If you’ve ever had to cancel a Delta flight, you’re probably familiar with that pit-in-your-stomach feeling: “Will I get my money back, or am I just out hundreds of dollars?” I’ve asked myself this question more than once over the past decade of flying with Delta across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
The good news is that Delta’s refund policy in 2025 is much more transparent and customer-friendly than it used to be. But like everything in air travel, the answer depends on the type of ticket you purchased, when you cancel, and what caused the cancellation in the first place.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how Delta handles refunds, from refundable and nonrefundable fares to eCredits, government-mandated reimbursements, and canceled flights. If you want to know when you’re eligible for real cash back versus a travel credit, and how to actually request it, keep reading.
Can You Get a Refund on a Delta Ticket?
The short answer is: yes, but not always in cash. Whether you’re entitled to a full refund depends on your fare type and why you’re canceling.
Delta sells both refundable and nonrefundable tickets. If you purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund to your original payment method. These fares cost more, but I’ve booked them several times for business trips where flexibility was critical, and it paid off.
Nonrefundable fares, which are more common (and cheaper), don’t return your money in cash. But in most cases, Delta will issue an eCredit for the ticket’s value, which you can use for future travel. The important part is that you cancel before the scheduled departure.
What Is the 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Rule?
One of the few universal refund policies is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour cancellation rule. If you book a flight directly with Delta at least seven days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours and receive a full refund, no matter what fare type you chose.
I’ve used this rule multiple times to lock in good fares while finalizing travel plans. As long as you cancel within the window, Delta will process your refund automatically, usually within 7 business days if you paid by credit card.
This rule applies to both refundable and nonrefundable tickets and includes Basic Economy fares. But make sure to cancel online or through the app, not just skip the flight, or you’ll forfeit eligibility.
How Do Refunds Work for Refundable vs. Nonrefundable Tickets?
This is where most confusion happens, so let me clarify from experience:
Refundable fares allow you to cancel for any reason and get your money back in the original form of payment. There are no cancellation fees, and the process is usually seamless when done through Delta’s website or app.
Nonrefundable fares don’t return money to your card, but Delta will issue you an eCredit, as long as you cancel before the flight departs. If you no-show, you lose the ticket entirely.
Basic Economy fares fall under nonrefundable rules but are even more limited. In most cases, these cannot be changed or refunded unless Delta cancels the flight or a travel waiver is issued. Sometimes, Delta will let you cancel a Basic Economy ticket for a partial eCredit minus a cancellation fee, but it’s not guaranteed.
In my case, I’ve had to cancel nonrefundable tickets a few times, and the eCredit always showed up in my Delta wallet within 24 hours.
What Happens If Delta Cancels or Changes Your Flight?
If Delta cancels your flight, changes your schedule significantly, or causes a delay over two hours, you are entitled to a full refund, even on nonrefundable tickets. That’s not just Delta’s policy; it’s a U.S. Department of Transportation requirement.
You can also request a refund if Delta changes your routing in a way that makes your itinerary unreasonable, for example, changing a nonstop to a two-stop trip or pushing your departure back several hours.
I’ve had this happen a few times on international routes. Delta proactively rebooked me, but I preferred to cancel instead. Each time, I was given the option to accept the rebooking or request a full refund, and I received the money back on my credit card within two weeks.
Are Award Tickets Refundable?
SkyMiles award tickets follow a similar policy to cash fares. If you booked with miles and cancel your trip:
- You get your miles redeposited into your account
- You receive a refund of any taxes or fees paid
- No change or redeposit fees apply (unless it’s a Basic Economy award)
This makes award travel more flexible than it used to be. I often book SkyMiles flights early, knowing that I can cancel later and get everything back if needed. Just make sure you cancel at least a few hours before departure. No-shows can still cost you your miles.
How Long Do Delta Refunds Take?
Delta processes most eligible refunds within 7 business days for credit card payments and up to 20 business days for payments made by cash or check. In my experience, credit card refunds usually post within 5–7 days.
For eCredits, the process is much faster. You’ll often see the credit show up in your Delta profile within a few hours of canceling your flight. These eCredits can be found under your SkyMiles account or retrieved via Delta’s eCredit lookup tool using your confirmation number.
How Do You Request a Refund from Delta?
If your fare is eligible, you can request a refund through:
- Delta.com: Go to “My Trips” and select “Cancel Flight.”
- Delta Mobile App: Navigate to your itinerary and cancel directly.
- Delta’s Refund Form: Found at delta.com/refund, useful for involuntary cancellations or refunds due to service disruptions.
I recommend using the app or website for speed. The refund form is better suited for complex issues, like illness, military orders, or schedule changes initiated by Delta.
What If You Bought Travel Insurance?
Delta offers optional travel protection through Allianz Global Assistance at checkout. If you purchased this coverage and your reason for canceling is covered (such as illness, jury duty, or severe weather), you may be eligible for a full cash refund, even on nonrefundable fares.
You’ll need to file a claim directly with Allianz and provide documentation. I’ve done this once and the process took about 3 weeks, but I did get the full fare refunded back to my card.
When Does Delta Issue a Refund vs. eCredit?
This distinction is crucial. Here’s how Delta typically handles refunds:
- Refundable fare + voluntary cancellation = Full refund to original payment
- Nonrefundable fare + voluntary cancellation = eCredit
- Delta-initiated cancellation or major change = Full refund, even for nonrefundable tickets
- Award ticket cancellation (Main Cabin or higher) = Miles redeposited + refund of taxes
- Basic Economy = Usually nonrefundable; partial eCredit only if policy allows
Understanding this matrix can help you make better decisions at booking time. If flexibility matters, sometimes it’s worth paying a little more upfront for a refundable fare.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Skip Your Flight
If you cancel before departure, you preserve value, either through a refund or an eCredit. But if you no-show, you usually lose everything. I’ve seen people miss this detail and lose the full value of their tickets.
If your plans change, always cancel as early as possible through the app or website, even if you’re booked in Basic Economy. There’s sometimes a slim chance Delta will offer partial credit, especially if they can resell the seat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delta Refunds
Can I get a refund on a Delta nonrefundable ticket?
No, but you can usually get an eCredit if you cancel before departure.
How do I request a refund from Delta?
Cancel your trip online, in the Delta app, or submit a refund request at delta.com/refund.
How long does it take to get a Delta refund?
Refunds take up to 7 business days for credit cards, 20 days for cash/check.
Does Delta refund Basic Economy tickets?
Usually not. Some may qualify for partial eCredit if canceled early.
What if Delta cancels my flight?
You’re entitled to a full refund, even on nonrefundable tickets.
Do I get my SkyMiles back if I cancel an award flight?
Yes. Miles and taxes are refunded if canceled before departure.
Where can I find my eCredit?
Log into your Delta account or use the eCredit lookup tool at delta.com.