The Guide to Getting Delta Flight Delay Compensation - NerdWallet (2024)

Flight delays are common and they may happen when you least expect them. When it comes to federal rules requiring U.S. airlines to compensate travelers for regular delays—there aren’t any.

However, each airline can outline its policies for handling these situations. For example, when flying with Delta Air Lines, in some cases, the airline may compensate inconvenienced travelers for expenses such as an overnight hotel stay for delays that stretch overnight.

If you’re planning to fly with Delta soon, you should study the brand’s policies to know what to expect regarding Delta flight delay compensation. Here are seven things you should know:

1. Airlines, including Delta, aren’t required to provide compensation for delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation outlines rules that airlines must follow. And the DOT states that airlines aren’t required to compensate for delays for flights departing the U.S.

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, and in some cases, you may qualify for Delta flight delay compensation.

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.

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.

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:

5. You can ask for compensation

If you experience extended delays or other significant travel disruptions while flying with Delta, you should ask a staff member if they will offer compensation.

Keep the above policies in mind and see what the airline will do for you. The Transportation Department notes that even though airlines aren’t required to offer compensation, customers may ask for it.

If you end up paying for hotel or transit costs out of pocket due to a delay, keep your receipts and submit a claim through the airline. You can ask Delta Air Lines to reimburse you for these added travel costs. You may also consider asking for some Delta SkyMiles for the inconvenience.

If you don’t ask or aren’t offered compensation, additional food, hotel and transit costs will be your responsibility—making your trip much more expensive.

6. 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.

7. 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:

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.