can i change my seat assignment on delta

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The Delta Seat Selection Guide

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Table of Contents

How Delta seat selection works

Delta seat selection fee, ticket types and seat selection rules, delta air lines seats for elite members, delta plane seating chart, how to pick seats on delta, final thoughts on selecting a seat on delta air lines.

Booking a Delta Air Lines flight and wondering about Delta’s seat selection? It’s no wonder — with differing benefits for elite members and strict restrictions on basic economy tickets, figuring out how and when to choose your Delta seat can quickly become overwhelming.

Here's a look at Delta seat assignments, how Delta Air Lines’ seating system works and the costs of choosing a seat.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Delta operates a variety of cabin classes on its aircraft, including economy, Premium Select, first class and Delta One seats.

Like most airlines, Delta will allow you to select your seat when booking, though the cost to do so and any upcharges will vary depending on the flight you’re taking. Those flying with families and wondering “does Delta seat families together?” are in luck. Delta does its best to seat families together, even after check-in.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United, which is best for you?

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while budget airlines Frontier and Spirit charge the most.

Delta sits in the middle, charging an average of $15-plus for each flight that you'd like to select a seat for. The cost will vary depending on the type of ticket you book with the airline — which we'll discuss next.

» Learn more: How to navigate costly airline seat selection fees

How much is seat selection on Delta Air Lines? That will depend on the ticket type you’re purchasing, be it basic economy, main cabin, Premium Select (premium economy), first class or Delta One.

Basic economy

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.

If you reserve a basic economy ticket, it’s possible to purchase a specific seat starting seven days before departure. Pricing for this varies by trip and is priced by segment.

Main cabin seating, also known as regular economy, includes complimentary seat selection. As a main cabin customer, you also have the option to purchase an upgrade to preferred or Delta Comfort Plus seats while remaining an economy class passenger.

You can also book upgraded economy tickets with additional seat selection perks:

Main Cabin Preferred: Main Cabin Preferred seats are functionally the same as regular main cabin seats. The difference lies in the seat location; Main Cabin Preferred seats are typically window and aisle seats nearer to the front of the plane, plus exit rows. These are the least expensive upgrades from standard economy seating.

Comfort Plus: When available, a Delta Comfort Plus ticket can be purchased directly while booking and the price will include seat selection. The cost to upgrade is higher than for a preferred seat in main cabin. Comfort Plus features more legroom than main cabin and offers passengers dedicated overhead bins. In addition, Comfort Plus guests will receive complimentary beer and wine on all domestic and short-haul international flights.

Main cabin passengers can also choose to upgrade to a Comfort Plus seat either before or after purchasing their ticket.

Premium Select

Premium Select is Delta’s version of premium economy, with larger seats and better recline, two free checked bags, earlier boarding and premium extras. Those who book Premium Select can choose any seat within the cabin for no additional fee.

Delta One and first class

Both first class and Delta One ticket holders can choose any seat within their cabin for free. These spacious seats come with two free checked bags, premium snacks and meals, priority boarding, and a dedicated flight attendant.

GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD

Regardless of where you sit once you're on the plane, a Delta-branded credit card can make your trip go a little smoother. Most include free checked bags and priority boarding, and some really stack up the perks. Among options:

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$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate ((first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

Those who have joined the Delta SkyMiles program and earned Medallion elite status will receive seating benefits on their flights.

Main Cabin Preferred

When booking main cabin tickets, all four tiers of elite status members can select main cabin preferred seats for no additional charge.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to earning Delta SkyMiles

Comfort Plus

Platinum and Diamond level elite members (the two highest tiers) can choose Comfort Plus seats shortly after ticketing for free. Mid-tier Gold members, meanwhile, will be able to select these seats starting 72 hours prior to departure, and low-level Silver members can pick from available Comfort Plus seats starting 24 hours before departure.

Delta elite members will also receive upgrades on select first class and Delta One flights depending on their elite status.

You can find Delta Air Lines seating without needing to book a flight. To do so, you’ll want to first search for your preferred route on Delta’s website. On the search results page, you’ll find a variety of flights from which to choose.

Each flight presents a seat map, which you can preview by selecting "Seats."

Once you’ve picked "Seats," you’ll be taken to a new page that shows a live preview of your aircraft’s seats.

You’ll also be able to view the seat map during the booking process. Once you’ve selected your flight, you’ll be taken to another page prompting you to pick a seat.

How do I choose my seat on Delta?

During booking

The process for reserving a Delta seat is fairly simple. As we mentioned above, you’ll be able to pick seats when booking your flights on the website; Delta will automatically prompt you to do so before checkout.

You may not be able to select seats on codeshare flights, which are operated by Delta’s partners . In this case, you’ll want to go directly to the other airlines’ webpage to manage your seat selection.

