Yes, Delta Airlines offers same day flight changes for most fares, but some conditions, rules, fees, and eligibility criteria also apply. Whether your business meeting ends early or your family event runs late, your travel schedule can change at the last minute, leaving you in a situation where altering your booking on the day of travel remains the only solution. Fortunately, Delta understands this very well and gives you the flexibility to switch the flight even on the same day of your departure. Since the process of changing Delta flight on the same day involves rules-based steps, you need to know when you are eligible for it. Let’s walk through the Delta same day flight change policy and how you can adjust your flight’s schedule without too much stress.
When Are You Eligible For Delta Same Day Flight Change?
The policy of Delta Airlines for same day flight change allows eligible passengers to switch to a different flight on the same travel day as their original flight. However, they may also need to pay a fee, but before you look at the possible charges for Delta same day flight change, you need to know when you are eligible and what criteria Delta has set for a same day change.
Instead of completely canceling your flight and rebooking another flight, Delta allows you to change your flight and get an earlier or later flight only if,
- Your original Delta flight has not departed yet.
- You and all group members must qualify for same-day Delta flight change while traveling in a group.
- You are flying on a flight that is operated by Delta Airlines, as its partner airlines’ flights do not offer same-day flight changes.
- Your new flight is also scheduled to depart on the same calendar day.
- The departure and arrival cities and airports of the new flight are also the same as your original flight.
- Open seats are available in the same class of service as your original fare class. However, you can also downgrade your class of service, like from First Class to Main Cabin if seats are not available, but if your original fare is Main Cabin, you can’t upgrade to Delta One or any premium cabin, as there must be seats available in Main Cabin on the new flight.
- When you are flying on the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, or the US Virgin Islands route. Delta same day flight changes on international routes are usually not allowed.
- You are traveling on an eligible Delta fare, such as Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class, and Delta Premium Select, because its Basic Economy fare does not qualify for same-day confirmed or standby changes.
Learn more: How to Avoid Delta Flight Change Fee?
What You Need To Choose: Delta Same Day Confirmed Change or Same Day Standby?
If you are not a professional, you are likely to get confused between Delta same day confirmed change and Delta same day standby, as they sound almost similar, but actually they are not identical. Here you can identify the key differences between these two and understand how Delta same day confirmed change is different from same day standby.
- Delta Same Day Confirmed Change: You can choose a confirmed same day change of flight on Delta Airlines only when seats are available on the new flight. This option gets you a right-away confirmed seat on your new flight after paying a fee of $75.
- Delta Same Day Standby: This option unlocks when you choose to switch to an earlier flight with unavailable seats. Although Delta same day standby is free of cost, it does not give you a seat assignment until shortly before departure. You get a seat on another flight only when you clear the waiting list and a seat becomes available due to any reason, like no-show, cancellation, or upgrade. It is worth noting that your original booking remains secured until you successfully get a seat on another standby flight, which means you can also travel on your original flight if you don’t get a seat assigned on another flight.
How Much Will You Need To Pay For Delta Same Day Flight Change?
Delta Airlines paves one of the most convenient ways to change a same-day flight since it does not apply the fare difference for switching from the original flight to another as long as you choose a seat in the same fare class. As there is no fare difference, Delta Airlines charges a $75 fee per passenger for a confirmed same day flight change. However, Delta can also waive the $75 fee for you if you are a Medallion member with Gold, Diamond, or Platinum status.
Read more: How Can You Book Delta Multi City Flights?
How Can You Make Delta Same Day Flight Change?
Flying with Delta Airlines also gives you a benefit of effortless booking management as you get multiple ways to manage your booking, such as online, by phone, at the airport. However, you can make Delta same day flight change easily through Delta’s website or app, but doing it through a travel agent can make your experience even better and smoother. Here is how:
Online
- Open the official website of Delta Airlines.
- Log in to your account and go to the Manage My Trips page.
- Select the flight you want to change.
- If same day flight change is available, you will see an option to change your flight.
- In the next step, you will need to select your new flight.
- Review if any same day flight change fee is applicable. If yes, pay the required amount.
Travel Agency
You just need to get connected with our experts to talk with them. Provide your booking details, including confirmation code and last name. The agent will find a new same day Delta flight for your route. Pay the quoted amount and confirm your Delta same day flight change.
See this also: Delta Airlines Business Class Flight Booking Price & Benefits
Tips To Get Confirmed Delta Same Day Flight Change
If you want your request for Delta same day flight change to be successful, you can try these tips and maximize your chances for a confirmed same day flight change.
- Take Action at 24-hour Mark: The chances of getting a confirmed same day flight change on Delta are maximum when online check-in opens 24 hours before the original flight’s departure. So be proactive and take quick action to check seat availability.
- Choose New Flight In Advance: It is always better to keep your target of a new flight locked in advance rather than looking here and there, as it saves time by speeding up the process and helps you get seat availability on the new flight.
- Call Delta’s Helpline Number: Sometimes, Delta’s website or app can take longer than usual and doesn’t give a real-time update on available seats. Thus, calling Delta’s helpline number can be a good alternative to changing a flight on the same day.
- Become SkyMiles Member: Joining SkyMiles gives you priority in clearing the line for Delta same-day standby and also offers free confirmed same day change.
Final Thoughts
Delta same day flight change allows you to adjust your plan whenever there is an emergency or need at the last minute by shifting your flight sooner or later on the go instead of canceling the flight and rebooking another flight. You are entitled to the flexibility of Delta same day change or standby if you have an eligible fare, or if you are a Medallion member, this flexibility is offered to you for free. So whenever your schedule changes, don’t panic, just change your Delta flight on the same day using its website, app, or helpline number.
FAQ’s
How much does Delta charge for a same-day flight change?
Delta Airlines charges a same day flight change fee of $75 per passenger to non-elite members of SkyMiles Medallion for a confirmed seat.
Can I make a same-day change to a Delta Basic Economy ticket?
No, you can’t make a same-day change flight non-standby with a Delta basic economy ticket, as it is a non-cancelable and non-changeable fare.
What are the criteria for a Delta same-day confirmed flight change?
For a Delta same day confirmed flight change the eligibility criteria require that your original flight must not have departed, and you select the new flight for the same route and airports with seats available in the same cabin.
Is the Delta same-day change fee waived for Medallion members?
Yes, the Delta waives the same day change fee for Medallion members who have achieved elite status, such as Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, while Silver and general members need to pay $75 Delta same day change fee.
What time does the Delta same-day change window open?
The window for Delta same day flight change opens exactly 24 hours before the departure time of the original flight.
Do I have to pay the fare difference for a same-day Delta flight change?
No, as Delta does not allow you to choose a seat in another fare class on a new flight, you don’t have to pay the fare difference for a same-day Delta flight change, but a fee of $75 may apply depending on your Medallion status.
How do I request a same-day change in the Fly Delta app?
Open the app>Navigate to My Trips>Select your trip>Find Same-Day Change option>Search other same-day flights> Choose a new flight>Confirm change and receive confirmation.
