Delta Same-Day Flight Change Policy Overview

1. Eligibility & Fare Classes

• Basic Economy fares are not eligible for same-day flight changes.

• Main Cabin, Comfort+, First, Delta One, and refundable fares are eligible.

• Medallion members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) enjoy exclusive privileges and fee waivers.

2. Types of Same-Day Changes

• Same-Day Confirmed: You switch to another flight on the same calendar day with a confirmed seat.

• Same-Day Standby: You wait on a standby list for an earlier or later flight if no confirmed seats are available.

3. Fees & Waivers

• Non-Medallion travelers pay a fee (typically around $75, though this can vary by route, demand, and ticket type) for a confirmed change.

• Medallion members receive fee waivers depending on their tier:

  • Silver & Gold: No fee for confirmed changes, but still subject to same-day change availability.

  • Platinum & Diamond: Complimentary confirmed changes, often with higher priority for upgrades and seat selection.

4. How to Request a Same-Day Change

• You can make a request via the Delta app, website, or by calling Delta Reservations.

• At the airport, speak with a Delta representative at the ticket counter or gate to initiate either confirmed or standby requests.

5. Availability & Prioritization

• Flight changes are subject to availability on the same-day flight you wish to take.

• Delta prioritizes confirmed changes by tier:

  1. Diamond

  2. Platinum

  3. Gold

  4. Silver

  5. General ticketed customers

• For standby requests, the same priority order is followed.

6. How It Works on the Same Day

• If switching to an earlier flight, you can request same-day standby—boarding when a seat opens up.

• If moving to a later flight, confirmed changes are possible, space permitting.

7. Refunds & Fare Differences

• For confirmed changes, if the new flight’s fare is higher, you’ll pay the fare difference.

• If it’s lower (rare on same-day requests), Delta typically does not issue a refund for the difference.

8. International & Partner Flights

• Policy extends to many international itineraries, though procedures may vary.

• For codeshare flights (e.g., Delta–Virgin Atlantic), check with Delta; partner rules may apply.

9. Additional Considerations

• Award tickets (SkyMiles) follow the same-day change rules with no extra fees—unless you’re using Basic Economy reward travel.

• Medallion members may enjoy higher priority on changes and standby lists.

🔍 Example Scenarios

• Main Cabin traveler books ATL → JFK for 10 AM on Monday. A business meeting runs late—you request a same‑day confirmed change to 2 PM. Fee applies ($75 + any fare difference), subject to seat availability.

• Platinum Medallion member books LAX → SFO at 9 AM. You want to travel earlier at 7 AM. You get on standby and, if a seat opens, are given priority—even before general customers.

• Diamond Medallion member has a refundable First Class ticket from NYC → LAX at 11 AM. They later choose a 3 PM flight on the same day. They receive a confirmed change with no fee, and if the cost is higher, they pay only the fare difference.

✅ Tips for Using the Policy

• Check same-day change options early—especially for popular routes.

• If confirmed space isn’t available, standby might still get you on an earlier flight.

• Stay at your departure airport—in standby, you’ll only get a seat if you're present.

• Use the Delta app—it’s the fastest way to check and request same-day changes.