Delta Finally Scraps 72 Hour Award Cancellation Rule

Delta has long had a 72 hour restriction in place on award bookings. This rule was introduced years ago as a way to curb speculative bookings. If you booked a flight using Delta SkyMiles, you would forfeit your miles if made changes or canceled your booking within 72 hours of the flight. This applied to redemptions on Delta metal and partner airlines.

But now Delta Air Lines is now finally get rid of this restrictive rule. The carrier is removing this 72-hour cancelation policy, and TPG says the move is permanent. This announcement follows Delta’s recent elimination change fees on most international tickets, and the previous announcement for no change fees for on most domestic tickets.

This is welcomed news, as it finally bring Delta in line with the other big three domestic carriers when it comes to award cancellations. Delta award fees are now waived for the following flights:

• Booked on or after Aug. 31, 2020, for travel within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Booked on or after Dec. 9, 2020, for travel originating from North America to anywhere in the world.
• Booked on or after Dec. 9, 2020, for travel between the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.

This leaves out most international flights originating outside of the U.S.

Guru’s Wrap-up

This is great news for Delta customers, as it gives you more flexibility with your flights if your plans change last minute. You will be able to make changes or cancellations without losing your SkyMiles for most flights.