What happens if you cancel a flight booked with points on Delta?

For SkyMiles Award Tickets, please call Delta Reservations to request cancellation. For tickets purchased with Miles + Cash option, miles will be re-deposited, and cash will be returned in equivalent miles. Miscellaneous: Cancellation request does not need to go through the same area in which the eTicket was purchased.



If you cancel a Delta SkyMiles award flight in 2026, the outcome depends on your ticket type, but generally, the miles are redeposited into your account and the taxes/fees are refunded. For "Main Cabin" and above tickets originating in the U.S. or Canada, Delta has eliminated most redeposit fees, meaning you get a full mileage refund as long as you cancel before departure. However, a supportive peer warning: if you booked a Basic Economy (Award) ticket, you will likely be charged a cancellation fee (often 9,900 miles or more), which is deducted from your refund. In 2026, the miles usually reappear in your account almost instantly, and the cash portion (taxes) is returned to your original form of payment within a few business days. Just ensure you hit "cancel" at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid "no-show" forfeiture of the entire value.

People Also Ask

Can I get my miles back if I change or cancel my award flight? When canceling a flight that was purchased using miles, most airlines do not charge a cancellation fee. It is generally free to get your miles reinstated and even the taxes and fees you paid will usually be refunded.

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For cancelled flights that weren't otherwise fully refundable, you'll get the value back as a Delta eCredit . A Delta flight credit is typically valid for one year. these credits can be accessed through your Delta SkyMiles account.

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Though Delta's basic economy tickets are nonrefundable, if the airline cancels your flight, you're eligible for a full refund.

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You can change an eligible trip online in just a few steps. While you may have to pay the difference, there are no change fees for award tickets.

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What happens to your points when you get a refund? The unfortunate answer is that, in most cases, the points you earned on the purchase will be deducted from your credit card points balance on your next statement.

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Cash-back cards win again for simplicity on redemption since one cash-back percentage point equals 1 cent per dollar spent. But when it comes to value, points and miles cards almost always come out on top. When redeeming points and miles, 1 point or mile is almost always worth more than 1 cent.

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Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


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Southwest is one of the best airlines if you need to cancel your flight. You can cancel a Southwest flight for free if you do so at least 10 minutes before departure. For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares — the two least expensive fare types — you'll receive a credit for the amount paid.

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You are always better off using your SkyMiles to book an award ticket for a friend or family member instead of transferring miles. Our Advice: Instead of gifting or transferring miles it is always a better value to use your miles to purchase an award ticket for the intended recipient.

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How much does it cost to transfer miles? The rate per mile is $0.01 and the processing fee per transaction is $30.00. Applicable taxes apply.

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If you know you can't make a scheduled flight, it's better to cancel your flight rather than be a no-show. If you cancel, you might receive a partial or whole credit for the fare purchased, to be applied to a future flight.

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The most common covered reason is unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. Other common covered reasons include terrorism, inclement weather, or a natural disaster, among others. Trip Cancellation is a major concern for most travelers.

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The 24 Hour Cancellation Rule
Many airlines offer a 24-hour cooling-off period as a customer service policy, allowing you to cancel your flight, incurring no fees if you change your mind or otherwise need to cancel within 24 hours of booking. This policy typically applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets.

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