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
#902
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
#903
#904
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,035
I booked to fly on BTV DTW YYZ YXE on Jan 18 departing BTV at 9am arriving 11pm
that flight is gone, I am now rebooked for BTV DTW at 5:30am.
There is no way to get to YXE earlier on DL coded flight (MSP YXE arrives at 10:30 and that is international arrival vs 11pm from YYZ which is domestic arrival).
The latest flight that can arrive the same day is 7:05am. but i wont get there any earlier.
There is one option to arrive at 10:38pm BTV LGA YYZ WS YYC WS YXE.
i just cant even figure out if there exist anything. would moving one day earlier by an option?
that flight is gone, I am now rebooked for BTV DTW at 5:30am.
There is no way to get to YXE earlier on DL coded flight (MSP YXE arrives at 10:30 and that is international arrival vs 11pm from YYZ which is domestic arrival).
The latest flight that can arrive the same day is 7:05am. but i wont get there any earlier.
There is one option to arrive at 10:38pm BTV LGA YYZ WS YYC WS YXE.
i just cant even figure out if there exist anything. would moving one day earlier by an option?
#905
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
I booked to fly on BTV DTW YYZ YXE on Jan 18 departing BTV at 9am arriving 11pm
that flight is gone, I am now rebooked for BTV DTW at 5:30am.
There is no way to get to YXE earlier on DL coded flight (MSP YXE arrives at 10:30 and that is international arrival vs 11pm from YYZ which is domestic arrival).
The latest flight that can arrive the same day is 7:05am. but i wont get there any earlier.
There is one option to arrive at 10:38pm BTV LGA YYZ WS YYC WS YXE.
i just cant even figure out if there exist anything. would moving one day earlier by an option?
that flight is gone, I am now rebooked for BTV DTW at 5:30am.
There is no way to get to YXE earlier on DL coded flight (MSP YXE arrives at 10:30 and that is international arrival vs 11pm from YYZ which is domestic arrival).
The latest flight that can arrive the same day is 7:05am. but i wont get there any earlier.
There is one option to arrive at 10:38pm BTV LGA YYZ WS YYC WS YXE.
i just cant even figure out if there exist anything. would moving one day earlier by an option?
Wow, that is some kind of rural flying!! No way to get there before 10:30pm on Saturday unfortunately. It is much better the day before, I found this:
Delta should be willing to change you to that flight on Friday. Otherwise, I would get a refund, drive up to Montreal, and fly from there!!
#906
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,035
Burlington, VT to Saskatoon, SK. Isn't there a direct flight?
Wow, that is some kind of rural flying!! No way to get there before 10:30pm on Saturday unfortunately. It is much better the day before, I found this:
Delta should be willing to change you to that flight on Friday. Otherwise, I would get a refund, drive up to Montreal, and fly from there!!
Wow, that is some kind of rural flying!! No way to get there before 10:30pm on Saturday unfortunately. It is much better the day before, I found this:
Delta should be willing to change you to that flight on Friday. Otherwise, I would get a refund, drive up to Montreal, and fly from there!!
yeah. friday would be better but I am not sure if I can leave a day before until Jan 15..... also, not sure how flexible with delta vacations vs delta.
I have had amazing rebooking on delta. booked EWR SIN round trip and was turned to become BTV HKG round trip.
#907
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Delta Gold
Posts: 210
Quick question on rebooking since that seems to be a topic discussed recently. I'm trying to change a trip booked for next month. Whenever I select the alternative (which is actually cheaper and thus resulting in a credit), and "complete" the change I get a message saying something about the fare "just" selling out. The website has said that since yesterday morning. The fare classes and prices show the same if you search for a completely new ticket, so is this just a hangover from schedule change Saturday and all inventory hasn't been released yet?
#908
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,946
Quick question on rebooking since that seems to be a topic discussed recently. I'm trying to change a trip booked for next month. Whenever I select the alternative (which is actually cheaper and thus resulting in a credit), and "complete" the change I get a message saying something about the fare "just" selling out. The website has said that since yesterday morning. The fare classes and prices show the same if you search for a completely new ticket, so is this just a hangover from schedule change Saturday and all inventory hasn't been released yet?
I'd call in and see if a phone agent can make the change...
#910
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
I'm flying Jan. 8, 2020--Jan. 13, 2020 JFK-LAS-JFK for CES show. I'm booked in FC the itn was booked and paid for through Total Rewards (Caesars) Travel in connection with my annual 7* trip. I just got an email that my JFK-LAS had I schedule change (now departing 1:20 later). DL notes that if I am not satisfied a flight change may be possible.