After booking

If you need to choose or alter your seat after you’ve booked your flight, go to "My Trips" on the Delta homepage.

If you’re logged in already, you’ll be able to view all the trips you have booked with Delta. You’ll find seat selection options by going down to the "Passenger Information" section.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on Delta flights

Delta has a variety of ticketing options available for every type of passenger. This includes the highly restrictive basic economy class ticket as well as main cabin tickets for those who prefer certainty with their seats.

Upgrading to Main Cabin Preferred and Comfort Plus seats offers better benefits for those in economy. Loyal members of Delta’s SkyMiles program can also expect to receive complimentary access to these seats and upgrades to higher classes depending on their level of status.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

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What is the Delta Change Seat Facility? Eligibility and Methods

TravelRaval » Blog » What is the Delta Change Seat Facility? Eligibility and Methods

T he Delta change seat feature can give passengers a more comfortable experience. It is a part of the flight change policy that permits people to make seat-related alterations. This policy allows different types of changes in the seat option after reserving flights. Passengers can make such changes for reasons like more comfort, the availability of better facilities, etc. This policy assists in making these changes whether it is done online or offline. Also, this enables travelers to make modifications ahead of check-in. While the seat change policy permits this facility, it can also enable the airline to make modifications. Knowing completely about this facility can be of use to flyers, especially during these instances.

Can I Change My Seat on Delta?

It is possible to change seats on Delta. This is beneficial for passengers who are not satisfied with their current seating. For this, the carrier allows the flexibility to travelers to make changes in their seats accordingly. Hence, it is able to provide them with a satisfactory in-flight experience.  

• This airline allows travelers to change or upgrade their seating options.
• While doing so, the Delta seat change policy has to be followed.
• Travelers can contact the customer support team to get the details of the same. 
• The official website can be visited to switch the seating alternatives. 
• They can change seats from Economic class to Premium/Business, or vice-versa.

What is Delta Seat Change Policy? 

This is a policy that allows passengers a variety of modifications that they can make to their current seating. Delta has made this policy to clear all the rules and guidelines related to seat modifications. 

• This flexibility plays a key role in offering a good travel experience. 
• This indicates why is Delta a good Airline to fly with in terms of comfort.
• The carrier reserves the changing rights with itself for security, safety, and operational reasons. 
• When passengers change their seats willingly, prices are non-refundable.
• The final decision on modification resides with the operational crew and ground staff. 
• An additional fee for changing seats might be applicable and is subject to change. 
• The seating options will only be modified for Delta-connected airlines. 
• Fare rules will be applied at the time of alterations, as per the Delta seat change policy.
• Changing Basic Economy seats within 24 hours of purchase can be free.

Can You Change Seats on Delta After Booking?

Airlines like Delta enable passengers to alter their seating options after booking. It facilitates the flexibility for travelers to choose their favorite spots to sit because it believes to provide them with a satisfying and comfortable in-flight experience. 

• The carrier allows travelers to change their seats after booking.
• Delta’s official website
• The official app of the airline
• Visiting the airport
• Contacting the airline
• After paying the required charges, passengers of Delta change seats after booking.
• If travelers book tickets with a third party, then they must contact it for the same.
• Before making any alteration after booking, carefully read Fare Rules. 
• They can visit the official website or can contact the airline for the current rules.

Can Delta Change My Seat?

Delta can change the seats of the passengers in some situations. Some incidents have happened with travelers in which the airline itself changes seats. Under Delta’s contract of carriage, there are certain reasons mentioned that made the carrier alter the seating options of the passengers. 

A brief about these situations can be found further to ascertain when can Delta change your seat:

• In some situations, the carrier changes the kind of plane that has to be used for flights.
• Seating of these new aircraft can be different that may not match with current options. 
• At the time of delays or cancellation, Delta may modify the seating.
• Alterations in seatings can be done by the airline, especially for disabled or elderly people.
• There could be other reasons too for which Delta changes the seats by itself.

Can Delta Change My Seat Without Telling Me?

Possibly, Delta Airlines can change the seats of travelers at any time without giving them proper notice or clarification. According to the reviews of some passengers, the carrier only promises the people starting and ending destinations on their tickets. 

• This may happen to them in case the seat is booked for some special needs. 
• For the elderly, disabled persons, or high-class people, changes can be made. 
• Thus, the carrier has to shift the seat of the passenger without telling them beforehand.

On Delta Can You Change Seats After Checking-in?

Delta allows passengers to change their seats after the check-in process. But there might be some limitations that can be faced by travelers. Seat unavailability is a common limitation observed. Even when fewer seating options are left, managing bookings after checking in can be difficult. 

