Does Delta Still Offer Companion Tickets?

How to get a refund for Delta Basic Economy Fare

Delta began offering basic economy fares a couple of years ago as a means to directly respond to ULCCs. These restricted fares come with a lot of rules and limitations that can make it hard to get a refund. Nonetheless, it is not impossible to get a refund on the basic economy tickets from Delta Airlines if you understand the rules of the game and act as soon as possible in the event of a change in plans.

What limitations do I have if I purchase a Delta Basic Economy fare?

The primary objective of the basic economy is to entice travelers to spend as little as possible on a flight. To do this, Delta reduces many of the options that consumers anticipate when they buy airline tickets. It is thus important to understand these restrictions when seeking to claim a basic economy refund. Some key limitations include:

No flight changes or same-day flight changes are permitted once twenty-four hours have elapsed since the purchase. It has to be a completely new ticket, which means that it cannot be a transfer from another bus.

No seating allocations until the check-in. Delta will automatically assign your seat; this can be a middle seat in the back of the aircraft.

Social distancing measures also include non-occupancy of more than one group or family within a section. It means that on your itinerary you will not sit with any travel companions.

Free checked baggage allowance is one piece, though if space allows on the aircraft, passengers may check one carry-on free of charge.

No upgrade or complimentary upgrade is allowed at any time.

Defect: No refunds unless within twenty-four hours after the purchase. Travel credit may be offered based on circumstances.

SkyMiles are still valid on Delta basic economy fares, but you will get half the amount of SkyMiles. You also can’t redeem upgrade certificates on such fares. As stated, these tickets eliminate most of the comforts and options that passengers need when choosing airlines and flight dates.

Delta Basic Economy is a cheaper ticket on the front end, but under what situations will refunds be possible?

This being a basic economy fare, you cannot get a refund for the ticket unless you do it within 24 hours of purchase on Delta. However, depending on the circumstances, the airline will allow you to receive an e-credit for a future flight. Be sure to carefully go through Delta’s fare rules and restrictions so that you can know when the credit will be applied. Some common refund situations include: Some common refund situations include:

If Delta has delayed or canceled your flight in a way that is significant, then by US law you are allowed a refund. This is even on the basic fares purchased with no refundability feature that has been applied to them.

If you cannot travel as a result of a medical condition or loss of a close family member, Delta might provide a credit. You would have to also bring along some forms of proof, such as a doctor’s letter.

However, if there are circumstances like a hurricane or a pandemic, travel waivers are present and, even on basic fares, Delta may credit it. It would be wise to make sure to take a closer look at individual waivers since rules differ by situation.

In most other circumstances, including if you want to further modify your flight from work or other personal issues, you cannot get any refund or credit on Delta's basic economy ticket. The credits, if you get any, are valid for one year from the ticket issue date. They can only be used by the person named on the ticket for travel on Delta or any other partner airline.

Measures to attempt to seek a refund

The good news is that while Delta sticks firmly to basic economy rules, there are a few things you can try to either get your money back or a travel voucher when your plans go awry:

Call Delta Reservations Immediately

When you are aware that there will be a need to alter the trip or cancel it, then it is time to contact Delta Reservations. There are times when a worker on the phone will be helpful enough to allow an exception for you. Still, it is your highest likelihood of dealing with basic economy rebooking and refund policies. For Delta reservations, their phone number is 800-221-1212. Due to call volumes, average hold times exceed one hour, so factor that into your time management.

Always Use Your Case Number and Go Higher If Necessary

If the initial reservations agent you talk to is unable to provide you with a refund or credit, politely request to be transferred to a manager or any on-shift supervisor. Politely remind the representative about the case number of your initial conversation, and then inquire if there are any options to obtain a refund or e-credit according to the fare rules. When armed with a case number, it demonstrates that you went out of your way to reciprocate in good faith. It is recommended that if the first agent you are connected to is not helpful, hang up the phone and call again because different agents will provide you with different answers. Tirelessness and patience proved to be a valuable asset, particularly in the airline business.

Submit the Relevant Paperwork for Special Circumstances

In cases such as medical complications or some travel exceptions, Delta asks you to produce evidence that you could not travel as planned. For illness, this entails any official medical reports on the dates, diagnosis codes, and any no-fly certification. In the case of weather events and other waivers, one is required to show that they planned to travel into or out of the affected areas during the period of the waivers. Having this paperwork ready when you call gives Delta what they need to quickly process exceptions and award your refund or future travel voucher.

This is a simple checklist that you can use to determine whether or not it makes sense to buy options on future credits.

If, even after trying your best, you receive only a travel credit from Delta associated with your SkyMiles account, make sure you know how to utilize it. Based on the type of fare you bought, you will have one year from the date of original ticketing or two years from the date credit is posted to the account. This means you have to finish trips before certain dates elapse or you are left with nothing as far as that bit of value is concerned. You also want to record blackout periods, restricted days such as holidays or peak days, and charges you need to make to activate the credit, for example, change or cancellation fees. Do not forget to inquire about all rules regarding credit usage so that there are no unpleasant surprises in the future.

Although generally close to non-refundable, you may still be able to get a refund or perhaps apply the amount you have paid for basic economy on Delta towards future travel. However, ensure that you read all the restrictions before booking, make a quick decision when changes occur, be armed with any relevant documents that may be required for the exceptions, and accept restrictions should you be offered credit instead of cash back.

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