delta trip in vain

Decoding Airline Jargon: What Is A ‘Trip In Vain’?

Sad,tired woman sitting in the airport

In the world of air travel, there are many terms and phrases that may leave passengers scratching their heads.  Navigating the intricacies of airline jargon can sometimes feel like deciphering a foreign language. One such term that often perplexes travelers is the enigmatic “trip in vain.” But fear not! In this post, we’ll unravel the mystery behind this phrase and shed light on what it truly means in the context of air travel.

What Exactly Does “Trip in Vain” Mean?

A “trip in vain” refers to a journey undertaken by a passenger with a specific purpose or event, only for delays to make the trip pointless.  For example, when one is traveling for a meeting, a wedding, a sporting event, or to connect to a cruise departure, a significant delay might mean there would no longer be any point to leaving as the event would already be past by the new arrival time.  This can be particularly frustrating when the delay does not occur until the traveller as at an intermediate stop, waiting to travel to a destination they no longer have any reason to visit.

Trip in vain is a term used in some regions, and some airlines, insurance companies, or regulators may refer to it differently. For example, EU261, the popular European compensation regulation, refers to travel which is “no longer serving any purpose in relation to the passenger’s original travel plan.” EU261 should not be confused with UB40, a pop band best known for Red Red Wine .

Common Scenarios Leading to a Trip in Vain

There are multiple unexpected occurrences that can lead to a trip in vain, ranging from flight cancellations and significant delays to missed connections and overbooked flights. Whatever the cause, your meticulously planned itinerary is derailed leaving you disappointed and frustrated.

What Is Your Recourse When Your Trip Is Now In Vain

In the face of a trip in vain, passengers often seek help from the airline to rectify the situation. This may involve requesting a refund for the unused portion of their ticket, rebooking on an alternative flight, or receiving compensation for the inconvenience endured. However, navigating the process of securing redress from the airline can sometimes be challenging, requiring patience, persistence, and a thorough understanding of passenger rights and airline policies. Remember to always be pleasant to airline employees to get best results.

Related Posts

• Delta Airlines Bereavement Fares in 2024
• Southwest Airlines At Boston Logan Airport
• The Death of Bereavement Fares
• A Comparative Analysis of Hub-and-Spoke vs. Point-to-Point Airline Systems in the US

UponArriving

Flight Delay Compensation for US Carriers: (American, Delta, United) [2020]

Seeking out compensation for delayed and cancelled flights can be very confusing. It’s difficult to know what you might be entitled do in the event that you’re stuck waiting hours for your flight to depart and it can be even more difficult to work things out with the airlines.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the different types of compensation you might be entitled to when flying on US carriers like American, Delta, and United. I’ll break down some of the requirements that these airlines have for offering you things like hotel stays, ground transportation, and meals, and explain when you might be entitled to those things.

I also have a helpful infographic at the end of the article that you might want to use for quick reference on flight delay compensation! 

Table of Contents

Does the US require flight delay compensation?

The United States government does not require airlines to provide you with compensation in the event of a delay. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation states :

There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers.

While federal US laws do not require compensation, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get it. Below, I’ll walk you through some scenarios where you can expect to get compensation.

Later on in the article, I’ll also discuss the EU regulation, EC/261 which applies to the US carriers for certain flights and can entitle you to a lot of compensation.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Flight delay notifications

Airlines should notify you of the updated status of your flight within 30 minutes of being made aware of flight status changes. I recommend using an app or website like FlightAware to track your flights in case the airlines are slacking on keeping you updated.

When you make your reservation, you should have to input your phone number/email so the airlines should be able to reach you. Also, most airlines have apps where you can sign up for flight status notifications.

Cancelled flight compensation

If your flight is cancelled, you can choose to claim a refund or have your flight re-booked.

The U.S. Department of Transportation states that you “are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets.” You are also “entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment.”

Award miles should also be refunded but note that United states that ticketing fees such as those for making a reservation in person are not refundable.

You might be offered flight vouchers in the event your flight is cancelled and if that occurs then make sure that you inquire about all of the restrictions attached to those vouchers, such as black out dates, seat limits, expiration dates.

Some airlines like United may automatically re-book you on to another flight. If the flight doesn’t work for you, you can often go online and reschedule the flight for another one within a 24 hour window.

