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Delta extends all tickets and vouchers through 2023 in an industry-leading move

Jan. 12, 2022
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3 min read
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Delta extends all tickets and vouchers through 2023 in an industry-leading move
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Delta Air Lines is giving travelers even more time to use new and existing flight credits.

The Atlanta-based carrier is extending all ticket validity through Dec. 31, 2023, as announced on Wednesday. Previously, the airline had extended expiring credits through the end of 2022, so this move gives all existing eCredit holders an additional year to rebook tickets. All rebooked travel must be completed by the end of 2024.

Additionally, all newly issued credits and vouchers for canceled flights will be valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

To summarize, that means:

  • All tickets expiring in 2022 will now expire on Dec. 31, 2023
  • All tickets purchased in 2022 will now expire on Dec. 31, 2023

Delta says that "it will take us some time to update our system," but the airline is reassuring customers that all new and existing eCredits will be valid through 2023.

Separately, those who booked a Delta Vacations package will receive a one-year extension on any new or existing travel credit, with more details on these Vacations-specific extensions coming soon.

Delta's move doesn’t mean you can get a refund for a canceled flight. Only flights that were canceled by Delta, as well as those with significant schedule changes, are eligible for a refund. If you voluntarily cancel a trip, the value of your ticket will be stored in an eCredit that must be used for future travel on Delta or its partners.

Delta's Chief Customer Experience Officer Allison Ausband said in a statement that “this leading extension provides more time for customers to use their travel credits, so they can book with complete confidence that Delta has their back even when moments arise out of their control.”

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In fact, this latest extension is by far the most generous of all the major U.S. airlines. Flight credit with American Airlines from travel voluntarily canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic waiver can be used for travel through March 31, 2022.

Meanwhile, United recently extended the validity of eligible tickets and travel credits through Dec. 31, 2022. Tickets purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2022, have a 12-month validity from the date of purchase.

Most Southwest travel funds expire one year from the ticket was purchased, though credits set to expire between March 1, 2020, and Sept. 7, 2020, previously qualified for an extension to Sept. 7, 2022.

It’s possible that Delta's competitors may feel the pressure to match the industry-leading move, but either way, the update is sure to be welcome news for loyal Delta flyers.

In late 2020, Delta permanently removed change fees for all tickets originating in North America, except for those booked in the deep-discount basic economy cabin. Those tickets remain non-changeable and non-refundable.

When you're ready to rebook a non-basic economy Delta flight, you can expect to pay an applicable fare difference, without the pesky $200 (or more) change fee that would've been levied pre-pandemic.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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