More limitations and details regarding seat changing after check-in are given below: 

• After check-in, seat availability in the plane may become limited or it can be fully booked. 
• Hence, there can be only fewer options on Delta to change seats after check-in.
• Usually, after check-in, it becomes difficult to find a suitable spot or available seating.
• Economy to Economy 
• First Class to First Class
• Business to Business class
• Customers can make changes 24 hours before departure.
• They can do so by visiting the official website online, or from the airport too.  
• Seat maps available on Delta’s website or in its app can be used to find unbooked seats.
• Gate agents can be connected at the airport to know the availability.
• They have to pay the required fee for this benefit. It can vary as per the time and fare type.

How to Change Seats on Delta Airlines Online?

The changes in the seating can be made online from the website of Delta. For making modifications, some details are required like the passenger’s first and last name, ticket number, etc. The changes can be done in a few minutes and can be implemented after making the required payment in case applicable. 

These are the steps to make desirable changes in the seating options online:

• Visit the official website of “ Delta ”.
• Click on the “ Log-in ” button.
• After signing in, select the “ My Trip ” option by clicking on it.
• Find the option to manage seats. 
• Then look for the seat that is not marked as “ Occupied ” on the seat map.
• Follow more directions appearing ahead.
• Confirm all the changes that are made.
• Make the payment at last to implement the changes.

How to Change Seat on Delta Flight at Airport?

Passengers can change their seats offline by physically visiting the airport from where the departure is scheduled. Travelers have to take necessary documents like passports, personal paperwork, ticket flight numbers, etc. Afterward, the representative of the airline at the Delta counter inside the airport can help. 

Here is more to know about how to change seat on Delta offline via the airport. 

• Visit early at the departure airport.
• Find the counter of Delta Airlines.
• At this counter, ask the representative about the availability of the seats for changes.
• Also, inquire about the flight status and process of making seating modifications.
• Pay the required amount for switching seats. 
• At last, confirm your seat assignment.
• Travelers can also seek assistance from the airport counter or gate agent too.

What is the Delta Seat Change Fee?

Usually, the charges for flight changes cost between $0-$400 in Delta Airlines. But the fees for seat-related changes can be low, depending on the routes, time, cabin, and seating status. To confirm the exact charges, contact the helpline of the carrier. 

Why Can’t You Change Seat on Delta Flight?

There are several reasons why travelers may occasionally face difficulty in making modifications to their seats. These can comprise limited seat options, fully booked flights, some safety reasons, etc. Alterations can also be restricted in some situations or in Economy Class. 

To gain additional knowledge about when the changes in the seating option are restricted or limited, consider reading below-given insights:

• After the check-in process, seat availability may become limited.
• Some types of specific fares restrict people from changing their cabin seats.
• Operational reasons 
• Safety consideration 
• It may be hard to change seat on Delta if travelers have booked flights from a third party.
• These parties might not assist them to modify the seating options directly.
• Also, there are many restrictions to do so with a basic economy ticket.

Conclusion 

Delta is the airline that offers travelers flexibility in choosing their favorite seats. For this, it has made a clear Delta seat change policy that can help them to do so. It also facilitates online and offline methods to make modifications at a nominal fee, after booking and check-in too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are certain queries from travelers related to seat changing on Delta flights. Some of these doubts are answered below in the list of questions and answers:

People who are traveling from any class except for Basic Economy can make seat changes.

Travelers of Basic Economy seats are restricted to change their seats to other cabins.

Yes, travelers with Premium Class tickets can make alterations to their seats.

First-Class passengers can make modifications to their seats.

Yes, the changes can be done in seating before departure, subject to availability.

You can upgrade seats from Business to First-Class after paying extra charges.

It may not be possible to switch seats during the commencement of flights.

The modification of the seats can be done by logging into the Delta account online.

The cost of changing seats might be low. Usually, it is under $400.

Yes, Delta Airlines enables passengers to make modifications to seats after check-in.

In case you have any special requirements, then the seat can be changed for free.

This assignment can be changed offline at the airport.

Seat maps assist travelers to know which spot is occupied and available.

Yes, the official app of this airline, Fly Delta, can be used to manage seats on a flight.

In some instances, Delta can change your seat from front to back due to security or special reasons.

After logging into the account, use “My Trip” to manage your seat.

There are several reasons for this including plane changes, delays in flights, etc.

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Delta Check-in

• Planes & Seat Maps

How can I check in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

You may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight with the following options:

• Online check-in (Web check-in)
• Mobile check-in
• Curbside check-in at the airport
• Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
• Ticket counter check-in at the airport

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. You may use this option if:

• you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on Delta Air Lines (DL)
• you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
• you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes, you may check bags but you must drop them at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline for your flight.

