Delta Schedule Changes – Everything You Need to Know [2024]

Delta, like all airlines, frequently changes its schedules, especially for flights that are months out. In fact, Delta changes its schedules almost weekly, and usually on Saturday morning. The term “Schedule Change Saturday” is frequently cited on frequent flyer communities like Flyertalk and Reddit.

While schedule changes can be frustrating, they can also open up opportunities to modify your itinerary to something better – from better timing to a better connection or even switching to a better aircraft.

Why does Delta change schedules on Saturdays?

Delta loads schedule changes on Saturdays because it is the quietest booking day of the week. Simply put, less goes wrong when their IT systems are under less pressure. Most business travelers book their tickets during the week, which is a major contributor to this.

What happens when my Delta trip changes?

There’s a good chance your Delta trip will change, especially if you book your trip months in advance.

Don’t worry.

Most changes are minor and involve a departure or arrival change by just a few minutes or something even simpler like changing the flight number. In this type of instance, many travelers accept the changes without much thought.

But what happens when there is a significant schedule change?

If your schedule change is a difference of 120+ minutes, results in a change of routing, or bumps you from a mainline Delta flight to a Delta Connection carrier, you are eligible for the following:

• Receive a full refund to the original form of payment (if you opt to cancel your trip)
• Switch to any available flights +/- 2 days from what you booked

Or, you can keep the updated itinerary.

How to Switch Flights after a Schedule Change

I personally love it when Delta changes my trip because that usually triggers the ability to switch to a different flight. This is helpful because my plans frequently change, and I may want to leave later or stay longer.

It is usually quite easy to switch flights when a schedule change is involved using Delta’s website or mobile app.

If your trip has a schedule change, your trip will look like the screenshot below. Notice that it says your flight has been rebooked and offers options to change or cancel.

Click Change or Add Flights to see what options are available. The next screen will look similar to what it looks like when you’re booking a new flight (with options to adjust dates, etc).

If you’re unable to make a change on your own, you’ll need to contact Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212. For tickets purchased from a third-party travel site or agency, you may need to speak with them directly to make a flight change or cancellation.

Delta Schedule Change Tips

• Don’t be afraid to book trips months in advance! Delta is one of the most flexible airlines, and the worst case is you’ll be stuck with a trip credit if a schedule change doesn’t happen. If a significant schedule change does happen, you can usually get a full refund or switch to a different flight that works better for your schedule.
• Don’t be afraid to call Delta if you can’t make changes online! Delta is one of the easiest airlines to work with when calling their customer service team. They will usually honor your request if it is reasonable.
• Be open to flying new aircraft or experiencing new airports! I personally love to fly and find a ton of enjoyment in trying new aircraft and checking out new airports. This is even more fun when you have lounge access (which is included when you have cards like the Amex Delta Reserve)

Closing Thoughts

Travel can be stressful, and that includes when Delta changes your flight. Don’t sweat if this happens to you! Delta is one of the most flexible airlines in the United States, and they will work with you to adjust your flights if needed. Many frequent flyers also view schedule changes as an opportunity to unlock better flights and even turn it into an opportunity to visit new airports and lounges. Delta usually allows you to make changes on your own using their website or app, but there may be instances requiring a call to customer service.