Interlining

If there is nothing available with your airline you originally booked with, you might be able to get the airline to book you with another airline as a courtesy (this is known as interlining), though not all of the airlines agree to do this.

Getting the airline to re-book you with another airline can save you lots of money because it will prevent you from purchasing a last-minute fare which could be very pricey. Sometimes you will really have to push an airline to get them to follow through with interlining. 

If your flight is cancelled or even delayed, you should inquire about getting put on the stand-by list for other flights. Typically, passengers may be notified that they can fly about 15 minutes prior to departure and if you’re passed up for one stand-by list then the airline might be able to automatically add you to another list.

Delayed flights

What about if a delay forces you to miss a connecting flight or causes you to get stranded at the airport? If that happens then you might be entitled to compensation but it depends on the nature of the delay and the timing.

“Force majeure”

Generally, if the reason for the cancellation/delay was “force majeure,” the airline will not view itself as responsible and you likely won’t be entitled to any relief.

For example, Delta defines  force majeure as

• (1) Weather conditions or acts of God;
• (2) Riots, civil unrest, embargoes, war, hostilities, or unsettled international conditions;
• (3) Strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockout, or any other labor-related dispute;
• (4) Government regulation, demand, directive or requirement;
• (5) Shortages of labor, fuel, or facilities; or
• (6) Any other condition beyond Delta’s control or any fact not reasonably foreseen by Delta.

The classic example is bad weather. When that occurs you are generally on your own and the airlines expect that you will take potential disruptions caused by weather into consideration when making your booking.

Some airlines might be able to offer you a discounted hotel rate at certain hotels but if the bad weather is widespread, that might not be possible due to limited availability.

Refunds for delays

If the delay is substantial, you can request a refund. For example, United states:

If you decide to no longer travel either because your original flight was canceled or you are delayed two hours or more , you can receive a refund to your original form of payment.

Update: United has updated its terms so that you may only receive a refund if you are delayed 25 hours or more. This is a huge negative change!

Sometimes the delay might result in a trip “in vain.”

For example, if you were to miss a wedding or meeting because of an unexpected weather delay that would be considered a trip in vain since the trip is no longer needed. The standard rules published by the airlines for delays and cancellations typically apply in these scenarios but you might be able to still request a refund or voucher by explaining your situation.

Failure within airline’s control

If the cancellation is caused by something that the airline can control like some type of mechanical failure then that is on the airlines. In that case, you might be entitled to compensation but the type of compensation will depend on how long the delay goes on for and when it occurs. 

For example, an airline might state that your travel must be interrupted for more than four hours during certain times of the night to get certain types of compensation, such as a free hotel stay.  If your delay does not meet that threshold you can still complain to the airline and request some type of compensation like vouchers or frequent flyer miles.

If the delay is only a couple of hours don’t expect much but if it’s longer than that, you might be able to more easily convince them to offer you something. If you have status and/or are flying first or business class your odds for compensation will likely go up.

If your delay does meet the policy threshold then you can be entitled to different forms of compensation for your delay. The policy threshold requirements will vary between airlines but a 4+ hour delay during the night (after 10pm) seems to suffice.

Here are some specific examples of the requirements.

Delta 

However, when a passenger’s travel is interrupted for more than 4 hours after the scheduled departure time as a result of flight cancellation or delay on the date of travel other than from force majeure, Delta will provide the passenger with […] amenities during the delay:

United 

UA will provide at its option either one night’s lodging, or, if no lodging is provided and upon the passenger’s request only, reimbursement for one night’s lodging in the form of an electronic travel certificate… [when] the Passenger incurs a delay that is expected to exceed four hours between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time.

American Airlines

If the delay is our fault or you’re diverted to another city, and we don’t board before 11:59 p.m. local time on your scheduled arrival day , we’ll arrange an overnight stay or cover the cost of an approved hotel, if available.

What compensation will the airlines provide?

Below are the most common types of compensation offered by airlines.

You need to be very cautious about turning down whatever options are offered to you by an airline. For example, if you’d rather stay at a different hotel or take a different mode of transportation than what is offered to you, there’s a good chance you’ll have to come out of pocket for it.

If you meet the delay requirements you can expect to receive a hotel stay but usually only at hotels that the airline contracts with.

