Last edit by: Zorak
Delta rolls out schedule changes pretty much every Saturday, though the scope/impact can vary. During this time, seat maps may be locked out, may show the wrong aircraft layout, etc. while changes are occurring. If you are not traveling immediately, FT conventional wisdom is to wait until Sunday (or even Monday in the case of major schedule adjustments where things take longer) for things to settle down, then take stock of your upcoming itineraries to see what changes have occurred and what changes/refunds you may be entitled to.
You are entitled to a full refund to original form of payment, even for a ticket that was purchased as a non-refundable ticket, if any of the following occur as a result of schedule change:
The airline would rather keep your money than refund it, so they will frequently accept any vaguely reasonable rerouting that you propose. This includes, by policy, changing origin and/or destination within 100 miles, rebooking +/- two days, and changing outbound/return date to keep the length of the trip the same post-rebooking.
If none of the above conditions for a refund is true, you may still be entitled to a free change -- in your trip summary there will be a notice about changes/refunds, and per the "conditions apply" popup link in that text:
If possible, you may wish to try modifying your flights online first -- there have been data points where the site allowed a free rebooking even though it did not technically fall into the above categories. NOTE however that self-rebooking online is known not to work if you have (1) any trip involving upgrade certificates (whether cleared or not), (2) if you have self-upgraded by picking an upgraded seat that said FREE (instead of waiting for the automated upgrade system sweep to reseat you in an upgraded seat), this seems to inhibit self-rebooking as well.
Otherwise, suggested best practice is to research your preferred alternative rebooking beforehand (whether DL flight search, Google Flights, ITA Matrix etc.) so that you can speak with an agent already knowing what you want, and ask for it; this will be much more efficient than having an agent find alternatives for you.
Other notes/FAQs:
You are entitled to a full refund to original form of payment, even for a ticket that was purchased as a non-refundable ticket, if any of the following occur as a result of schedule change:
- departure or arrival delay of 2hrs or more
- increase in the number of flight segments (non-stop to connecting, 1-stop to 2-stop, etc.)
- change resulting in a connection below the Minimum Connection Time for a given airport (do a Google search for "site:flyertalk.com minimum connecting time XXX" with the airport code to find the relevant thread if one exists)
- any change in operating carrier, i.e. operated by Delta mainline before the schedule change and Delta Connection after the change
- it is also a commonly-held belief that a change from Delta Connection to mainline, or from one Delta Connection carrier to a different Delta Connection carrier, also qualifies for a full refund -- if anyone has documentation of this, a link would be great...
The airline would rather keep your money than refund it, so they will frequently accept any vaguely reasonable rerouting that you propose. This includes, by policy, changing origin and/or destination within 100 miles, rebooking +/- two days, and changing outbound/return date to keep the length of the trip the same post-rebooking.
If none of the above conditions for a refund is true, you may still be entitled to a free change -- in your trip summary there will be a notice about changes/refunds, and per the "conditions apply" popup link in that text:
If a Delta schedule or routing change has delayed your departure or arrival by more than one hour, you may be eligible to select an alternate flight at no additional charge. Note that the below conditions may apply:
- Your origin, destination and travel date must remain the same
- Alternate flights must be available, and you can only modify once as subsequent changes may result in additional fees
- Voluntary changes to other flights not impacted by a Delta schedule change may result in additional fees
Otherwise, suggested best practice is to research your preferred alternative rebooking beforehand (whether DL flight search, Google Flights, ITA Matrix etc.) so that you can speak with an agent already knowing what you want, and ask for it; this will be much more efficient than having an agent find alternatives for you.
Other notes/FAQs:
- Even if you voluntarily choose a preferred rebooking, you have a high likelihood of success claiming Original Routing Credit since the original reason for the change was involuntary.
- If you booked through a travel agency, including online travel agencies (OTA) such as Expedia, Chase Ultimate Rewards, etc. you will have to contact them, not Delta, to request rerouting if the automatic rebooking is not satisfactory to you.