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) online web check-in? : Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer mobile check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

• you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)
• you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter).
• you are not traveling with an infant (a printed boarding pass is required)

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check Delta Air Lines (DL) website for an exact list of participating airports.

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the Delta Air Lines (DL) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the Delta Air Lines (DL) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Does Delta Air Lines (DL) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

Delta Air Lines (DL) does not charge a fee for selecting a standard seat assignment.

When do I need to check-in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for an Delta Air Lines (DL) flight is:

• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

• 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage:

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for Delta Air Lines (DL) flights:

• 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
• 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

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First of all, an apology if this subject has been broached before. I did a search and could find nothing that addresses this problem. Bear with me! :-)

When I checked today, I noticed we had been moved (on the ATL-LAS segment) to Row 42. I called and spoke with a rep; was very polite (even though his command of English (or lack thereof) left us both almost in tears).

After 15 minutes of speaking to Bangalore, I finally got to talk with Customer Service in Salt Lake. She said there was nothing they could do. First she said the equipment had changed; I noted it had not. Then she said it was totally automated and there was no way to move us. Then she said the AIRPORT had taken those seats. I mentioned to her that since they shuffled US to the back, maybe they could do the same for someone else...this did not go over well. :-)

Is there anything I can do? I know in this age of don't-care airlines , it is a small matter, but I've been flying Delta since the 70s and even though I've had problems before, for some reason, this irks me more than most. I truly feel like a second-class citizen and am seeking advice on how to approach this problem. I was polite yet firm, but it got me nowhere.

Thanks for any advice!

Since you have been flying Delta since the 70s, I assume you are a SkyMiles member? If so, try playing that "card".

One thing puzzles me. Last time I flew Delta, I was in control of where my seats were. I could go online and move myself around at a whim. Admittedly this was a while ago, so things might have changed, but last time I flew Continental (which was very recently) I was certainly able to change my seats.

Sure, I'm a SkyMiles member but that didn't make any difference at all. They both could have cared less.

The only other time Delta has changed seat assignments on me was when there was an equipment change...

Well seats will come free when online check in opens, so be quick on the keyboard. Is there no better seat you can move yourself to in the meantime?

Lots of reasons why your seat assignments could have been changed, for example to accommodate a large group. Seat assignments are never guaranteed.

Personally, I would just keep calling until I got someone willing to help. If you explain that you are a nervous flier they may give you one of the seats reserved for Medallion members near the front.

I moved us up to Row 35.

I guess it irks me so much as I purchased my tickets so far in advance and chose my seats when the plane was empty. Now that it's filling up, to get pushed to the back just grates...but such is life and I will survive. :-)

I will continue to monitor the seat chart daily. :-)

Thanks for the thoughts.

Good luck. Customer service is long gone.

> Customer service is long gone.

So is paying the kind of fare that ensures customer service can be provided. At the fares people are prepared to pay today, something has to be cut back. Along with meals etc., customer service takes a back seat.

I am really confused by your customer service experience. When I call the frequent flyer phone no. I always promptly get an English speaking native speaker on the phone. I have never gotten anyone that sounded off shore. I wonder if at certain times of night the call goes through somewhere else?

I'm calling Delta's SkyMiles phone number (ends in 2323) and I always get Bangalore...maybe it's a matter of where your call originates. Left Coast/Right Coast?

In the amount of time they spent telling me 'No', they could have helped me and gone on to help several more folks. I worked in Customer Service and am always dismayed when I hit a brick wall that I know doesn't have to be there...but then, I'm always delighted whenever someone actually does their job, too! :-)

Whenever we ring Delta from Australia the operators are as American as can be; and very helpful as well.

Not much consolation, but we have had more success with the Delta airport desk agents than with the people on the phone. Get to the airport early, and explain your situation to the desk agent.

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Know your rights: When an airline can move your seat

Ann Coulter vs. Delta Air Lines is the latest battle over airline customer service to play out on social media.

The conservative pundit began to fire off angry tweets about the carrier this past weekend after she was asked to move from a pre-selected seat with extra leg room on a Delta flight from New York to West Palm Beach, Florida. Delta ( DAL ) said Sunday it would refund Coulter $30 for the preferred seat she purchased, but criticized her "derogatory and slanderous comments" as "unnecessary and unacceptable."

So, can an airline really just move you out of a seat that you booked and paid for?

Long story short: They sure can.

So glad I took time investigate the aircraft & PRE-BOOK a specific seat on @Delta , so some woman could waltz at the last min & take my seat. — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 15, 2017

When you buy a plane ticket, you agree to the extensive terms spelled out in the airline's "contract of carriage."

A key part of Delta's contract gives the carrier broad authority to change your seat (as well as the time your flight leaves and plenty of other particulars).