For example, Delta will provide the passenger with a voucher for one night’s lodging at a “contracted hotel” when the four hour delay is during the period of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am and they will also provide free public ground transportation to the hotel if the hotel does not offer such service.

But note that if those hotels are not available, your reimbursement may come in the form of a travel voucher.

For example, Delta states:

If accommodations are not available, Delta will provide the passenger with a voucher that may be applied to future travel on Delta equal in value to the contracted hotel rate, up to $100 USD.

But United explicitly states that they may provide you with reimbursement for overnight accommodations booked on your own.

If we’re unable to book a hotel room for you, we may be able to provide you with reimbursement of overnight accommodations you obtain on your own, including your hotel, ground transportation and meals.

Be very careful about seeking out your own lodging when lodging is offered since airlines like United may not provide compensation for that.

Where lodging has been offered but not accepted by a Passenger for whatever reason, UA is not liable to reimburse the Passenger for expenses relating to alternative lodging secured independently by the Passenger.

Also, if you are at your home (domicile), the airline will not provide you with a hotel and will expect you to simply go back home for the night.

Ground transportation

If your flight is diverted to another airport, some airlines will furnish ground transportation to the destination airport. But again, you want to make sure that your delay meets that threshold before you go paying for an expensive taxi ride to another airport in the region.

Additional amenities

You can also get your meals covered or reimbursed.

Here’s what United states :

If your flight is canceled because of a mechanical issue or other circumstances within our control, we will try to accommodate you in a nearby hotel at our expense. If we’re unable to book a hotel room for you, we may be able to provide you with reimbursement of overnight accommodations you obtain on your own, including your hotel, ground transportation and meals.

Some may also provide amenities necessary to “maintain the safety and/or welfare of customers with special needs such as unaccompanied children and customers with disabilities.”

Sometimes when a delay happens you get separated from your luggage, especially when dealing with missed connections.

When this happens, your luggage might be kept at the airport until you arrive on the next flight but if you’re not going to have it for an overnight stay, the airline may provide you with a toiletry kit.

Tarmac delays

There aren’t many things worse than getting stuck on the tarmac for long periods of time.

I was once stuck for two hours on the tarmac and the plane ran out of ice and it was a pretty miserable experience. Luckily, an engineer for the airline happened to be on board and helped resolve the issue and we were able to get out of there but there are horror stories of others getting stuck on the tarmac for much longer than that.

Here are the federal rules for tarmac delays:

• Airlines must offer food, drink, lavatories, and medical care within two hours of a tarmac delay.
• For domestic flights, tarmac delays should be no longer than 3 hours
• For international flights, tarmac delays should be no longer than 4 hours

But there are exceptions which could mean waiting even longer on the tarmac.

These exceptions include things like the pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason (e.g., weather) or air traffic control advises deplaning passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.

This means that there’s really nothing that can be done if you’re stuck on the tarmac for less than three hours and that in some cases you can be stuck on there even longer!

EU 261 Delay protection

EU 261 requires compensation of €250 to €600 depending on the flight distance for delays over 2 hours, cancellations, or being denied boarding from overbooking.

Here’s a breakdown of the compensation you can seek based on the flight distance and amount of the delay.

EU 261 applies in the following instances:

This means that if you are flying on American carriers, such as United, Delta, and American and traveling from an EU country to the US, then this regulation will apply.  However, if you are traveling from the US to a European Union destination on an American carrier then this regulation does not apply.

Compensation will be offered so long as the airlines cannot prove “extraordinary circumstance.”

Here are some situations that would involve extraordinary circumstances:

• Acts of terrorism or sabotage
• Security risks
• Extreme weather conditions 
• Political or civil unrest
• Hidden manufacturing defects
• Industrial action (strikes unrelated to the airline such as baggage handlers)

And here are some situations that would not involve the extraordinary circumstances:

• Issues with airline staff (crew showing up late)
• Bad weather affecting a previous flight, causing your flight to be delayed
• Denied boarding due to overbooked flight
• Technical/mechanical problems with the aircraft

How to seek compensation

In many cases, it makes sense to approach the gate agents, customer service desk, or to simply call in to try to resolve your issues. If you’re in a lounge, you can often check with the agents working the help desk in the lounge.

