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Delta adds same-day change feature to mobile app as hold times creep up

June 07, 2021
3 min read
Delta adds same-day change feature to mobile app as hold times creep up
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Delta's mobile app is getting a bit more useful.

Last week, the Atlanta-based carrier rolled out a new version of the Fly Delta app which introduces a same-day change feature directly into the app. If you're looking to change your flight without contact Delta by phone or messenger, this feature is for you.

You can now search for alternative flights and either standby or confirm the new itinerary directly within the mobile app. Same-day changes were previously only available by speaking with someone with Delta directly, which could take as many as six (or more) hours as of late.

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Same-day changes allow you to make itinerary modifications within 24 hours of your original departure time. To confirm a seat on a new itinerary, you'll need to find space in your originally ticketed fare class.

Otherwise, you can opt to go standby on an earlier flight when there's no availability in the original fare class. (You can find the fare class by looking at the single-letter fare code on your eTicket.)

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(Screenshot courtesy of Delta)

There's no charge for SkyMiles Medallion Gold elites and higher to request same-day confirmed or standby changes. All other flyers will be on the hook for a $75 fee, which could still be cheaper than the fare difference you'd otherwise need to pay between your original and new flight.

You won't be able to make changes to the origin or destination when making a same-day swap, even if you're trying to switch between co-terminal airports, like New York's LaGuardia and JFK.

Additionally, only domestic flights are eligible for same-day changes — you won't receive the option to make a switch on an international itinerary. Finally, basic economy fares are not eligible for this added day-of-travel flexibility.

The move to digitize the same-day change experience comes as Delta is dealing with unprecedented wait times to speak to a phone agent. At press time, I called Delta's reservation line and was told that the wait would be nearly 2 hours as a Gold Medallion member. Chad Tilbury, a TPG reader and Delta Diamond Medallion member recently told TPG that he was quoted a 2- to 5-hour wait when he tried calling last week.

By digitizing the same-day change process, hopefully flyers will take advantage of the new option, which could help free up time from Delta's busy phone agents.

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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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
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Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
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Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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