"Delta may substitute alternate carriers or aircraft, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket at any time. Schedules are subject to change without notice," the contracts reads.

Related: Delta hits back at Ann Coulter after her tweetstorm over seat mix-up

United ( UAL ) and American ( AAL ) contracts of carriage have similar provisions.

"We make every effort to ensure you get your chosen seat, but seat assignments are not guaranteed," American's policy says .

That doesn't mean rearranging passengers is good customer service. But it happens, said Brett Snyder, a former airline manager and editor of the travel blog Crankyflier.com.

"They can pretty much move you if they need to," Snyder said. "It's not always in their interest to do it, but they can."

If airlines do shuffle passengers around, it's usually for good reason, said George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com.

Related: Delta vs. Ann Coulter: Why it's a big deal

A parent may need to sit near a small child, an elderly passenger may need to be next to a caregiver or an air marshal may be on board, Hobica said. Sometimes, passengers with mobility problems ask to sit on the aisle so they can get up and down more easily, he added.

If you get booted from your preferred spot, there is recourse available.

Get in touch with the airline, Snyder said. Online claim forms and customer service lines are both options for requesting a refund.

"[Airlines] are pretty used to this kind of thing," Snyder said.

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What Can You Do When an Airline Changes Your Seat?

By Mark Ellwood

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It was about two months before Matt Nevans’ flight when he received the mysterious, apologetic email: the first-class seat he had picked for his Thai Airways flight to Tokyo had been changed from 1E to 3A. The reason? The former was required by a princess from the country’s royal family.

Nevans, a 33-year-old from Washington, D.C. , who travels regularly for his job, took it for a prank. “The initial thought was: man, one of my friends is screwing with me here.” When he checked, though, the airline apologized profusely and confirmed the switch. Sure enough, on the day of that flight, sitting in 3A, he watched as the flight attendants formed a reception line. Moments before the door closed, they bowed as the princess appeared. “She looked very Hollywood-ish, lots of gold,” Nevans recalls.

His experience might sound unlikely—and probably caused him more amusement than inconvenience—but seat reallocation is commonplace on a plane. When an airline changes your seat, it could be for a multitude of reasons. Mechanical problems or weather delays might force an airline to swap out one aircraft for another, a passenger might be moved to make way for a deadheading crew member, or a seat change could also be to accommodate a disabled passenger: certain seats on any aircraft are designated A.D.A.-friendly , often those in front of the bulkhead wall.

“You could be moved for, quite literally, any reason," says Bobby Laurie , the flight attendant and travel expert. "Even though you’ve selected that seat, it’s not yours.”

Whatever the airline's reason for ejecting you from your chosen seat, what rights do fliers have? Per the fine print on any ticket, absolutely none, says Christian Nielsen, Chief Legal Officer of AirHelp . ”When you buy a flight ticket, you actually buy transportation from A to B, not a particular seat in the aircraft, even if you pay extra to choose your own seat,” he says. “There is no situation where you are absolutely guaranteed.” Nielsen says that most airlines will try to move fliers to an equal or better seat if forced to reorganize the cabin, though it isn’t always possible on busy flights. If you’ve paid for extra leg room, for instance, and are moved to a standard berth in economy , expect a refund. Keep both boarding passes if the change happens at the gate or take the name of the in-flight supervisor if the reseating takes place once onboard. In the former case, if you’re unsatisfied with the new seat, ask the gate agent if a better seat is available on an alternative flight to the destination that day.

Fliers’ rights are far stronger when they're denied a seat entirely, rather than moved within the cabin. You can expect compensation of up to 400 percent of your ticket price (capped to $1,350) if the alternative seat on another flight delivers you to your destination more than two hours after your original scheduled arrival. AirHelp’s Nielsen does caution that these regulations are applicable in North America, but do not apply worldwide—in China, for instance, even denied boarding does not guarantee automatic compensation, so check the contract of carriage for each ticket.

Even though you’re not legally entitled to redress after being reseated, Laurie says that most in-flight staffers will attempt to offset the inconvenience. “If there are no first-class seats to move you to, you might well have the luxury of a first-class experience,” he says. “ Flight attendants might not be able to issue you a refund, but they’re going to try to sweeten the deal.” They will make that apology manifest in the form of free movies, meals, drinks—or even all three, especially for cooperative, polite passengers. He recalls one well-known jewelry designer whom he asked to move from her prime perch to accommodate a family; she ended up in the back row of the economy cabin. She didn’t scowl, though. Instead, she spent most of the flight standing to chat in the galley with staff, nursing a cocktail, and showing her designs to folks waiting for the bathroom.

