do I have to wear a face mask when traveling?

It is Delta’s policy and federal law that all customers wear face masks at all times throughout flight, including during boarding and deplaning, while in the airport and during public transit.

Delta recommends a surgical or medical mask, cloth mask with tightly woven fabric, or valve-free respirator (N95 or KN95) mask. The following are not permitted: any mask with an exhaust valve, slits or punctures; bandanas; and scarves, ski masks, and balaclavas.

If you’re traveling with one of our trusted partners, learn more about the measures each one is taking to keep you safe.

Can I wear a plastic shield?

Plastic face shields may be used in addition to a mask but are not approved mask replacements.

Can I wear a mask with an exhaust valve?

Any mask with an exhaust valve is not approved as an acceptable face mask for customers traveling on any Delta- or Delta Connection-operated flight.

Do children need to wear a face mask?

Children under the age of two are exempt from the mask requirement. 

What if I can’t wear a mask or have a unique mask requirement?

Customers with unique mask requirements should bring the appropriate face covering that best meets their needs and CDC specifications. Customers with a disability who cannot wear a mask for reasons related to their individual disability are strongly encouraged to reconsider travel or should be prepared to complete a ‘Clearance-to-Fly’ process prior to departure at the airport. If you are a customer with a disability who requires this exemption, please arrive early to complete the process during check-in and avoid missing your flight – this process can take over one hour. Please arrive early to allow additional time. Mask exemptions only apply for travel on flights operated by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection and do not exempt customers from any requirements that may be imposed by governments, including local, state or foreign countries, (at the origin or destination) or from requirements on other airlines. 

Any false claims of a disability to obtain an exemption from wearing a mask or face covering may result in the suspension of travel privileges on any Delta flight for the duration of the mask/face covering requirement and may be reported to appropriate government authorities.

How is Delta sanitizing its aircraft?

After each flight, crews use electrostatic sprayers to sanitize aircraft interiors from floor to ceiling with a high-grade disinfectant. Cleaning crews then perform extensive manual cleaning procedures to wipe down cabin surfaces including seats, consoles, seatback screens, windows, doors, lavatories and other high-touch areas of the cabin.  

Check out more details about Delta’s aircraft cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

Why should I add Allianz® Trip Protection to my flight at checkout?

Get cash back for covered trip cancellations and interruptions, emergency medical costs, lost or damaged luggage, and more. Certain, limited-time claim accommodations, opens in a new window are also being made, such as if you get sick with COVID-19 and can’t fly. Already booked your flight? You may still be able to protect your trip on your MyTrips page. Terms apply; coverage may vary in some countries or regions.

What if I want to change or cancel my flight?

We completely understand. If your travel has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, you can change or cancel your travel without a change fee or Award redeposit fee. If you cancel your flight, the value of the ticket(s) will become an eCredit to use toward a future Delta flight. If there is a difference in price, the fare difference will apply.

Please cancel or modify your itinerary in My Trips ahead of your departure date if your travel plans have changed. When you cancel or modify your trip ahead of time, you’re helping our agents successfully assign seats a safe distance apart to those who are traveling on the aircraft and ensure weight and balance guidelines are met. We appreciate your support and understanding.  

If you need to change or cancel your flight, follow our step-by-step to change or cancel you flight and if you are ready to redeem your eCredit and need help follow our step-by-step to redeem.​

Will I be charged a change fee when booking a new trip where I am changing my origination or destination? 

No, change fees have been waived for all tickets purchased on or before March 30, 2021. Your current flight value will be applied toward your new flight. However, if you change your flight, the cost of your new flight may be more than the original price you paid. In this case, you will be responsible for paying the difference in price. In cases where the price of your new flight is less than the original price you paid, you will receive an eCredit for the difference in price between your original flight and the price of your new flight.

While most tickets offer the flexibility of no change fees, our Basic Economy tickets* are non-refundable and non-changeable** if purchased after the expiration of our current COVID-19 travel waiver on March 30, 2021. Additionally, a change fee would still apply to tickets purchased after March 30, 2021 for travel originating outside of North America.

*For additional flexibility, tickets booked prior to April 17, 2020 for scheduled travel between March 2020 and March 2021 have been extended, so you can travel using your eCredit through December 31, 2022. You can find more details at delta.com/waivers.

