Most Delta tickets can be changed, and on many main-cabin and higher fares within the U.S. and Canada there is no change fee — you pay only the difference in fare. This guide walks through checking your fare, making the change, and avoiding the common mistakes that cost travelers money.
Check your fare type first
Before you change anything, find your fare class. Delta Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive and are generally not changeable (only cancellable for an eCredit in some cases). Main Cabin, Comfort+, First and Delta One fares are changeable, and for travel within the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico most carry no change fee.
You can see your fare rules in your Delta account under 'My Trips,' or on the confirmation email. If an agency or website issued the ticket, they may control changes — have your confirmation number and ticket number ready.
How to make the change
Online: sign in at delta.com or the Fly Delta app, open 'My Trips,' choose the flight, and select 'Modify Flight.' Pick your new date or route; the tool shows any fare difference before you confirm.
By phone: if the itinerary is complex (multi-city, award travel, a group, or a mixed-airline ticket), it is often faster and safer to have a person handle it so nothing is voided by accident. If you booked through a travel agency, contact them — or call us and we can review the options with you.
Change fees and fare difference
For eligible fares there is typically no change fee on domestic and many international routes, but you still pay the difference if the new flight costs more. If it costs less, the balance is usually issued as an eCredit rather than cash.
Basic Economy is the exception — it generally cannot be changed, so a 'change' really means cancel-and-rebook where allowed. Always compare the fare difference before confirming; moving off a peak day can save more than the ticket itself.
Same-day changes and standby
If you just want an earlier or later flight on the same day, Delta offers Same-Day Confirmed (a set fee, waived for Medallion members and premium cabins) and free Same-Day Standby on many fares. These are separate from a regular date change.
Same-day options depend on seat availability and are requested from a few hours before departure. If you are unsure which route is cheapest, an advisor can compare a same-day change against a full rebooking.
Frequently asked questions
Does Delta charge a change fee?
For most Main Cabin and higher fares on U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico routes there is no change fee — you pay only any fare difference. Basic Economy is generally not changeable.
Can I change a Delta Basic Economy ticket?
Usually no. Basic Economy fares are typically non-changeable; in some cases they can be cancelled for an eCredit, minus any applicable charge.
Will I get money back if the new flight is cheaper?
Normally the difference is returned as a Delta eCredit for future travel, not as a cash refund.
Is it faster to change by phone?
For simple date changes the app is fastest. For multi-city, award, group or agency-issued tickets, a person can prevent costly mistakes — call us if you'd like help.
Related planning resources
Prefer to have a real person handle it?
Call an independent travel advisor to compare flights, hotels and packages — or to sort out a change, refund or rebooking. Phone-only fares, no booking fees.