Laurie was lucky. Moving premium passengers is often a challenge, as few will downgrade from first class without a struggle. But take solace if you’re ever forcibly bumped from the front of the plane, and staffers refuse to provide a clear explanation as to why, but instead, simply offer a full refund. This confusing situation is a sign you’re on an extra-safe flight: air marshals, deployed to protect the cockpit, will be seated there, often at a moment’s notice to the airline before take-off.

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How to change or cancel a Delta Air Lines flight

Delta Air Lines is often seen as one of the best domestic U.S. airlines in the sky. At the 2019 TPG Awards , the airline took the award for the best U.S. airline loyalty program, and its top-tier Diamond Medallion status took home the honor for best elite status. However, how does Delta stack up when it's time to change or cancel a ticket?

This isn't something that most travelers think of until it's time to actually adjust a nonrefundable ticket. This may not happen often, but travel plans do change, especially when you're traveling during a natural disaster or another time of uncertainty — like the worldwide coronavirus outbreak that's having far-reaching impacts on the travel industry.

Stay up-to-date on the outbreak by visiting our hub page for coronavirus coverage and signing up for our daily newsletter .

Unfortunately, Delta has one of the most restrictive change and cancellation policies for both nonrefundable and award tickets, so in this article, we'll walk you through all there is to know about changing or canceling Delta tickets. We'll start by taking a look at Delta travel waivers related to the coronavirus (and other times when the airline may issue a travel waiver), and then dive into canceling both paid and award tickets.

Canceling or changing Delta tickets during a travel waiver

Delta frequently publishes travel waivers during bad weather, natural disasters and other times when the airline expects to cancel lots of flights. This lets the airline make changes before customers arrive at the airport, saving congestion at the gate and ticket counter. Sometimes these waivers let you change your tickets for free during a very specific period, and other times it offers broader change periods. The specifics of each travel waiver will vary based on the situation.

These travel waivers are usually listed at the top of Delta's website when in effect. Likewise, Delta may email you if you're traveling on a ticket that's eligible to be changed or canceled for free under a travel waiver.

One example of a broad waiver is the blanket travel waiver that — as of the time of writing this article — is in effect for flights booked during the coronavirus outbreak . This travel waiver covers all flights across Delta's network and it's been updated several times since the outbreak took over U.S. news headlines. You can view the full policy on Delta's website , but at the time of writing, the following waivers are in effect:

• All change fees are waived for U.S. domestic and international travel through May 31, 2020. Travel between June 1 and December 31, 2020, can be changed, but a fare difference will apply.
• Delta tickets can also be canceled in exchange for a travel credit equal to the amount of the ticket for free.
• Tickets purchased in March can be changed as many times as you'd like without a change fee. Other tickets can be changed once.

Again, make sure to review Delta's website for up-to-date info on the carrier's coronavirus travel waivers. These may be extended or adjusted depending upon how long the outbreak continues.

It's important to understand the full terms of the travel waiver you're using. For example, canceling a ticket under the coronavirus travel waiver won't entitle you to a full refund to your credit card. Instead, you'll be issued a Delta flight credit that you can use toward a future Delta ticket. If you cancel an award ticket , on the other hand, you'll receive a full refund of your SkyMiles to your Delta account. According to a Delta spokesperson, the carrier is waiving the standard fee for redepositing your miles — normally $150.

If you booked your trip using an Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Orbitz or Expedia, you won't be able to cancel your ticket through the Delta website. If your ticket is covered by the travel waiver, you have to call your OTA and request a change or cancellation. All fees should still be waived for eligible tickets.

One exception to this rule is tickets booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal or Amex Travel . Delta tickets booked through these credit card portals can be canceled or changed on the Delta website, so simply find your reservation on the Delta website and make the requested changes online.

Changing or canceling paid Delta tickets

Paid Delta tickets that aren't covered by a travel waiver can still be changed or canceled, but you'll typically be charged a hefty fee. The only types of Delta tickets that cannot be changed or canceled are basic economy tickets — unfortunately, these tickets can only be changed or canceled under very specific circumstances, which we'll cover later in this article.

If you're not eligible for a travel waiver or another special situation that lets you adjust a ticket for free, you'll be subject to one of the following fees if you need to cancel or change a Delta flight.

In the case of international flights, you'll pay a minimum of $200 to change your flight and a maximum of $500. The actual cost of the change or cancellation depends on the length of your flight. Delta does note, however, that all flights to Canada cost a flat rate of $200.

As noted previously, Delta will not issue a refund for nonrefundable fares. Instead, the change or cancellation fee will be subtracted from the cost of the ticket, and the remainder will be issued as a flight credit that you can use towards a future Delta flight. As an example, if you cancel a $600 flight from New York-JFK to Vancouver (YVR), you'll get a $400 flight credit that can be applied to any future Delta flight.