There is a DL-ONE flight (now) 3:20 earlier. (1)Can I make changes or must TR (my travel agent) make the request? (2)Per Google Flights my flt. is NOW more expensive than the DL-ONE flt.(???), (3)Per EXPERT flyer both my flight and the DL-ONE have J9 seats available--VERY surprising since CES begins on Jan. 7, 2020. What are the criteria for me to switch from "normal" FC to DL-ONE?
There is a DL-ONE flight (now) 3:20 earlier. (1)Can I make changes or must TR (my travel agent) make the request? (2)Per Google Flights my flt. is NOW more expensive than the DL-ONE flt.(???), (3)Per EXPERT flyer both my flight and the DL-ONE have J9 seats available--VERY surprising since CES begins on Jan. 7, 2020. What are the criteria for me to switch from "normal" FC to DL-ONE?
#911
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 Jan. 8, 2020--Jan. 13, 2020 JFK-LAS-JFK for CES show. I'm booked in FC the itn was booked and paid for through Total Rewards (Caesars) Travel in connection with my annual 7* trip. I just got an email that my JFK-LAS had I schedule change (now departing 1:20 later). DL notes that if I am not satisfied a flight change may be possible.
There is a DL-ONE flight (now) 3:20 earlier. (1)Can I make changes or must TR (my travel agent) make the request? (2)Per Google Flights my flt. is NOW more expensive than the DL-ONE flt.(???), (3)Per EXPERT flyer both my flight and the DL-ONE have J9 seats available--VERY surprising since CES begins on Jan. 7, 2020. What are the criteria for me to switch from "normal" FC to DL-ONE?
There is a DL-ONE flight (now) 3:20 earlier. (1)Can I make changes or must TR (my travel agent) make the request? (2)Per Google Flights my flt. is NOW more expensive than the DL-ONE flt.(???), (3)Per EXPERT flyer both my flight and the DL-ONE have J9 seats available--VERY surprising since CES begins on Jan. 7, 2020. What are the criteria for me to switch from "normal" FC to DL-ONE?
#912
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP; Avis PC; Hertz PC; Marriott LT Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,133
I booked a flight for this spring FLL-BOS-CDG on DL in J through VS using miles. Just got notified that my 4.5 hour layover in BOS is now 90 minutes. This is insufficient time for me as I’m in a wheelchair and will be last off so I don’t want to risk a late inbound causing me to miss the TATL.
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
Last edited by HofstraJet; Oct 30, 2019 at 2:26 am
#913
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 booked a flight for this spring FLL-BOS-CDG on DL in J through VS using miles. Just got notified that my 4.5 hour layover in BOS is now 90 minutes. This is insufficient time for me as I’m in a wheelchair and will be last off so I don’t want to risk a late inbound causing me to miss the TATL.
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
You can change to another routing. I'd take A350 or 777 (if it has the suites, not the unrefurbished 777). Lastly you can also rebook onto AF instead DL. This includes MIA-CDG nonstop.
FWIW 90 minutes would be plenty of time at BOS. There's fee gates, and your departure would be no more than a few gates away.
Last edited by flyerCO; Oct 30, 2019 at 2:49 am
#914
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
I booked a flight for this spring FLL-BOS-CDG on DL in J through VS using miles. Just got notified that my 4.5 hour layover in BOS is now 90 minutes. This is insufficient time for me as I’m in a wheelchair and will be last off so I don’t want to risk a late inbound causing me to miss the TATL.
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
Yes, DL will rebook you on AF without no difficulty. The two airlines split all their revenue on TATL flights, they mostly couldn't care less whose metal you fly on, makes little difference.
That said, DL's suites are much nicer than anything AF offers. Given your mobility concerns tho, the nonstop may be the compelling choice even with a lesser J product.
#915
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,789
I booked a flight for this spring FLL-BOS-CDG on DL in J through VS using miles. Just got notified that my 4.5 hour layover in BOS is now 90 minutes. This is insufficient time for me as I’m in a wheelchair and will be last off so I don’t want to risk a late inbound causing me to miss the TATL.
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!
I can switch to an earlier flight to BOS from MIA but I’m hoping I can use this opportunity to move to better equipment and times. Currently on a 767 for the TATL. Is the A330 or 777-300 better on DL? I’m a AA flyer and not up to date on DL’s current cabin configurations.
Also, would DL move me to AF metal if I asked (doubt it, but figured I’d ask)?
Thanks!