Delta Air Lines' cancellation policy varies based on the type of ticket purchased, offering flexibility for some travelers while imposing restrictions for others.

For all ticket types, Delta provides a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. If you book directly through Delta's website, mobile app, or customer service, you have 24 hours from the time of booking to cancel your flight for any reason and receive a full refund to your original form of payment. This applies even to non-refundable and Basic Economy fares, provided the cancellation is made within this window.

Beyond the 24-hour period, the policy differs:

• Refundable Tickets: These tickets offer the most flexibility. You can cancel at any time before departure without incurring a cancellation fee, and a full refund will be issued to your original payment method.

• Non-Refundable Tickets: If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24-hour window, you will not receive a cash refund. Instead, Delta typically issues a travel credit (eCredit) for the remaining value of the ticket, minus any applicable cancellation fees. These fees can range from $100 to $500, depending on factors like the fare type and route. The eCredit is generally valid for one year from the original ticket issue date.

• Basic Economy Tickets: These are the most restrictive fare class. After the 24-hour risk-free period, Basic Economy tickets cannot be canceled or refunded. If you do not show up for the flight, the entire value of the ticket is forfeited.

For SkyMiles Award Tickets:

• Domestic Award Tickets: If you cancel a domestic SkyMiles award ticket, you will receive a full refund of the miles used, provided the cancellation is made at least 72 hours before departure.

• International Award Tickets: A flat fee of $150 applies for cancellations made at least 72 hours before departure. This fee is waived for SkyMiles Platinum or Diamond Medallion members.

It's important to note that if Delta cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers are entitled to a refund, even for non-refundable tickets. Significant delays are defined as three hours or more for domestic flights and six hours or more for international flights.

To cancel a flight, you can visit Delta's website and navigate to the "My Trips" section, log in with your booking details, and follow the prompts to cancel. Alternatively, you can use the Fly Delta mobile app or contact Delta's customer service for assistance.

In summary, Delta's cancellation policy provides flexibility for refundable tickets and offers options for non-refundable tickets, albeit with some restrictions and fees. Basic Economy fares are the most limited in terms of cancellation and refund options. Always review the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket type to understand your options fully.