As mentioned, trying to resolve things via social media can also be a solid route. If you’re really pressed for time, I’d advise doing all of them simultaneously (calling in, waiting in line, and maybe even hitting up the airline on social media). 

Be sure to keep all of your receipts and try to do some research on the contract of carriage or applicable laws so that you have a basis for stating what you are entitled to.

Complaint with the airline

If you’re not able to resolve your issues then you can file a complaint with the airline. There are usually forms you can submit your complaint through but you can also send a letter to corporate headquarters. Obviously, if you need things to happen in real time, calling in and speaking to agents is the way to go.

DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send consumers written responses addressing these complaints within 60 days of receiving them.

Complaint with the DOT

If you’re unable to resolve anything through that process then you might want to look into filing a complaint with the DOT.

Credit cards

As you can tell, there’s little guarantee that you’ll be able to get reimbursement for a lot of delays and so you want to have a back up plan. Not only for dealing with lodging and meals for unexpected delays, but also for those non-refundable travel purchases.

If an unexpected storm arrives and you can’t make your flight and you end up losing out on pre-paid travel expenses like hotel stays or even a cruise, the airlines aren’t going to offer you anything in the majority of cases.

However, if you have a great travel rewards card that has strong protections like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, then you’ll be able to cover your losses in many cases.

Here are a few protections offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve:

Trip Interruption

If your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations, you can be  reimbursed up to $10,000  per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

This perk will have you covered if you are delayed more than  6 hours  for expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Baggage Delay Reimbursement

With this protection, If you are delayed more than  6 hours , you are   covered for essential expenses, such as toiletries and clothes for up to one hundred ($100.00) dollars per day for a maximum of five (5) days.

Read more about these benefits here . 

It’s really helpful to be versed in what types of compensation you can be offered from the major US carriers before anything happens. It’s unfortunate that there is no mandatory compensation required for many delays but there are at least some routes available to help you when things get very bad.

Share this Image On Your Site

</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to UponArriving.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=’https://www.uponarriving.com/flight-delay’><img src=’https://www.uponarriving.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Flight-Delay-Infographic.png’ alt=’flight delay rules ‘ 540px border=’0’ /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

One comment

Thank you! This article is extremely helpful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

How to Earn Miles If Your Flight Is Canceled

Frequent travelers know that air travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Delays, due to maintenance or weather, flight cancellations , and diversions can snag plans for hours and even days to come. These can result in missed meetings, personal events, and extra downtime you weren't expecting. But, there’s another layer to travel interruptions that could cause a snag.

If you plan on racking up miles, especially those that count toward elite status , delays could pose a challenge. Only the most “trip savvy” travelers know to keep an eye out for the correct mileage amounts to post to their account after a trip. Many people forget about mileage earning once they reach their destination. You could be missing out on plenty of forgotten miles by not following up with airlines post-trip.

Especially at the end of the calendar year, it is always wise to do a quick recap of flights flown to make sure that everything has credited properly. You may find that there are some flights where you could have earned more than you think. 

If your travel plans change en route, here’s how to assure you earn the miles you were counting on during six potential scenarios.

Your flight was delayed, and you were rebooked on the same airline and routing.

In this instance, your expected mileage balance should still post properly. Just in case, keep track of your boarding pass and ticket receipt until miles post to your account.

Travel changes caused you to be rebooked on the same airline with a lengthier routing (perhaps different connecting city).

Since most airlines award miles based upon dollars spent, you will earn the same amount of redeemable miles. However, if you were routed through a different connection city and had to fly a greater distance, you are typically eligible to earn more elite-qualifying miles based upon where you flew (if you’re trying to make elite status). Keep your boarding passes and ticket receipt to make sure the new routing posts properly. Otherwise, reach out via email, phone, or social media to request the correct amount.

Travel changes caused you to be rebooked on the same airline although on a shorter routing.

This may cause disappointment if you were counting on elite-qualifying miles to make the next level of status. In this instance, miles will probably post with the route you actually flew. However, if you keep your boarding pass and ticket receipt, you can request “original routing credit” via phone, email, or social media. That language is important because agents will not realize that you were rerouted at first until they look deeper into the reservation. You are still eligible to earn elite-qualifying miles based upon the route you originally booked. 

Keeping as much documentation you can of original and new flights will help to get the correct amount of mileage you were expecting credited. 

Your flight diverted.