- There have been reports of an agency insisting that a change of 2 hours was required (per the "pro" site) for a free change, even though the popup on the DL site says 1 hour
- You can sometimes get Delta to take over a travel agency ticket; this is subject to a $50 fee to take over the ticket, although sometimes agents decline to collect it
Consolidated Delta Schedule Change Discussion Thread
#856
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM; OW Emerald; MVP Gold 100k;Marriott/SPG LTPlat; HH Diamond
Posts: 968
Does anyone know how to check what happened to DL0079 for early September? I was booked on this nonstop AMS>LAX and schedule change has me now going through SEA 45 minutes earlier (was hoping for more time in AMS) and landing 2 hours later. This was booked through klm website so wondering if they will put me on one of their flights nonstop. Thank you for any information.
#857
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
Does anyone know how to check what happened to DL0079 for early September? I was booked on this nonstop AMS>LAX and schedule change has me now going through SEA 45 minutes earlier (was hoping for more time in AMS) and landing 2 hours later. This was booked through klm website so wondering if they will put me on one of their flights nonstop. Thank you for any information.
#858
Join Date: May 2009
Location: MAD/LAX/MNL/PIT
Programs: DL DM, PR, TG, UA, CX (Asia Miles), BT, AY, AA
Posts: 906
I'm flying to BOG next weekend and I was recently informed that my Monday flight back to LAX from MEX, AM649, was canceled and replaced with AM4253, which is operated by DL. I however can't find what flight this is, and I was wondering if anyone knows if DL operates a morning MEX-LAX flight.
Also, given that this is a DL flight, would DL rules apply for complimentary upgrades, or AM's?
Also, given that this is a DL flight, would DL rules apply for complimentary upgrades, or AM's?
#859
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Here's a bizarre one. A month ago I booked:
DL 6273 GSO-DTW 1751-1940
DL 456 DTW-PWM 2045-2235
There was a schedule change on GSO-DTW so it's now DL 3332 GSO-DTW 1750-1939, DL 456 is unchanged. Delta in their infinite wisdom rebooked me GSO-ATL-DTW-PWM with GSO-ATL leaving at 1409 instead of moving me to the new barely different GSO-DTW.
DL 6273 GSO-DTW 1751-1940
DL 456 DTW-PWM 2045-2235
There was a schedule change on GSO-DTW so it's now DL 3332 GSO-DTW 1750-1939, DL 456 is unchanged. Delta in their infinite wisdom rebooked me GSO-ATL-DTW-PWM with GSO-ATL leaving at 1409 instead of moving me to the new barely different GSO-DTW.
#860
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
Here's a bizarre one. A month ago I booked:
DL 6273 GSO-DTW 1751-1940
DL 456 DTW-PWM 2045-2235
There was a schedule change on GSO-DTW so it's now DL 3332 GSO-DTW 1750-1939, DL 456 is unchanged. Delta in their infinite wisdom rebooked me GSO-ATL-DTW-PWM with GSO-ATL leaving at 1409 instead of moving me to the new barely different GSO-DTW.
DL 6273 GSO-DTW 1751-1940
DL 456 DTW-PWM 2045-2235
There was a schedule change on GSO-DTW so it's now DL 3332 GSO-DTW 1750-1939, DL 456 is unchanged. Delta in their infinite wisdom rebooked me GSO-ATL-DTW-PWM with GSO-ATL leaving at 1409 instead of moving me to the new barely different GSO-DTW.
#861
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 86
#862
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 60
Hello
Booked CVG-LAX-HND for May 25 and connection time in LAX has gone from 1:20 to 1:00. 60 Min seems like a short time to make connection at LAX although is within MCT. I have asked on other forums and feeling is that this connection is reasonable to make, but my own comfort level with it is making me wonder. Would DL rebook me via CVG-MSP-HND due to shortened connection time (can have 3:00 connection time via MSP). In F/D1 if it makes a difference.
Booked CVG-LAX-HND for May 25 and connection time in LAX has gone from 1:20 to 1:00. 60 Min seems like a short time to make connection at LAX although is within MCT. I have asked on other forums and feeling is that this connection is reasonable to make, but my own comfort level with it is making me wonder. Would DL rebook me via CVG-MSP-HND due to shortened connection time (can have 3:00 connection time via MSP). In F/D1 if it makes a difference.
