Can I Change My Return Flight Date on Delta Airlines?

If you’re asking, “Can I change my return flight date on Delta Airlines?”, the answer is yes — in most cases. Delta Air Lines offers one of the most flexible change policies among major U.S. airlines, especially after eliminating change fees on most tickets.

However, the cost, eligibility, and process depend on several factors, including your fare type, route, ticket rules, and timing. In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how changing your return flight on Delta works, what it costs, and how to avoid unnecessary fees.

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Delta Airlines Ticket Types Explained

Before changing your return date, you must understand what type of ticket you purchased, because Delta’s flexibility varies by fare class.

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1. Main Cabin Tickets (Most Common)

Delta Main Cabin tickets allow you to change your return flight date on most routes.

Key points:

• ❌ No change fees on most domestic and international flights
• ✔ Fare difference applies if the new return flight costs more
• ✔ If the new flight is cheaper, you receive an eCredit

This policy applies to:

• Domestic U.S. flights
• Flights between the U.S. and many international destinations

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2. Basic Economy Tickets (Highly Restricted)

Basic Economy tickets are the least flexible.

• ❌ Changes usually not allowed
• ❌ Non-refundable
• ✔ Some international Basic Economy tickets may allow changes with restrictions

If your return flight is booked in Basic Economy, changing the return date may not be possible at all, regardless of willingness to pay.

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3. Comfort+, First Class, Delta Premium Select & Delta One

These higher fare classes offer greater flexibility.

• ✔ No change fees
• ✔ Priority rebooking
• ✔ Better availability during changes
• ✔ Same-day confirmed change options (where eligible)

Fare differences still apply unless you purchased a fully refundable ticket.

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4. Award Tickets (SkyMiles)

If you booked your return flight using Delta SkyMiles:

• ✔ Date changes are generally allowed
• ✔ No redeposit or change fee for most award tickets
• ❌ Mileage difference may apply if pricing changes
• Taxes and fees may be recalculated

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Can You Change Only the Return Flight on Delta?

Yes. Delta allows you to change just the return segment of a round-trip itinerary.

You do not need to:

• Cancel your outbound flight
• Rebook the entire ticket

This is common for travelers who:

• Decide to stay longer or return earlier
• Experience schedule changes
• Have flexible return plans

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How to Change Your Return Flight Date on Delta Airlines

Method 1: Online (Fastest & Recommended)

1. Visit the Delta Airlines website
2. Click “My Trips”
3. Enter your confirmation number and last name
4. Select “Modify Flight”
5. Choose your return flight only
6. Select a new date and available flight
7. Review fare difference or eCredit
8. Confirm the change

You’ll receive an updated e-ticket by email immediately.

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Method 2: Delta Mobile App

The Delta app offers the same functionality and is ideal if:

• You’re already traveling
• You need quick access to boarding passes and updates

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Method 3: Delta Customer Service or Airport Desk

This option is best if:

• You’re dealing with international itineraries
• You missed your return flight
• Your itinerary includes partner airlines
• You need help during disruptions

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Does Delta Charge a Change Fee?

For Most Tickets: ❌ No Change Fee

Delta eliminated change fees for most:

• Domestic Main Cabin tickets
• International Main Cabin tickets (except some Basic Economy fares)

What You May Still Pay

Even without a change fee, you may still owe:

• Fare difference
• Tax or surcharge adjustments

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When Change Fees May Apply

Change restrictions or fees may apply if:

• You booked Basic Economy
• Your ticket has special corporate or bulk fare rules
• You booked through certain third-party agencies

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How Much Does It Cost to Change a Return Flight on Delta?

The cost depends entirely on fare difference, not a fixed fee.

Example

• Original return fare: $250
• New return fare: $340
  ➡ You pay $90

If the new return flight costs less:

• Delta issues the difference as an eCredit
• eCredits usually expire within one year of the original ticket issue date

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Same-Day Return Flight Changes on Delta

Delta offers same-day change options for eligible passengers.

Same-Day Confirmed Change

• Available within 24 hours of departure
• Fee may apply for non-elite passengers
• Free for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members (where eligible)

Same-Day Standby

• Often free for elite members
• Seat not guaranteed

Same-day changes depend on:

• Fare class
• Route
• Seat availability

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What If You Miss Your Return Flight?

If you miss your scheduled return flight:

• Your ticket may be marked as no-show
• Remaining segments may be canceled

However, Delta is generally flexible if:

• You contact them immediately
• The delay was due to circumstances beyond your control

Always notify Delta before or as soon as possible if you think you’ll miss your return flight.

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Changing Return Flights Due to Delta Schedule Changes

If Delta changes your flight schedule significantly, you may be eligible to:

• Change your return date without paying a fare difference
• Select an alternate Delta flight

Significant schedule changes may include:

• Major departure or arrival time changes
• Added connections
• Aircraft changes that impact cabin class

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Refund vs eCredit When Changing Return Flights

Refunds

Refunds are usually available only if:

• You purchased a refundable ticket
• Delta cancels the flight

eCredits

Most non-refundable tickets offer:

• eCredits for unused value
• Credits usable for future Delta travel
• Expiration typically within 12 months

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Changing International Return Flights on Delta

International return flights can be changed, but:

• Fare differences may be higher
• Taxes and fees may change
• Partner airline rules may apply

Always check visa, passport, and entry requirements if you change international travel dates.

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Tips to Change Your Delta Return Flight for Less Money

1. Change early — prices increase closer to departure
2. Compare multiple dates using Delta’s fare calendar
3. Avoid Basic Economy if flexibility matters
4. Use eCredits before expiration
5. Join SkyMiles for priority service and benefits

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my return flight date for free on Delta Airlines?

Yes, most Main Cabin and higher fares allow free changes. You only pay the fare difference.

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Can I change my return flight date online?

Yes. Delta allows return date changes through its website and mobile app.

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What if my new return flight is cheaper?

You’ll receive the price difference as a Delta eCredit.

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Can I change my return flight date multiple times?

Yes, as long as your ticket remains valid and unused segments are eligible.

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Does Delta Basic Economy allow return date changes?

Usually no. Basic Economy tickets are highly restricted and often non-changeable.

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Final Verdict: Is It Easy to Change a Return Flight Date on Delta?

Yes. Delta Airlines offers one of the most traveler-friendly change policies among major airlines. For most tickets, you can change your return flight date without a change fee, paying only the fare difference.

The key factors to watch are:

• Your ticket type
• Fare difference
• Timing of the change

If flexibility matters, avoid Basic Economy and book Main Cabin or higher.