If you are looking to change your flight time yourself within 24 hours of your originally scheduled departure time, you can search for alternative flights and may be able to select a standby or confirmed option using our Same-Day Change feature within the Fly Delta app.

Delta Air Lines generally allows you to reschedule a flight up until the departure time of your original flight, but the "best" results occur at least 24 hours in advance. For most domestic U.S. and international flights (excluding Basic Economy), Delta has eliminated change fees, meaning you only pay the fare difference. If you wait until the last minute—such as the day of travel—you can use the "Same-Day Confirmed" or "Same-Day Standby" options via the Delta app, which typically open 24 hours before your new desired flight. However, if you "no-show" (miss the flight without notifying them before takeoff), you risk forfeiting the entire value of your ticket. In 2026, the official policy is that changes must be made before the boarding process ends to preserve the ticket's value as an eCredit, which usually remains valid for one year from the original date of purchase.

Excellent question. The answer depends on whether you have a refundable or non-refundable ticket, and the specific fare rules of your ticket.

Here’s a breakdown for Delta Air Lines:

For Most Non-Refundable Tickets (The Most Common)

• You can reschedule up until the departure time of your original flight. There is no set “deadline” like 24 or 48 hours before, as long as you make the change before the flight takes off.
• Key Condition: You will pay a change fee (which is $0 for most Main Cabin and above tickets for flights originating in North America) plus any fare difference. If your new flight is cheaper, you’ll receive an eCredit for the difference.
• Important: If you miss your flight (no-show) and haven’t changed it beforehand, the value of your ticket is typically forfeited. Do not assume you can change it after departure.

For Refundable Tickets

• You can change or cancel at any time, even after the flight has departed, with no fees. You will only pay any applicable fare difference.

The 24-Hour “Risk-Free” Cancellation Rule (U.S. Department of Transportation Mandate)

• This is a critical exception. If you book a flight at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel it for a full refund to your original payment method within 24 hours of booking, with no penalties.

How to Check Your Specific Rules

Your exact fare rules are always listed on your ticket receipt. To check: 1. Go to “My Trips” on Delta.com or the app. 2. Look for your trip details and find the link for “Fare Rules” or “Receipt”. 3. This document will state the change/cancellation penalties and conditions specific to your ticket.