Same day ticket change rules and tips on Delta Air Lines flights

This article describes how to use the Fly Delta app to make day of departure flight changes. Same day confirmed (SDC) and same day standby (SDS) ticket changes are available to Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members free; however, there are some tips and tricks you should know about.

Important Prerequisites

Fly Delta v5.9 (or newer)
Flight changes only available within 24-hours of departure (after check-in).
The new flights must depart on the same calendar day as the original ticketed flight.

Important things to know

What are the same day ticket change rules on Delta Air Lines?

You cannot change from a connecting flight to a non-stop flight.
Passengers flying into/out of of co-terminals, the FlyDelta app is notorious for not handling multiple airports well – it’s strongly recommended to find the flight you want and call reservations to make the changes.

Is there a fee for use same day flight changes on Delta Air Lines?

Same day change fee exemptions are available for certain tiers of SkyMiles Medallion memebers. Occassionally, reservations agents have been prompted for additional fare collection, this is not correct. As long as your flight departs the same calendar day as your original flight and your fare class is available (for main cabin) it is a free change.

What if the flight I want is not listed in the FlyDelta app?

Find the flight you want, call into reservations and have the make the change. The FlyDelta app has been known for only showing some (not all) routes and options for SDC/SDS.

Will I lose my original flight/seat if I get waitlisted for a same day flight change?

No; unless you are confirmed for the new flight, airlines will place you on the standby list. Once you clear the standby list, are assigned a seat and board the new flight, only then will your original flight be cancelled.

What are the same day change change rules on Delta Air Lines with a main cabin ticket?

The originally purchased fare class (or lower fare class) must be available on the new flight to be eligible for a same day confirmed change. If the originally purchased fare class is not available, the passenger will be placed on the same day standby list, which is cleared at the gate after all passengers have boarded.

Passengers who are on the stanby list will not lose their seat on the original flight until they have boarded the new flight.

Any cleared complimentary upgrades on the original flight will be forefeitted, and it’s very unlikely to receive an upgrade at the gate while waiting to be cleared from the standby list.

What are the same day change rules on Delta Air Lines with a Comfort+ ticket?

The originally purchase cabin must have a seat available in the Comfort+ cabin or main cabin to to confirm for the new flight. This is based off of the originally purchase cabin; Cleared upgrade space into Comfort+ does not qualify and would be based off of the originally purchased main cabin fare class.

Passengers opting to confirm for an earlier flight in a lower cabin of service are not eligible for compensation unless it is due to non-weather IROPS.

What are the same day change rules on Delta Air Lines with a First Class ticket?

The originally purchase cabin must have a seat available in the First Class, Comfort+ or main cabin to to confirm for the new flight. This is based off of the originally purchase cabin; Cleared upgrade space into First Class does not qualify and would be based off of the originally purchased cabin/ fare class.

Passengers opting to confirm for an earlier flight in a lower cabin of service are not eligible for compensation unless it is due to non-weather IROPS.