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When it seemed Delta’s Basic Economy tickets couldn’t get any more restrictive or expensive to change and cancel — they just did. The Atlanta-based airline quietly added new or increased region-specific change and cancellation fees on its most no-frills tickets. And Delta even introduced blackout dates when you can’t change or cancel certain tickets at all.
Here’s a quick overview of Delta’s latest Basic Economy changes in case they affect travel you’ve already booked or plan to book.
Delta Adds More Fees and Restrictions to Basic Economy
Delta’s Basic Economy tickets are great for pretty much one thing: the price. But if you need to change or cancel these tickets, it’s already expensive or next to impossible. And Delta just made it even harder and pricier on some of its cheapest fares. In fact, you might as well call it B.A.S.I.C. economy: Broke After Surcharges, Impossible to Change.
All of Delta’s new fees and restrictions are region-specific, so here are the details on what you’ll face depending on where you’re flying.
Related: Airline Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Policies
Europe
Europe is an incredibly popular destination this time of year. And if you happened to book a Delta Basic Economy ticket originating there, you’ll need to pay close attention to when you booked it, just in case you need to change it.
Ordinarily, the change or cancellation fee for tickets originating in Europe (which now includes Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria) is €300. For tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024 — if any are actually still valid — the fee is €200.
But if you booked a Delta basic economy ticket between March 21, 2024, and June 26, 2025, you will not be allowed to change or cancel your ticket at all. That’s right — even though Delta is now charging €300 to change newly issued tickets, it’s offering zero flexibility for tickets booked during that 15-month window.
The new policy reads:
For tickets issued for travel originating in Europe, Morocco, Tunisia or Algeria, the change or cancel fee is €300, no change or cancel is permitted for tickets issued between March 21, 2024 and June 26, 2025 (€200 for tickets issued prior to March 21, 2024)
As to why there’s now a blackout period on changes and cancellations, who knows? But it might be especially relevant if you booked during that window and need to make adjustments.
Central America
For travelers starting trips in Central America, the cancellation fee for a Delta Basic Economy ticket now depends on where you’re headed. If your final destination is the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean, the cancellation fee is $99. If you’re traveling to Mexico, South America, Europe, the U.K., Africa, the Middle East, or the Pacific, the fee is $199.
Previously, Delta hadn’t clearly defined cancellation fees for travel from Central America, but unfortunately, it also didn’t allow any changes. That policy remains the same; these tickets still cannot be changed at all.
Here's the full new policy for Delta basic economy tickets starting in Central America:
For tickets issued for travel originating in Central America where the destination is the United States, Canada or the Caribbean the cancellation fee is $99 (excluding travel to Mexico, South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific where the cancellation fee is $199), change is not permitted.
South America
For travel originating in South America, Delta Basic Economy tickets still cannot be changed, but they can be canceled — for a hefty fee. Delta just increased the cancellation fee to $330 for tickets issued on or after June 26, 2025. For tickets issued before that date, the cancellation fee was $199. That’s a 66% increase — and now one of the highest Basic Economy cancel fees we’ve seen.
For travel originating in South America, tickets cannot be changed, but the cancellation fee is $330 for tickets issued on or after June 26, 2025 ($199 for tickets issued prior to that date).
Related: Delta Expands Basic Economy Award Tickets Worldwide
Bottom Line
Delta Basic Economy tickets aren’t good for much more than getting you where you need to go at the cheapest price. We rarely recommend booking one of these fares unless your plans are absolutely set in stone.
That said, life happens. And if you have booked or plan to book one of these tickets originating outside the U.S., you will need to pay extra close attention to where your itinerary begins and ends. That will determine what you’ll pay to cancel your Basic Economy ticket — and whether you can change it at all.
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