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:
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
Silver
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.
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.
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.