What to do about a Delta delay or cancellation
General guidance. Your specific rights depend on the route, cause and your fare.
Confirm the current status on delta.com or the Fly Delta app before you head to the airport — schedules can change quickly during disruptions.
You're generally entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a refund. On airline-caused cancellations, that can apply even to nonrefundable fares.
When many passengers are rebooking at once, seats on the next good flight go fast. Calling immediately often gets you a better option than waiting in an airport line.
If Delta's own delay caused a misconnection, they generally rebook you. Get on it right away — don't wait to be found.
Hold on to your confirmation number and any notices; they help confirm what you're owed if you claim a refund later.
Rights and remedies vary by route, cause and fare, and rules differ between countries. We don't quote compensation amounts — call us with your flight and we'll tell you your realistic options and act on them fast.
Disruption quick-reference
General guidance — your rights depend on the route, cause and fare.
Delayed or cancelled — what you're generally owed
General guidance; your rights depend on route, cause and fare.
Delta cancels the flight
Strongest position
- Rebooking on the next available flight, or
- A refund — even on nonrefundable fares
- Misconnections caused by Delta are generally rebooked
- Some routes add rights depending on cause
Long delay or your choice
More conditional
- Options depend on the length and cause
- Compensation rules vary by country
- Restricted fares limit voluntary changes
- Keep documents in case you claim later
Call before you queue. When a flight is cancelled, the phone often rebooks you faster than the airport line — you can be on the next flight before you'd reach the front. We're on 24/7 for exactly this.
Frequently asked
My Delta flight was cancelled — what am I entitled to?+
My flight is delayed and I'll miss my connection — help?+
Am I owed compensation for the delay?+
Should I go to the airport or call first?+
Contact options
Reach Delta directly, or let us handle it.
Contact Delta Air Lines directly
The airline's own official channels — free.
More Delta Air Lines help
Related guides.