In this instance, you would still only earn miles on the original itinerary despite the unplanned stop. If an airline allows you to deplane and book another flight, keep the boarding passes because you may be able to request mileage for the actual flights you took.

Travel changes caused you to be rebooked on a different airline.

This is where things get tricky. Airlines can rebook passengers on another airline to get you where you need to go. While convenient, that can be disappointing if you were looking to earn miles on your preferred carrier. Keep your original ticket receipt and contact the airline after travel to get your “original routing credit.” 

You may be able to double-dip and earn miles on the new airline and also the one with which you originally booked travel. The one exception to that rule is Delta, which usually has special checks in place to refuse SkyMiles to those that were rebooked from another airline.

Travel changes disrupted your itinerary and the entire purpose of your trip. 

If you did not fly at all, you would not earn any miles although an airline should issue a refund if the delay or cancelation was within their control (a maintenance issue, for example). If you already started travel (let’s say you took the first flight of a two-flight itinerary) and a flight is delayed or canceled to the point that you miss the entire purpose of your travel (an important meeting, wedding, or funeral), you can request what is known as a “trip in vain.” First, airlines will try to reroute you on another airline or provide ground transportation, but if that is not possible, then “trip in vain” is an option. This means the airline would fly you back to your origin point at their own expense and refund your ticket since your trip is no longer needed.

This only works in very specific situations and not all agents will know how or be able to assist (reservation agents via phone are typically the best contact in this situation). Here’s an example. You fly from Boston to Savannah via Philadelphia on American. Your Boston to Philadelphia goes as planned, but your flight to Savannah is canceled due to maintenance and there is no other option that day to get you to your dinner meeting. You can request assistance for a “trip in vain,” which means the airline needs to send you back to your origin and refund your ticket price because the problem was their fault.

Language for this policy is usually found in an airline’s condition of carriage, but the policy is not clear cut. For example, here is Delta’s version . American’s contract of carriage doesn’t address trip in vain specifically but does mention delay and cancelation policies. Agents will review these decisions on a case-by-case basis, but it’s always worth a try.

If you’re refunded, you would not earn any miles although if your frequent flier number was already registered in your account, chances are some miles just appear. Shhhhh, keep them for the inconvenience!

Know What to Expect if Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled

Flight Insurance That Protects Against Delays and Cancellations

Summer Air Travel Is a Mess. This Is Why, and Here's What You Can Do About It

8 Air Travel Rights You Didn’t Know You Have

How to Travel the World for Free Using Miles and Points

How to Gain Airport Lounge Access

How to Get Your Miles Back After Canceling an Award Flight

What Are North American Airlines' Policies on Bereavement Fares?

Calculating the Value of a Frequent Flyer Mile or Hotel Point

Southwest Just Dropped a Buy One, Get One Free Deal—But You Need to Act Fast

American Airlines Just Revamped Its Loyalty Program—Here's What to Know

Best Online Travel Agencies

How to Pay for TSA Precheck With Airline Miles

How to Get a Free Upgrade From an Airline

What to Do When Your Flight Is Diverted

What It’s Like to Fly Halfway Around the World During the Pandemic

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Explaining What “Trip In Vain” Means

Published/Updated: Apr 4, 2017 · Erica Ho · 1 minute read

If you’ve ever been so delayed that you missed the whole reason for taking the trip, you might be entitled to some money back.

During the snowstorm , some of us found this out the hard way. Thanks to the freak cancellations and delays, a lot of people were starting to miss the whole reason why they booked their trips in the first place. When this happens, you’re usually eligible to receive some sort of refund. Flyertalk user jetsetter sums it up well:

A "trip in vain" is an airline jargon term referring to a trip that is so delayed that you miss out on the reason why you took the trip in the first place e.g. a trip "in vain." Airlines have procedures to refund, issue credits, or allow future use for trip-in-vain type tickets.

Perhaps the best example would be a trip booked for a business trip. If someone was catching a flight out to Boston for a meeting at 3 p.m. but something caused the flight to be delayed until an 8 p.m. arrival, this would fall under “trip in vain.” This would most likely fall under “trip in vain,” and would entitle to you a full refund.

