What Delta Air Lines has committed to in writing when your flight is delayed or cancelled, summarized from its customer service plan, contract of carriage and tarmac delay plan. Most of these commitments apply only when the cause is within Delta's control.
The short version
- Rebooking on the next Delta flight, or on another airline Delta has a ticketing agreement with if no Delta flight is available.
- Meals after 3 hours and a hotel overnight, for delays and cancellations within Delta's control.
- No committed compensation, but agents can issue credits, SkyMiles or gift cards at their discretion.
Delta at a glance
For delays and cancellations within Delta's control.
| Rebooking on Delta | Yes, at no cost |
|---|---|
| Rebooking on another airline | Yes, with conditions |
| Meals | Yes, after 3 hours |
| Hotel for an overnight delay | Yes, with conditions |
| Transport to the hotel | Yes |
| Credits, points or vouchers | Discretionary credits or SkyMiles |
| Cash compensation | No |
When the delay or cancellation is Delta's fault
These commitments apply when the cause is within the airline's control, such as maintenance, crew or its own systems. See controllable vs. uncontrollable delays.
Rebooking on Delta
Rebooked on the next available Delta flight at no additional cost when your flight is significantly delayed, canceled, or you misconnect.
Customer commitment effective Oct 24, 2024.
Rebooking on another airline
If a Delta flight is unavailable, Delta will arrange an alternative flight operated by another airline with which it has a ticketing agreement, at no additional cost.
The contract of carriage (Rule 19) describes travel on another carrier as at Delta's sole discretion.
Meals
Meal or meal vouchers if a cancellation or delay results in waiting 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled departure time.
Delays and cancellations within Delta's control.
Hotel
Complimentary hotel accommodations at Delta-contracted facilities, based on availability, if you are inconvenienced overnight while away from your home or destination. If a contracted hotel is unavailable, Delta reimburses reasonable hotel costs or provides a credit commensurate with the contracted hotel rate.
Delays and cancellations within Delta's control. The contract of carriage (Rule 19, last modified Aug 18, 2026) applies when travel is interrupted for more than 4 hours after scheduled departure for reasons other than force majeure: a voucher for one night's lodging when the delay is during 10:00 pm to 6:00 am; if accommodations are not available, a voucher for future Delta travel equal to the contracted hotel rate, up to $100 USD.
Transport to and from the hotel
Complimentary ground transportation to and from the hotel. If unavailable, reasonable ground transportation costs are reimbursed.
Provided with overnight hotel accommodation. Contract of carriage: free public ground transportation to the hotel if the hotel does not offer it.
Credits, points or vouchers Not committed
No committed amount. Delta representatives have discretion to issue travel credits/vouchers or SkyMiles when individual circumstances warrant.
Cash compensation Not committed
No committed cash compensation. Delta representatives have discretion to issue cash equivalents such as gift cards when individual circumstances warrant.
Contract of carriage: Delta has no liability where the cancellation, diversion or delay is due to force majeure.
When the cause is weather or air traffic control
For disruptions outside Delta's control, expect rebooking on Delta's own flights and little else: the meal, hotel and compensation commitments above generally do not apply. Ask anyway about discounted hotel rates, and check whether your own trip delay cover pays. If you are not sure the cause really is weather, see how to check.
Refunds
Whatever the cause, if Delta cancels your flight, or delays or changes it significantly (three hours or more domestic, six or more international), and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a refund to your original form of payment under US rules. You do not have to accept a credit instead. See the DOT refund rule.
Tarmac delays
- Passengers get the opportunity to deplane before a tarmac delay at a US airport exceeds 3 hours (domestic flights). Exceptions: the pilot-in-command determines deplaning would jeopardize safety or security, or air traffic control advises that returning would significantly disrupt airport operations. Tarmac plan dated Dec 13, 2024.
- Passengers get the opportunity to deplane before a tarmac delay at a US airport exceeds 4 hours (international flights).
- Adequate food and potable water no later than 2 hours after the start of the tarmac delay. If safety and security conditions allow.
- Operable lavatory facilities, appropriate medical attention and comfortable cabin temperature conditions. Status updates at least every 30 minutes while the aircraft is delayed. Diversions are given the same priority as other taxi delays. Plan coordinated with airport operations, TSA and CBP where applicable.
- Delta's tarmac delay plan does not provide any passenger compensation for tarmac delays.
These match the federal rules. See tarmac delay rules.
How to use this at the airport
- Ask the gate agent what is causing the delay, and note the answer.
- Ask for what Delta commits to, by name. Many commitments are only provided on request. Here is what to say.
- If you pay for something yourself that Delta commits to cover, keep the receipts and claim afterwards. If it refuses, see how to file a complaint with the DOT.
Sources
Summarized from Delta's published documents, last checked October 2, 2026. Airlines update these documents, so check the current version before you rely on a specific detail.
Compare with other airlines
See how Delta compares with other US airlines on the airline policies page.
This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.