Visit  My Trips or the Fly Delta app to make your changes.

**Some Basic Economy tickets originating from Europe, Africa, and other international markets may be changeable for a fee. Check the ticket restrictions for details.

Why do I still see a change fee when selecting new flights?

A change fee might appear while you select your new flights but don’t worry, the fee will be waived at checkout if your new selections meet the eligibility criteria. 

What if my ticket is about to expire?

Delta tickets normally expire one year from the date of purchase. However, for additional flexibility, tickets booked prior to April 17, 2020 for scheduled travel between March 2020 and March 2021 have been extended, so you can travel using your eCredit through December 31, 2022. You can find more details at delta.com/waivers

For more details about waiver eligibility and terms, visit delta.com/waivers.

How does Delta’s new change policy impact my current ticket?

To continue simplifying travel, we have eliminated change fees for tickets originating in North America to anywhere in the world (excluding Basic Economy*). For any ticket purchased on or before March 30, 2021 (including Basic Economy) there are no change fees. 

If you change your flight, the cost of your new flight may be more than the original price. In this case, you will be responsible for the difference in price. In cases where the price of your new flight is less than the original price or if you choose to cancel your flight before departure, you will receive an eCredit for the difference between the price of your original ticket and the price of your new ticket.

*While most tickets offer the flexibility of no change fees, our Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable if purchased after the expiration of our current COVID-19 travel waiver on March 30, 2021. Additionally, a change fee would still apply to tickets purchased for travel originating outside of North America purchased after March 30, 2021.

I am changing my flight, why am I still being charged?

Since Delta has eliminated change fees, you will not be charged a fee for changing or canceling your trip. Sometimes, however, your new flight may cost more than your original flight. In that case you would need to pay the difference in price between your original flight and your new flight.   

What happens if my new flight costs less than my original flight?  

If you select a new flight that is less than the price of your original flight, you will receive an eCredit for the difference that you can redeem toward future travel.

What happens if I want to cancel my flight?

If for any reason you choose to cancel your flight before your departure, you will receive an eCredit for the value of your ticket.  However, our Basic Economy ticket is non-changeable and non-refundable if purchased after the expiration of our current COVID travel waiver on March 30, 2021. This means that you will not receive an eCredit for cancelling your Basic Economy ticket purchased after March 30, 2021.

Can I request a refund if my flight has been canceled or significantly delayed?

In keeping with our longstanding policy, if we cancel or significantly delay a flight, we will first attempt to rebook you on an alternate flight, if one is available.  

If we cannot find an alternate flight and we cancel the reservation for you, or if you choose to cancel the alternative itinerary we have selected for you, you have a couple of options: 

• An eCredit for the value of the ticket; or
• If you prefer, you may request a refund to your original form of payment

Why do I still see my old expiration date when I look up my eCredit?

We are working quickly to address a technical issue impacting our ability to show the updated expiration dates. We apologize for any inconvenience. Rest assured all applicable existing eCredits (for tickets purchased before April 17, 2020) will be automatically extended to December 31, 2022. 

What if I paid for my original trip with miles or used a Companion Certificate from eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards?

The same rules apply whether a flight is booked with cash, miles or using a Companion Certificate. 

For award flights that qualify for a change fee waiver, we are also waiving the mile redeposit fee.   

All Companion Certificates that were active as of March 1, 2020, have been extended by 6 months or more from the original expiration. To cancel your trip and use your Companion Certificate for a future booking, please visit My Trips. You can also call our Reservations team at 1 (800) 221-1212 to change your trip.  

Why is Delta making so many schedule adjustments?

The pandemic has significantly changed demand for travel – and demand continues to fluctuate based on a range of factors. Our teams are constantly monitoring demand trends alongside the evolving phases of reopening and travel restrictions in individual markets. We’re also listening to our customers about where they want to fly when they’re ready, so we can ensure our schedule is meeting their needs.

Why is Delta canceling flights weeks or months in advance?

As the pandemic evolves and customer demand and travel restrictions fluctuate, we must continue to make difficult decisions about where we fly and how often. While our schedule is reduced, we nevertheless hope to serve every customer who chooses Delta.

