Delta Makes Basic Economy Even More Restrictive With Latest Round of Changes

Updated: June 27, 2025, 12:51pm CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Delta Basic Economy Gets More Fees and Less Flexibility
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Flying on a basic economy ticket with Delta is getting … even more frustrating. Already notorious for their inflexibility, Delta’s basic economy tickets are now subject to even more fees and restrictions that will surely fluster flyers.

Here’s what you need to know about these unfortunate updates.

Delta Basic Economy Gets More Fees and Less Flexibility

The team at AwardWallet noticed a slew of changes to Delta basic economy fares that introduce more fees and less flexibility to a product that was already among the least flexible in the entire industry.

The new policies are region-specific, so you’ll need to pay close attention if you have a basic economy ticket booked and are looking to change (good luck) or cancel it (get your wallet ready).

Delta B757 200 Back economy cabin — Image Credit: Alberto Riva

Here are the latest updates, organized by region:

Europe

These changes apply primarily to Delta basic economy tickets that originate on the continent, but you’ll need to note when you booked it because that makes all the difference.

Delta usually charges €300 (approximately $352) to change or cancel a basic economy ticket originating in Europe (Delta also includes Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in its definition of Europe). Meanwhile, the fee to do the same for tickets booked before March 21, 2024, is €200 (approximately $235).

However, Delta has introduced a blackout period for tickets booked between March 21, 2024, and June 26, 2025, in which basic economy tickets cannot be changed or cancelled. This leaves flyers who have booked basic economy tickets during this period of time with no flexibility whatsoever.

Central America

It gets a little more complicated for travelers starting their journey in Central America, as the fees depend on their final destination.

For those headed to the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, there’s a $99 cancellation fee, while those going to Mexico, South America, Europe, the U.K., Africa, the Middle East, or the Pacific will pay $199 to cancel a ticket. Changes are not permitted on any of these tickets.

South America

If your journey starts in South America, get ready to pay up if you need to cancel a basic economy ticket. For tickets issued on or after June 26, 2025, the cancellation fee is a whopping $330, up significantly from the previous rate of $199. These tickets also cannot be changed.

Hot Tip:

What’s the difference between basic economy and Main Cabin on Delta Air Lines? Find out in our full guide.

Final Thoughts

Delta has made an already restrictive basic economy product even more difficult to manage. Fees for canceling many international tickets have increased, and changes are not allowed on most of them.

If there’s any potential for variability in your plans, we advise paying a little more upfront to book a Main Cabin ticket. If things go wrong and you’re stuck with a basic economy ticket, you’ll have to pay dearly to remedy the situation.