Refundable Delta fares can be canceled for free at any time before the flight departs for a full refund to the original form of payment. You can make changes to or cancel a ticket by pulling up your Delta itinerary on the Delta website.

Changing or canceling Delta award tickets

Canceling or changing a Delta award ticket booked with SkyMiles is more straightforward than paid flights. Like paid tickets, basic economy awards can't be changed or canceled. All other award tickets can be changed or canceled for a flat fee of $150, including both domestic and international flights.

When you cancel an award ticket and pay the $150 fee, your miles will be redeposited back into your Delta account. If, on the other hand, you opt to change a ticket instead, you'll be responsible for both the fee and any mileage difference between your current flight and the new flight you book. For example, if you're changing a trip that initially set you back 100,000 SkyMiles to a flight that now costs 120,000 SkyMiles, the extra 20,000 SkyMiles will be deducted from your account in addition to the $150 change fee.

This fee is waived for Diamond and Platinum Medallion members , though travelers with lower tiers of elite status still need to pay it.

One major downside to Delta award tickets is that they must be changed or canceled 72 hours before departure. Changes cannot be processed after this time, and you'll forfeit your miles if you cancel a ticket within 72 hours of travel.

You can change or cancel a Delta award ticket by pulling up your reservation on the Delta website and clicking the Modify Flight button at the top of the screen and following the on-screen prompts. The mileage refund may take a couple of hours to appear back in your Delta account but usually processes on the same day.

Changing or canceling tickets booked with credit card points

Delta tickets booked through credit card travel portals like the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal , Amex Travel or Citi ThankYou Travel Portal are subject to the same cancellation fees discussed earlier. As discussed earlier, this includes tickets covered by travel waivers.

The Chase travel portal and Amex Travel are both letting customers covered by the coronavirus travel waiver to change or cancel tickets directly on Delta's website. All of the same travel restrictions apply to tickets booked through these portals, so make sure you know the ins-and-outs before you cancel your ticket.

Check out our full guide to canceling tickets booked with credit card points for more information.

How do you change or cancel your Delta flight?

All Delta flights (that were purchased directly from Delta) can be quickly changed or canceled online. Just head to Delta.com and follow these steps:

• Log in to your Delta account.
• Click Manage My Trips and select the trip you'd like to change or cancel.
• Click the Modify Trip button at the center of the screen.
• Choose if you'd like to change or cancel your trip.
• Follow the on-screen prompts.

If you do cancel a paid ticket, Delta will email you an eCredit within 24 hours. Make sure to save this email and use the eCredit towards your next paid Delta booking.

If you're unable to access your reservation online — for example, if you booked with an OTA — you'll need to call your OTA of choice to cancel or book your ticket.

Do note that same-day changes are processed differently than standard flight changes for paid Delta flights. Same-day changes are cheaper at $75, but you can only move to flights on the same route that are departing on the same day that you're booked to travel. This fee is waived for Delta Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, and Diamond Medallion customers. You can make this change at check-in or by pulling up your reservation and selecting the same-day confirmed option.

READ MORE: How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket

How can you avoid change and cancellation fees on Delta?

Beyond travel waivers, there are a few ways to avoid paying change and cancellation fees on Delta flights. Here are some scenarios where you may be able to change or cancel your flight for free.

Within 24 hours of booking

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all airlines to give customers a 24-hour window to cancel flights after booking. Tickets booked directly through Delta can be canceled for free on Delta.com during this 24-hour grace period, and your refund will be processed to the original form of payment. Note that your flight must be departing at least 48 hours after booking to be eligible for this refund.

Schedule changes

If your Delta flight is subject to a schedule change of 90 minutes or more, you can cancel or change your flight for free. This usually happens when you book a flight far in advance, as Delta will generally finalize its flight schedules at the start of the season, meaning that flight schedules booked before this are determined by the airline's current and historic flight schedules.

Likewise, smaller changes that leave you with a too-short (or illegal) connection may also make you eligible for a free flight change. Delta will generally notify you about these changes as soon as they're made, but you should also review your existing trips regularly to identify these as soon as possible. When one happens, give the airline a call to assess your options and see if you're eligible for a complimentary change or cancellation.

Flight cancellations

Sometimes an airline may cancel your flights outright. This can happen when an airline anticipates decreased demand or makes a change to its route network after you've already booked a ticket. It can also happen at the last minute due to bad weather, mechanical problems or other unforeseen issues . If you're subject to a flight cancellation, Delta will often try and book you on an alternate flight free of charge. However, you should also be able to request a free cancellation and refund to your credit card.

Elite status

As noted earlier, Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion customers can change or cancel award tickets for free. Also, customers with Gold Medallion status or higher can make same-day changes for free online or by calling the airline. Finally, these higher-tier elite customers may be granted additional leniency when it comes to these fees. As we say here at TPG, it never hurts to ask .

