For routes originating in South America, Delta now prohibits changes and imposes a flat $330 cancellation fee on non‑refundable tickets issued on or after June 26, 2025 (for earlier tickets the fee was $199). Refundable tickets may still be canceled for a full refund.
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Delta Air Lines has modified its fare rules in 2025, tightening flexibility particularly for flights originating from South America. If your plans shift, these updated cancellation fees and rules may significantly affect your costs. In this article, we unpack exactly what has changed, how it affects different ticket types, and what actions travelers can take. For further assistance, call ☎+1 (888) 263‑37‑15.
One major shift: tickets issued for travel originating in South America can no longer be changed. That is, once booked (after June 26, 2025), you cannot change date, time, or routing on those tickets. Delta+2Delta Air Lines+2
This is a stricter stance than prior practice, where changes might have been possible (albeit with fees). Now, for South America–originating travel, the only lever is cancellation (if allowed) or rebooking a new ticket.
For non‑refundable tickets issued on or after June 26, 2025, the cancellation penalty is $330 (issued as an eCredit for future travel). Delta Air Lines+5Delta+5Delta Air Lines+5
For tickets issued before June 26, 2025, the cancellation penalty remains $199. AwardWallet+3Delta Air Lines+3Delta+3
In effect, Delta has raised its cancellation cost by over 65% for newer tickets. AwardWallet+2Delta+2
For non‑refundable fares: After cancellation, the remaining value (i.e. fare minus cancellation fee) is issued as an eCredit. Delta Professional+3Delta Content+3Delta Air Lines+3
For refundable fares: If your fare is refundable, you may still cancel and receive a full refund to your original payment method (no cancellation fee applies). Delta Content+2Delta+2
If Delta itself cancels or significantly changes a flight, you may request a refund (for unused portions) or an eCredit, depending on circumstances. Delta+3VisaVerge+3Delta Content+3
Like most U.S. airlines, Delta maintains the 24‑hour risk‑free cancellation window: if you cancel within 24 hours of booking (and the flight is at least 7 days out), you can get a full refund without fee — even for South America origin tickets. Delta+2Delta Content+2
| Ticket Type | Issued Before June 26, 2025 | Issued On/After June 26, 2025 | Change Allowed? | Refund / Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy (Main Basic) | Cancellation fee $199 (if cancellation allowed) | Cancellation fee $330 | No changes allowed | Value minus fee → eCredit Delta Professional+3Delta Air Lines+3Delta+3 |
| Main Cabin, Premium, etc. (non‑refundable) | $199 cancellation | $330 cancellation | No changes allowed | eCredit of remaining value Delta Professional+3Delta+3Delta Air Lines+3 |
| Refundable fares | Full refund (if canceled before departure) | Full refund (same) | Changes may not be allowed under origin rule, but cancellation refund possible | Refund to original payment Delta Content+2Delta+2 |
Note: The “no changes allowed” rule applies to all fares originating from South America, not just Basic Economy. Delta+2Delta Air Lines+2
Delta’s revised policy appears motivated by a desire to discourage speculative bookings and reduce administrative overhead of changes, especially on long international routes. Numerous travelers and analysts note that airlines are rolling back pandemic‑era flexibility. VisaVerge+1
Delta still offers some limited waivers (e.g. medical or extraordinary circumstances) and exceptions under review, but these are case-by-case, not blanket. VisaVerge
Check ticket issue date — If your ticket was issued before June 26, 2025, you enjoy the older lower cancellation fee.
Book refundable fares if possible when originating from South America, especially if flexibility is important.
Avoid relying on change flexibility — post‑June 26 tickets from South America cannot be changed, so plan carefully.
Use the 24‑hour window — if your plans are uncertain, understand and use the risk-free cancellation window.
When in doubt, call Delta support — especially for extenuating circumstances. You can reach Delta’s customer service at ☎+1 (888) 263‑37‑15.
Monitor fare rules closely before purchasing — the fare rules will explicitly say whether changes or cancellations are permitted and fees applied (they override general policy).
You bought a non‑refundable Main Cabin ticket from Bogotá to New York on July 2025. If you cancel, you're charged $330, and the rest is given as eCredit. You cannot change the date or route.
You purchased a refundable fare from Lima to Atlanta — you may cancel and get a full refund, even though no changes may be allowed under the South America origin rule.
You book within a few hours and decide to cancel — as long as you're within the 24‑hour booking window (ticket beyond 7 days), you can cancel and get full refund.
Your flight is canceled by Delta — you may request refund or alternate rebooking; cancellation fees do not apply when Delta initiates the cancellation.
Q1. Can I ever change my flight from South America?
No. Under the new policy, tickets issued for travel originating in South America cannot be changed regardless of fare class. Delta+2Delta Air Lines+2
Q2. What if I cancel after departure or “no‑show”?
If you fail to cancel or arrive late, your ticket (especially non‑refundable) may lose all value. Delta’s policy requires cancellation before departure. Delta Air Lines+3Delta Professional+3Delta Content+3
Q3. Do these rules apply to partner/carrier codeshare flights?
Yes — if your travel originates in South America and ticket is subject to Delta’s contract/fare rules, the same limitations apply. Always check fare rules at booking. Delta Professional
Q4. Are there any exceptions or waivers?
Delta may grant waivers in cases of medical emergencies or significant airline disruptions, but these are discretionary and not guaranteed. VisaVerge
Q5. How do I request a refund or credit?
Use Delta’s “My Trips” or the Fly Delta app to cancel. Refunds (for refundable fares) or eCredits are processed there. Delta Content+2Delta Air Lines+2
Q6. Who to call for clarification?
You can contact Delta customer service at ☎+1 (888) 263‑37‑15 for questions about your specific itinerary and fare.
Delta’s 2025 update marks a notable restriction for flights originating from South America: no changes allowed, and a steep $330 cancellation fee for new non‑refundable tickets. If your ticket was issued before June 26, 2025, the fee is $199. Refundable fares remain your safest bet for flexibility. Always consult fare rules at purchase, act within the 24‑hour risk‑free window, and don’t hesitate to call ☎+1 (888) 263‑37‑15 if in doubt.