If your flight’s been canceled, rest assured the value of your ticket won’t be lost. You will receive an eCredit for the value of your ticket. Find more information on rebooking with eCredits here. Or if you prefer, you may request a refund to your original form of payment.

Where is Delta flying in the months ahead?

To help you plan your next trip, visit our Where We're Flying page for the most up-to-date list of our current and future destinations over the next few months. We continue to make adjustments to our flight schedule in response to the recent events and encourage you to check back for weekly updates.

How do I know what travel restrictions might affect my trip?

We are continuously monitoring safety and security protocols to ensure you have the latest information for your destination's specific entry and exit requirements. Visit our Coronavirus Regional Restrictions page to learn more about current travel restrictions, and for resources to help you arrive prepared

What happens if I am already traveling and new travel restrictions are applied?

We have teams working around the clock to reach out to these customers, so you should hear from us in the coming days. If you are traveling or need to accelerate your return flight to be in the next 72 hours, please visit My Trips, opens in a new window. 

Can minors and unaccompanied minors (UMNRs) travel internationally at this time?

No. At this time, international unaccompanied minor travel is paused. International travel for minors and UMNRs is expected to resume on April 1, 2021.

However, there are some scenarios where international travel will be allowed, these include:

• If a minor has already begun travel, they will be permitted to return from their international destination.
• If a minor is being repatriated, they will not be impacted by this pause and will be able to return to their international destination. 
• Minors 15-17 years who have opted out of the UMNR program traveling unaccompanied will NOT be subject to any UMNR embargo. 

Can minors and UMNRs travel domestically at this time?

Yes. Minor travel domestically has not been impacted.

What are the new travel requirements for entry into the United States from a foreign destination?

Effective January 26, 2021, the CDC will require all customers ages 2 and up traveling to or connecting through the U.S. to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before departure and sign an attestation. Review full requirements.

What should I know when traveling with a partner airline?

Our partner airlines have introduced measures to ensure a hassle-free, seamless experience from start to finish with an increased focus on cleanliness and your safety. Visit our partners’ websites for all the latest information. 

Aeromexico, opens in a new window
Air France, opens in a new window
China Eastern, opens in a new window
KLM, opens in a new window
Korean Air, opens in a new window
LATAM, opens in a new window
Virgin Atlantic, opens in a new window
Virgin Australia, opens in a new window
WestJet, opens in a new window

What if I need to change or cancel my Delta Vacations reservation?

If you need to change or cancel your Delta Vacations reservation, you can manage your booking in My Trips, opens in a new window or call 1-800-800-1504. If you booked through a travel agency, please contact your Travel Agent directly. 

What if I need to change or cancel my hotel or rental car reservation?

Hotel Reservations: 

If you need to change or cancel your hotel reservation, you can use your confirmation number to Find Your Booking and manage your reservation, call 1-866-204-0280 or reply to your original booking confirmation email. 

Rental Car Reservations: 

To make changes to your car rental reservation, you can manage your booking in My Trips or call the rental car company directly.

What if I did not purchase my ticket via delta.com but through a third-party travel agency?

If you purchased a ticket from a third-party travel agency and you end up needing to make a change or cancellation, please refer directly to your travel agent for servicing/assistance. 

What if I am having trouble changing travel using My Trips?

Feel free to direct message us on Twitter @Delta, opens in a new window.  

You can also call our Reservations team at 1 (800) 221-1212 to change your plans.

When should I call for assistance?

We encourage you to explore your options in My Trips  if the scenarios below do not apply to your ticket. However, there are some tickets that cannot be changed online, these include:   

• A form of payment used includes a combination of cash and miles or an upgrade using miles or certificates. 
• An adult traveling with an infant in arms.   
• Tickets that are sold or ticketed by another airline. Generally, this means your flight number will start with something other than "DL", except for SkyMiles Award Travel operated by a Delta airline partner.   
• Your form of payment includes Companion Certificates from eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards. If your booking or travel dates fall under an applicable coronavirus waiver and you would like to cancel your trip, please visit My Trips, opens in a new window. To change your trip please call Delta Reservations. 

If you are ready to book your new trip now and don’t yet see your eCredit or have an issue booking on delta.com, please have your old ticket number ready when you call our Reservations team. Your ticket number is a 13-digit number beginning with 006. You can locate the ticket number on your emailed flight purchase receipt.