In some cases, you might only qualify to receive a portion of the ticket back. This is most common when you’ve already flown a portions of the trip. The problem is that most airlines have different policies for handling refunds, especially when it comes to trip-in-vain scenarios. The key thing to keep in mind is that you generally have to be pretty proactive in these situations; don’t be afraid to approach the agent at the gate.

Heels First Travel blogger Keri Anderson found out this whole policy isn’t some sort of Bigfoot myth when she flew US Airways last year to spend some time with her family. Her flight ended up getting so delayed she asked for the airline to rebook her flight for a later weekend, so that she could spend more time with her family like originally intended. Turns out it wasn’t that much of a problem.

Chances are, if you are reading this now, it may be too late to have the airline make good on their word, but it’s always good information to tuck away for next time.

Popular Posts

How Long Travel-Sized Shampoo Will Last You

Going Everywhere with the Away Everywhere Bag

Getting Refunds for Significantly Delayed, Cancelled Flights

If you are considering booking travel  or signing up for a new credit card please click here . Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com.

If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram , add us today.

Understanding “Trip in Vain”

What is “trip in vain”.

The term “trip in vain” refers to a scenario where the purpose of a journey becomes pointless due to significant delays or cancellations. For instance, if you’re flying to a business meeting and the flight is delayed to the point where you’d miss the meeting, your trip would be classified as a “trip in vain.”

If an itinerary uses a connection, “trip in vain” is even more confusing. For example, let’s say you’re flying from Buffalo to New Orleans via Chicago for a meeting, departing in the morning and returning the next evening. If you’re meeting was a dinner event on the day you were to arrive, but you’re stuck in O’Hare due to a maintenance issue, you might not make it in time. Trip in vain would refund your ticket and should return you back to Buffalo. Policies vary by carrier, but if it’s their issue (more variances for weather) most will get you back to Buffalo with your money back.

Let’s look at other options for the above scenario. While tickets will be expensive with no advance notice, you could use that refund and fly with another carrier assuming your airline won’t use interline agreements to place you on the competing carrier.

Federal Law and Airlines’ Responsibility

Under federal law, airlines are obliged to take certain actions when a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled. Depending on the circumstances, you might be entitled to a full refund or rebooking without additional charges. Airlines will rebook passengers when it can fit into the airline’s schedule but that may negate the purpose of the trip for the traveler. A good example would be a traveler going to a wedding, the airline incurs a delay that will deliver them to the destination after the wedding is over – the purpose of the trip is lost and the money paid for the flight is potentially due back to the flyer.

Bad Weather and Travel Season

During peak travel seasons, bad weather can exacerbate delays and cancellations. Understanding your rights during these periods is essential, as airlines may offer different remedies, such as a voucher for future travel or travel credit. While weather delays may limit refund opportunities, most trip-in-vain claims are still honored even if the cause of the delay is inclement weather.

Steps to Take When Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed

Check the flight status and fine print.

Always verify your flight status on the airline website or airline app. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, consult the fine print of your ticket. It may contain crucial information about what you’re entitled to. Most travelers don’t examine the fine print, but the contract of carriage is easily searched online and can give you talking points to achieve favorable results. In most cases you’ll be offered a voucher for future travel but the contract of carriage will likely allow you a cash refund.

Calling the Airline and Talking to Representatives

Immediate communication with the airline is key. Calling the airline or speaking to airline representatives at the airport can help you understand your options, whether it’s rebooking a nonstop flight, a connecting flight, or receiving a cash refund for a refundable ticket. It’s best to conduct your own research and find flight options that work for you on the carrier via other airports and routes to feed through to the rep.

Utilizing Social Media and Other Resources

Sometimes, taking to social media or seeking guidance from experts like Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), can provide additional insights and support. Twitter was the best method to get quick results from carriers that have long hold times and lines for customer service that wrap around the terminal. Some airlines have moved away from Twitter without replacing it with a similarly efficient method.

Alternatives: Vouchers, Travel Credits, and More

Considering travel credit and vouchers for future travel.

If a full refund is not an option, airlines will often offer a voucher for future travel or travel credit. Assessing these alternatives depends on your unique situation and preferences. You may, however, be able to get more than the value of your ticket depending on the reason for the delay/cancellation. Negotiate for the maximum amount but note that some carriers require the voucher to be used in full and almost all have an expiry date, usually one year from issuance.

