This is a question about Delta's favorable coronavirus change/cancellation policy (no change fees for customers on flights through 9/30 who wish to change their flight plans, and no cancellation fees for customers on those flights who wish to cancel and get an e-credit for the full amount paid, useable through 9/30/22). Does anyone know if customers who booked Basic Economy tickets qualify to take advantage of these offers? Basic Economy is a rate category that allows for no changes and no cancellations. On the Delta website, the info on the cononavirus cancellation policy is mixed in with information on Delta's general change and cancellation policies, and there's a reference to making sure your ticket doesn't say "non-refundable." I'm confused about whether that applies to people with pre-9/30 flights or whether that general rule is being waived for those customers. I will likely have to cancel a flight scheduled for 9/28. It's too far away to bother Delta with a call to ask this question, as I'm sure they're plenty busy taking calls from travelers changing or cancelling earlier flights. I thought someone on here might know.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7549 posts
I believe it does, or at least my wife had a Basic Economy Domestic Ticket and was able to cancel and took the credit.
I think in any event, if Delta has Cancelled or Significantly changed your itinerary, which is nearly everyone, you are entitled to at least a credit.
Posted by
Tallahassee, Florida
8 posts
I just received confirmation for a full refund on a Basic Economy Delta flight in June that they made a significant change to. When the representative was filling out the form she said, “itinerary change of over 90 minutes” under her breath. My guess is that 90 minutes might be what breaks the contract for a full monetary refund.
I have another Basic Economy flight scheduled for August. I’m going to hold off on making any changes to it until I see what Delta does. Ideally I’d like to switch it to the same itinerary in July 2021, but I don’t know if flight schedules will be out at that time. I may take the credit and rebook later.
Either way, the cancellation process was a breeze with Delta (after a 45 minute wait). Quite the difference between Delta and my March Norwegian cancellation on an April flight where I waited 8.5 weeks for a refund cancellation approval!
Posted by
Southeast US
3847 posts
Typically, a Basic Economy ticket is not changeable and not refundable. Delta is making an allowance right now for all non-refundable tickets (including Basic Economy) for flights through 9/30 to be eligible for an e-Credit. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight (90 minutes is what is in the current Contract of Carriage), you are eligible for a refund. Probably the earliest you would see a cancellation (or significant change) is mid-August; Delta has been uploading schedule changes a month a time on the second Saturday of the month before the changes take effect (e.g., June changes were uploaded this past Saturday).
Posted by
Folsom
2707 posts
I think in any event, if Delta has Cancelled or Significantly changed your itinerary, which is nearly everyone, you are entitled to at least a credit.
Actually if that occurs you are entitled to a refund. The rules don’t discriminate based on cabin type or fare category. A refund is much preferable. One or more of these major carriers may not survive. I know people like Delta as they seem to have better overall customer service but they are bleeding dollars as much as the others. Get your refund now.
Posted by
New York, NY
3996 posts
I will likely have to cancel a flight scheduled for 9/28.
If you cancel your flight, you will get an e-credit regardless of the fare class & cabin for which you paid. If you want a refund, you need to wait for Delta to cancel the flight.