Delta Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Delta Air Lines’ missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. The policy is governed by fare rules, ticket type, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for flights to/from the U.S., EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from or landing in the EU/UK, and the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) for flights to/from Canada.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling or changing your reservation prior to departure, it is considered a "no-show." Non-refundable tickets lose their value, and the entire itinerary, including return flights, may be canceled per Delta’s Contract of Carriage (U.S. General Rule 14.C, International General Rule 60.C.3). Refunds are not available for no-shows unless specified by fare rules, but unused taxes and fees may be refunded.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Basic Economy, Main Cabin Classic), no refunds are provided for missed flights. You may cancel prior to departure to receive an eCredit for the remaining value, minus a cancellation fee (typically $99-$200, depending on fare type and route). Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable after the 24-hour risk-free period, but cancellation for an eCredit is possible with a fee.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., First Class, Delta One) may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion, less any applicable fees, if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds can be processed through the website or customer service for tickets purchased directly from Delta.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from Delta (including Basic Economy), you can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours of purchase without penalty, provided the booking is made at least 7 days before departure. This applies to eTickets only and excludes travel agency bookings, paper tickets, or partially flown tickets. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.
• Flat-Tire Rule: If you miss your flight due to unavoidable circumstances (e.g., traffic or flat tire) and arrive at the airport within 2 hours of departure, Delta may rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, subject to availability and fare rules. This is a goodwill policy and not guaranteed.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Delta-operated flight within the same booking, Delta will automatically rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. If the delay is within Delta’s control (e.g., maintenance or crew issues) and exceeds 3 hours for domestic flights or 6 hours for international flights, you may be eligible for compensation under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 (€250-€600, depending on flight distance) or APPR ($125-$500 CAD, depending on delay duration). Meal vouchers are provided for delays of 3+ hours, and hotel accommodations with ground transportation are offered for overnight delays.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to circumstances beyond Delta’s control (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or medical emergencies). However, Delta will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking, Delta will rebook you on the next available flight and may provide compensation ($200-$775 USD for delays of 1-4 hours, depending on flight distance) under U.S. DOT rules or EU/UK regulations, if applicable.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Delta Air Lines immediately via the website, Fly Delta app, or airport customer service counter to discuss rebooking or refund options.
• Provide your booking reference (13-digit ticket number starting with 006) and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, eCredits, or refunds.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in My Trips to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
• Use the Fly Delta app or My Trips to search for alternative flights or cancel your reservation for an eCredit, if applicable.
• Keep documentation (e.g., boarding passes, receipts) for any claims or expense reimbursements.

Additional Information

If Delta Air Lines cancels or significantly delays your flight (3+ hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international), you may choose a refund, rebooking, or eCredit valid for 5 years. For tickets issued before October 28, 2024, a significant delay is 120+ minutes; for tickets issued on or after October 28, 2024, it is 180+ minutes for domestic or 360+ minutes for international flights. Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for cash/check under U.S./EU regulations. Compensation claims for EU/UK flights must be filed within 3 years. Always retain documentation for expenses incurred due to a missed flight. For more details, review Delta’s Contract of Carriage or Customer Service Plan.