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If you're flying with Delta Air Lines, you may be able to get compensation for significant flight delays for flights departing in the U.S. The airline also offers hotel accommodations when delays stretch overnight.
Here's what you should know:
1. Airlines, including Delta, are now required to provide compensation for delays
The U.S. Department of Transportation outlines rules that airlines must follow. The DOT states that airlines are now required to compensate for delays for flights departing the U.S.
As of April 2024, airlines must refund passengers in certain situations including:
- A canceled or significantly changed flight when the passenger does not accept alternative arrangements or flight credits.
- Significantly delayed baggage return.
- A passenger pays for services that are not received, like wi-fi or seat selection.
The DOT considers a significant change or delay to be a change in departure or arrival time of more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally, departures or arrivals from a different airport, an increase in the number of connections or a downgrade in class of service.
Each airline can outline policies for handling flight disruption and delays. So it’s a good idea to be familiar with your carrier’s policies before you head to the airport. Luckily, Delta is known for being generous.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
2. Delta will keep customers informed about delays
Delta is committed to making customers aware of known delays, cancellations and diversions. According to the airline’s customer commitment, the airline will alert customers within thirty minutes of becoming aware of the change of status of the flight.
This includes displaying updates on boarding gate signs, flight information display screens at airports, and on the Delta website and app. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the status of your flight so you know what to expect.
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3. Delta will rebook you on the next available flight
If you experience a delay, cancellation or other operational disruptions, Delta will automatically attempt to rebook you on the next available flight. The airline will also make every reasonable effort to reroute your checked baggage on the same flight.
If you are onboard a flight and are in danger of missing a connection or need to rebook, you can use the Delta website or app for free using onboard wi-fi to check rebooking options.
4. If you’re inconvenienced overnight, Delta will provide hotel accommodations or offer compensation
Delta’s customer commitment outlines what the airline will do if delays, cancellations or irregular operations result in you being inconvenienced overnight.
The airline promises to do the following:
- Delta will provide hotel accommodations at Delta contracted facilities based on availability if you are inconvenienced overnight while away from your home or destination due to a delay, misconnect or cancellation within Delta’s control.
- Delta will provide ground transportation to and from the hotel.
- If a Delta-contracted hotel is not available and you need to book your own accommodations, Delta will reimburse you for reasonable costs for a hotel room and for ground transportation to and from.
- If accommodations are unavailable, the airline will reimburse you with a credit for reasonable costs commensurate in value with the contracted hotel rate.
- Delta will provide meal vouchers if a delay is more than three hours.
5. Travel insurance can protect you even more
If you’re worried about the potential for flight delays, you may want to invest in travel insurance.
With the right travel insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for expenses resulting from travel delays and disruptions.
You can purchase coverage through a travel insurance agency. However, comparing travel insurance policies is a good idea before buying one.
You should also compare coverage details to ensure you get the right policy for your needs. There are several resources available that will allow you to compare policies from different insurance companies.
Travel insurance could be a beneficial backup resource since flight delay compensation isn’t guaranteed and requires additional steps.
» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance
6. Your travel card may already include travel insurance benefits
Some premium travel cards include travel insurance coverage as a card benefit. If you use an eligible card to book your Delta tickets, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for extra expenses not covered by Delta due to flight delays.
The exact coverage offered varies by card but may include coverage for trip delays, trip interruptions, baggage delays and lost baggage.
Some examples of travel cards with travel insurance benefits include:
Annual fee
- $95
- $795
- $895
- $95
Travel protections (not a comprehensive list)
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Terms apply.
• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.
• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.
• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.
• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.
Learn more
» Learn more: Credit cards that provide travel insurance
Review your policy before your trip if you have a card with these perks. It’s important to know what’s covered and whether there are any exclusions before you make a claim.
The bottom line
No one likes dealing with travel delays, but they do happen. Delta may offer compensation depending on the situation and severity of your flight delay. However, the airline isn’t required to compensate customers in most cases.
You can ask the airline what they will do for you if you experience lengthy travel disruptions. To better protect yourself, consider investing in a travel insurance policy.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance
- Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
- Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
- Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
- The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
- Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
- Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan
- Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.
- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
- Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
- Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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