Understanding Non-Refundable and Refundable Tickets

Knowing the difference between non-refundable and refundable tickets is vital. While refundable tickets usually entitle passengers to a full refund, non-refundable tickets might only offer travel credits. That said, you might be surprised so always try for a cash refund if possible.

If you’re traveling on a mileage redemption, you may still be entitled to cash compensation.

Drawing Insights from the Chaos of Delays and Cancellations

Navigating the world of flight delays and cancellations can be overwhelming. By understanding the concept of “trip in vain,” knowing your rights under federal law, being proactive with the airline, and considering all available options, you can turn a stressful experience into an informed journey. Remember, the airline’s obligation to you varies, so staying informed and proactive can make all the difference in these challenging travel scenarios.

About Author

Kyle Stewart

Kyle is a freelance travel writer with contributions to Time, the Washington Post, MSNBC, Yahoo!, Reuters, Huffington Post, MapHappy, Live And Lets Fly and many other media outlets. He is also co-founder of Scottandthomas.com, a travel agency that delivers "Travel Personalized." He focuses on using miles and points to provide a premium experience for his wife and daughter. Email: [email protected]

Related Posts

Delta Doesn’t Know Skymiles Penalty Refund On Cancelled Ticket

Review: (SATA) Azores Airlines Paris – Ponta Delgada (Coach)

Did You Know Business Class Exists For Cruises?

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Policy

What “Trip in Vain” Means? – Implications and Lessons Behind the Phrase

• Kristen Campos
• July 12, 2023

The world of travel is as complex as it is exciting. Every facet, every term, and every process plays a crucial part in getting you from point A to point B smoothly and efficiently. One such term, often misunderstood or overlooked, is “Trip in Vain.” As an airport worker with years of experience under my belt, I’m here to share with you a comprehensive understanding of what this means and why it matters.

The Basics You Need to Know

Before we dive into the technicalities of a “Trip in Vain,” let’s establish some groundwork. This section will give you an overall understanding of the basic terms involved in the airline industry language, some of which directly relate to understanding a “Trip in Vain.”

What is a “Trip in Vain”?

A “Trip in Vain” refers to a situation where a passenger’s travel becomes pointless due to a significant delay or cancellation . These circumstances might render the original purpose of the trip impossible or impractical. To put it simply, if the reason for your trip is nullified because of the travel disruption, your journey may be considered a “Trip in Vain.”

Common Reasons for It

There are several common reasons for a “Trip in Vain.” The most frequent one is due to substantial delays or cancellations caused by bad weather, mechanical problems, or other unforeseen events. When these disruptions occur, they might:

• Cause you to miss an important event, like a business meeting, wedding, or funeral.
• Result in additional costs that outweigh the purpose of your trip.
• Extend the travel time to a point where it becomes unreasonable to continue the journey.

Misconceptions About It

Despite the straightforward concept, there are still many misconceptions surrounding a “Trip in Vain.” Some people mistakenly think that any inconvenience or minor delay can be classified as such. But remember:

• A “Trip in Vain” does not apply if you simply change your mind about traveling.
• It is not applicable if the delay or disruption is minimal and doesn’t significantly affect your travel plans.

The Importance of Knowing About a “Trip in Vain”

Understanding what constitutes a “Trip in Vain” can be incredibly helpful when traveling, especially if you encounter significant disruptions. Knowing about it allows you to:

• Assert your rights as a passenger.
• Make informed decisions about how to proceed with your travel plans.
• Avoid unnecessary costs and inconvenience.

Applying “Trip in Vain” Policy

With the basics out of the way, let’s delve into the nuances of applying a “Trip in Vain” policy. Different airlines have different policies, but they generally follow the same principles.

Recognizing When This Policy Applies

Not every situation of travel disruption can be categorized as a “Trip in Vain.” It’s crucial to recognize when the policy applies to assert your rights effectively. Generally, this policy applies when:

• There’s a significant delay or cancellation of your flight.
• The delay causes you to miss the purpose of your trip.

Different Airline Policies

While all airlines might have a “Trip in Vain” policy, they can differ in terms of their rules and application. It’s essential to understand that:

• Some airlines require a minimum delay duration before considering a trip as “in vain.”
• Certain airlines may apply the policy more leniently than others.

