Delta’s 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation policy is a consumer protection that allows you to cancel any ticket—including Basic Economy—within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund to your original form of payment. In 2026, this applies to tickets booked directly through Delta’s website or app. The "window" technically extends until midnight of the day after the ticket is purchased or until the first flight departs, whichever comes first. Beyond this initial 24-hour window, the "risk-free" aspect disappears for Basic Economy, which becomes non-refundable (though it can sometimes be cancelled for a partial eCredit minus a fee). For Main Cabin and higher fares originating in the US or Canada, Delta has eliminated permanent change and cancellation fees; while these aren't "refundable" to your credit card after 24 hours, they are "risk-free" in the sense that you can cancel them at any time before departure and receive the full value as a Delta eCredit valid for future travel.