Managing a flight booking used to feel like navigating a maze of restrictions, hidden fees, and hold times. But over the last few years, Delta has made major improvements to its self-service tools. I’ve flown with Delta regularly for over a decade, and in that time, I’ve used nearly every booking management feature they offer, often under time pressure, in different time zones, and with changing itineraries.
Whether you’re trying to add a checked bag, switch to a window seat, upgrade your cabin, or rebook due to a change in plans, Delta gives you a lot of control if you know where to look. The key is understanding what can be done online, what needs agent assistance, and how your fare class affects your flexibility.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I know about managing a Delta booking efficiently, based on personal experience and Delta’s most current policies as of 2025.
Where to Manage Your Delta Booking
The main hub for making any changes is Delta’s “My Trips” page, available on both the website and mobile app. Once your flight is confirmed, you’ll receive a six-character confirmation number (PNR), which allows you to access your reservation.
Here’s what you need to manage your trip:
- Full passenger name
- Confirmation number
- SkyMiles login (if you booked while signed in)
I recommend using the Delta app whenever possible. It updates in real time, and most of the tools are available 24/7, even when you’re on the move.
How to Add Checked Bags to Your Delta Reservation
You can add checked baggage online, through the Delta app, or at the airport, but you’ll save time and sometimes money by adding bags in advance.
Steps to Add Bags Online or in the App:
- Go to My Trips on delta.com or open the Delta app
- Enter your confirmation number or log into your SkyMiles account
- Select the trip
- Click “Add Bags” under your itinerary
- Pay for the bags using a credit card
For most domestic flights, the standard fees are:
- $35 for the first bag
- $45 for the second bag
International baggage fees vary based on destination and fare class. If you’re flying Main Cabin to Europe, for instance, one checked bag is often included, but not always with Basic Economy.
I always prepay for bags at least 24 hours before departure, it speeds up airport check-in and ensures I avoid unexpected fee increases during peak travel.
How to Change or Select Seats on Delta
Delta allows seat selection at the time of booking, but you can change your seat any time after by visiting My Trips. Your options depend on your fare type:
- Main Cabin and above: Free seat selection
- Basic Economy: No seat selection until check-in (or pay extra to choose early)
- Comfort+ and Premium Cabins: Seats are assigned by cabin, but you can modify within that section
Steps to Change Your Seat:
- Open the Delta app or go to My Trips
- Click “Seats”
- View the seat map
- Select a new seat and confirm
If you paid for a Main Cabin fare and better seats are now available, you can switch for free. I often check the seat map 2–3 times before the flight, people upgrade or cancel, and better seats open up last minute.
Delta also allows same-day seat changes at the gate, depending on availability. Don’t be afraid to ask the gate agent politely if you’re hoping for a move closer to the front or an aisle seat.
How to Change a Delta Flight After Booking
Changing a Delta flight has become much easier since they eliminated change fees on most tickets, except Basic Economy (unless purchased with flexibility).
Change Options:
- Online or in the App: Most changes can be done directly in “My Trips”
- By Phone: If you’re rebooking due to weather or major delays
- At the Airport: If you’re already checked in or need a same-day change
Steps to Change Your Flight Online:
- Go to My Trips
- Select “Modify Flight”
- Choose new flight options
- Pay any fare difference, if applicable
- Confirm the updated itinerary
Delta’s flexible fare policy in 2025 still applies to:
- Main Cabin and above on domestic and international routes
- Basic Economy only if booked with a “Flex” upgrade or promotion
I’ve changed Delta flights on the same day multiple times when meetings shifted or personal plans changed. If the fare difference is low and I’m in Main Cabin or Comfort+, the process takes less than 5 minutes online.
How to Cancel Your Delta Booking and Request a Credit
Delta allows cancellation of most tickets and will issue a credit (eCredit) for future travel. The credit is tied to the passenger’s name and must be used within one year of the original booking date.
You can cancel a flight by:
- Going to My Trips
- Selecting “Cancel Flight”
- Reviewing the refund or eCredit information
- Confirming cancellation
For Main Cabin and above, you’ll usually receive the full value in an eCredit.
For Basic Economy, unless you purchased a refundable version or have travel insurance, cancellation may not be allowed.
Once cancelled, the eCredit is saved to your Delta account or can be retrieved via their eCredit lookup tool. I recommend writing down the eCredit number and expiration date just in case.
How to Upgrade Your Seat or Cabin
Delta offers multiple ways to upgrade, and I’ve tried them all: Medallion upgrades, cash upgrades, and mileage upgrades.
Options include:
- Complimentary Medallion Upgrades (Gold and above): Waitlisted automatically
- Paid upgrades at booking or in “My Trips”
- SkyMiles upgrades via Manage Booking
- Upgrade Offers at Check-in or Gate
If you want to buy an upgrade:
- Visit My Trips
- Look for “Upgrade” or “Fare Options”
- Select Delta Comfort+, First Class, or Delta One
- Pay the difference or use SkyMiles
Upgrades are dynamic in pricing, meaning they change based on seat availability and demand. I’ve paid as little as $79 to move from Main Cabin to First on a domestic flight, and over $600 for a transatlantic Comfort+ upgrade. You need to weigh the value based on the length and importance of your trip.
Can You Manage Bookings Made Through a Travel Agent?
Yes, but with limitations. If you booked through Expedia, Google Flights, or a corporate travel portal, you can still:
- Select seats
- Add bags
- View flight details
- Check in
However, if you want to:
- Change the flight
- Cancel for an eCredit
- Modify passenger information
you’ll likely need to go through the original booking channel.
One workaround I use is to call Delta and ask for the Delta confirmation number (which may differ from the third-party one). With that, you can at least manage basics like seat selection and baggage in your Delta app.
Managing Delta Bookings Is Easier Than Ever
Managing a Delta booking has become incredibly user-friendly in recent years, and as someone who travels frequently for both business and personal reasons, I genuinely appreciate how robust the self-service platform has become.
From adding checked bags with a few taps to changing flights or upgrading in minutes, you now have full control at your fingertips, provided you know how and when to use the tools. My advice is always to check your fare type, use the app to your advantage, and don’t hesitate to monitor your reservation for upgrades or seat changes. I do it every time, and it pays off more often than not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a checked bag after booking a Delta flight?
Yes, through “My Trips” on the Delta website or app. Prepaying saves time at the airport.
Can I choose or change my seat after booking?
Yes, unless you’re flying Basic Economy. Use the Delta app or website to modify your seat.
Are Delta flight changes free?
Yes, for Main Cabin and higher. Basic Economy changes are not allowed unless flexible terms were purchased.
Can I upgrade to First Class after booking?
Yes, using miles, cash, or Medallion status. Upgrades can be made in “My Trips.”
Where do I find my Delta eCredit after cancelling a flight?
It’s stored in your SkyMiles account or accessible via Delta’s eCredit lookup tool.