Special circumstances

Some special situations could allow you to change or cancel a Delta flight for free. You're eligible for a full refund of your flights if you receive an unexpected military deployment or change in orders, or if you or one of your travel companions passes away before departure. In either of these cases, Delta will likely require that you send supporting documentation before it processes your refund.

Finally, even if your specific reason for changing or canceling a flight isn't covered by any of the above waivers, it's still worth calling to plea your case. Some phone representatives may be sympathetic to the reason you need to cancel your ticket and offer a one-time waiver of the change or cancellation fee. Just make sure to go into the call without expectation and be kind to the representative regardless of the outcome.

Bottom line

Canceling or changing an airline ticket is never fun, but the experience is a lot less stressful when you know what to expect. Delta charges up to $500 per ticket for changes or cancellations, so it's in your best interest to stay on the lookout for travel waivers, schedule changes and other circumstances that could make you eligible for fee waivers. This is especially true with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, so be sure you review all of Delta's policies so you aren't surprised when you need to adjust your next Delta itinerary.

Feature photo by Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Major airlines sue Biden administration over fee disclosure rule

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• Disclosures to help consumers avoid unexpected fees-USDOT
• Baggage or flight-change fees must be clearly disclosed -USDOT
• Airlines must inform consumers that seats are guaranteed
• Rule is "arbitrary," "contrary to law" -airlines' lawsuit

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The Federal Reserve and two other U.S. regulators are moving toward a new plan that would significantly reduce a nearly 20% mandated increase in capital for the country's biggest banks following lobbying efforts by industry CEOs like JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

European private equity group EQT is in advanced discussions to buy Dublin-based video game services company Keywords Studios for 2.2 billion pounds ($2.79 billion), the companies said in a statement.

• San Francisco

Delta: San Francisco – Barcelona, Spain. $450 (Basic Economy) / $650 (Regular Economy). Roundtrip, including all Taxes

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A good sale to Barcelona. Pricing will vary slightly depending on routing.

The $650 fare includes advance seat assignment, a normal size carry-on and one checked bag.

Delta / Air France / KLM Royal Dutch also have a $450 fare, but it is a Basic Economy fare with restrictions. Delta / Air France / KLM Royal Dutch International Basic Economy fares:

• DO NOT allow for advance seat assignments.
• DO NOT include checked bags – they are $75 each way for the 1st bag and $100 for the 2nd
• DO NOT allow for changes
• DO NOT allow for cancellations – so if you cancel after the 24 hour risk free period, the Basic Economy version will have no value for future travel
• DO NOT allow for mileage earning
• Most online travel agencies are not displaying Air France / KLM Royal Dutch Basic Economy / Economy Light fares as such.

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La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain – Photo: Boris Kasimov via Flickr , used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)

Sample Travel Date:

• November 13th – 20th
• This is just ONE SAMPLE travel date, for more availability, please follow the “Fare Availability” and “How to Search for Availability” instructions below

Fare Availability:

• Valid for travel from late October – early December or mid January 2025 – early March 2025. A Sunday stay is required. Availability is limited. Must purchase at least 3 days in advance of departure
• Please note that while this fare is valid at time of posting, if this post is more than two days old, the fare is likely gone.

How to Search for Availability:

• This is just to search for availability. To buy your tickets, scroll down to “How to Buy” section of this post
• Origin: SFO
• Routing Codes : DL DL
• This is instructing Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to search for the Basic Economy fare. Use those dates on Delta and you will be presented with the option to upgrade to the regular economy fare.
• Destination:   BCN
• Extension Codes : maxconnect 300
• (Click on Advanced Codes link to enable advanced routing code input)
• Select “See calendar of lowest fares”
• Duration “3-10” (This is just a sample, you can use any 7 day date range like 3-10, 7-14 etc)
• Beginner’s Guide on How to Use Matrix by ITA Software
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• The Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software search page should be like below when all values are inputted

• You cannot buy tickets using Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software. To buy, follow our instructions in the “How to Buy” section below.

Fare Class:

• E (Basic Economy)
• V (Regular Economy)

Elite Qualifying Dollars:

• SFO – JFK (New York) – BCN (Barcelona) – JFK – SFO
• Not permitted
• How to Take Advantage of a Stopover
• Miles Flown: 12,794 miles or 3.5 cents per mile (Basic Economy) / 5.1 cents per mile (Regular Economy)
• Redeemable Miles: 2,705 miles

How to Buy:

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Qatar Airways: San Francisco – Amman, Jordan. $730. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

• New York City

jetBlue – $278: New York – Oakland, California (and vice versa). Roundtrip, including all Taxes

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