#863
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
Hello
Booked CVG-LAX-HND for May 25 and connection time in LAX has gone from 1:20 to 1:00. 60 Min seems like a short time to make connection at LAX although is within MCT. I have asked on other forums and feeling is that this connection is reasonable to make, but my own comfort level with it is making me wonder. Would DL rebook me via CVG-MSP-HND due to shortened connection time (can have 3:00 connection time via MSP). In F/D1 if it makes a difference.
Booked CVG-LAX-HND for May 25 and connection time in LAX has gone from 1:20 to 1:00. 60 Min seems like a short time to make connection at LAX although is within MCT. I have asked on other forums and feeling is that this connection is reasonable to make, but my own comfort level with it is making me wonder. Would DL rebook me via CVG-MSP-HND due to shortened connection time (can have 3:00 connection time via MSP). In F/D1 if it makes a difference.
I completely understand your viewpoint, I also prefer extra buffer time on international trips, and not stressing. I think if you call and explain your case, you have some chance. But it's completely up to the agent since, since officially you are not entitled to a change. If you have reduced mobility for some reason, definitely mention that, that would go a long way I believe.
The agent may also offer to meet you somewhere in the middle (ie, waive the change fee and only charge you the fare difference, etc).
#864
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 60
By the rules, no. There is nothing wrong with your current itinerary and therefore if you wish to change it, you will be charged the change fee plus fare difference.
I completely understand your viewpoint, I also prefer extra buffer time on international trips, and not stressing. I think if you call and explain your case, you have some chance. But it's completely up to the agent since, since officially you are not entitled to a change. If you have reduced mobility for some reason, definitely mention that, that would go a long way I believe.
The agent may also offer to meet you somewhere in the middle (ie, waive the change fee and only charge you the fare difference, etc).
I completely understand your viewpoint, I also prefer extra buffer time on international trips, and not stressing. I think if you call and explain your case, you have some chance. But it's completely up to the agent since, since officially you are not entitled to a change. If you have reduced mobility for some reason, definitely mention that, that would go a long way I believe.
The agent may also offer to meet you somewhere in the middle (ie, waive the change fee and only charge you the fare difference, etc).
#865
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 60
Another question, just for my education. With the flight change CVG-LAX the "flight time" has decreased from 4:59 to 4:40. How are they able to knock off 20 minutes? I know the flight time is padded, so why does it decrease?
#866
#867
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,046
I'm flying to BOG next weekend and I was recently informed that my Monday flight back to LAX from MEX, AM649, was canceled and replaced with AM4253, which is operated by DL. I however can't find what flight this is, and I was wondering if anyone knows if DL operates a morning MEX-LAX flight.
Also, given that this is a DL flight, would DL rules apply for complimentary upgrades, or AM's?
Also, given that this is a DL flight, would DL rules apply for complimentary upgrades, or AM's?
DL rules apply for upgrades as you're on DL metal. However as you're booked under the AM code it's only DoD upgrades. No window upgrades unless booked as the DL flight number.
#868
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ANC
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,859
Schedule Change Ticket Reissue
Had the return portion of an itinerary drop below MCT. Not a big deal, I found new flights that were suitable to me, and called the Gold Line to request the change. The agent happily processed the request and confirmed me on the new flights. She sent the usual updated itinerary via email with the usual same PNR. Then she said that "In a few days time" I should receive another email showing the new ticket number as she processed this as an even exchange due to DL schedule change. I've had plenty of re-issued tickets before but usually they are almost instant that I receive them. Other times, for minor schedule changes, no ticket was reissued. Just was curious if others have seen this, and if so, how much time should elapse before a new ticket is issued? My reservation all looks correct online. Same Ticket Number (006) as when booked though. No new ticket showing up in the "Receipts" section of "My Wallet."
Just being a little proactive in this case as I'm traveling with a pet in the cabin around the holidays. The agent confirmed the pet on all segments. Just didn't want a ticketing glitch to happen later down the road.
Just being a little proactive in this case as I'm traveling with a pet in the cabin around the holidays. The agent confirmed the pet on all segments. Just didn't want a ticketing glitch to happen later down the road.
#869
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
This seems new (to me). Went in this morning to check upcoming flights and see this message in the seat selection screen. IIRC in the past on schedule change Saturdays, it would just be something like "All seats in your class are taken".
#870
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130