What to Do When Your Trip Becomes “In Vain”

When you find yourself in a “Trip in Vain” situation, there are specific steps you can take to handle it effectively. Here are a few:

• Contact the airline’s customer service immediately.
• Clearly explain why your trip is now in vain.
• Ask about your options, such as rebooking, refunds, or compensation.

Your Rights and Remedies

When your journey becomes a “Trip in Vain”, you are entitled to certain rights and remedies from the airline. These might include:

• A full or partial refund of your ticket .
• The option to rebook your flight without additional costs.
• In some cases, compensation for the inconvenience caused.

When This Policy Does Not Apply

It’s equally important to understand when a “Trip in Vain” policy does not apply. This knowledge can help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.

Personal or Minor Disruptions

A “Trip in Vain” policy does not cover personal disruptions or minor flight delays. This means that if you:

• Change your mind about traveling.
• Are unable to travel due to personal reasons.
• Experience a minor delay that doesn’t significantly affect your travel plans.

In these cases, the “Trip in Vain” policy would not apply.

Acts of God

In the airline industry, “Acts of God” are unforeseeable and unpreventable events that may cause flight disruptions. These include:

• Severe weather conditions, like hurricanes or blizzards.
• Natural disasters, like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

While these situations might cause significant travel disruptions, the “Trip in Vain” policy may not necessarily apply as airlines typically have specific policies for such events.

Non-Airline Related Issues

If your travel disruption is not directly related to the airline’s operations, the “Trip in Vain” policy likely won’t apply. This might include situations such as:

• Issues with your travel documents.
• Problems with your travel arrangements, like hotel bookings or car rentals.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Although the “Trip in Vain” policy generally doesn’t apply to the above cases, there are some exceptions. For instance, some airlines might be more lenient and offer assistance or compensation, even if they’re not legally obligated to do so.

Ways to Mitigate a “Trip in Vain”

Even though a “Trip in Vain” situation is usually beyond your control, there are ways to mitigate its impact. These strategies can help you reduce the risk and handle such scenarios better.

Plan and Book Wisely

Preparation is key when it comes to avoiding a “Trip in Vain.” This includes:

• Booking direct flights when possible to avoid potential complications with layovers.
• Scheduling your flights with enough buffer time to account for possible delays.

Stay Informed and Updated

Staying informed about your flight status and airline policies can go a long way. Make sure to:

• Check your flight status regularly.
• Keep up-to-date with the airline’s policies, especially regarding delays and cancellations.

Consider Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can provide a safety net in case of significant travel disruptions. It can:

• Cover additional costs incurred due to flight delays or cancellations.
• Offer compensation in case of a “Trip in Vain.”

Know Your Rights as a Passenger

Finally, knowing your rights as a passenger is essential in handling a “Trip in Vain” situation effectively. Remember that you have the right to:

• Be informed about any changes to your flight status.
• Be offered alternatives or compensation in case of significant disruptions.

Final Words

Knowing about the “Trip in Vain” concept is crucial for every traveler. It not only empowers you with knowledge about your rights but also prepares you to handle travel disruptions effectively. The next time you find yourself in an airport, remember this: even when things go south, there’s always a way to navigate the situation, thanks to policies like “Trip in Vain.” Safe travels!

Related Posts:

• Story Behind Mauritius’ Spectacular Underwater…
• Organizing Your Dream Road Trip: Melbourne To…
• Rev Up Your Road Trip: 11 Must-Have Automotive Accessories
• 10 Places to Explore on a Boston to Miami Road Trip…
• Traveling Canada? Check These 14 Tips First Before…
• Is There a Legal Drinking Age on Planes? Sip or…
• Airline , Causes , Explanation , Meaning , Phrase , Policy , Trip In Vain

Dive into the heart and passion that fuel our commitment to building a vibrant travel community. Click to uncover the stories, values, and people that make Trover the go-to…

Recent Posts

Container Van Living: A New Trend in Manila’s Housing Scene

What Is a Wraparound Mortgage? 10 Tips for Understanding this Financing Option

How Long is EMS Training: Understanding Duration and Helpful Tips

10 Tips for Planning Your Dream Vacation 2024

How Thick Is Structural Glass: Tips for Determining Ideal Thickness

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal: Pro Tips for Smooth Sessions

Duleweboffice[at]opptrends.com, connect, communicate, collaborate, contribute, © 2024 trover.com.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How Delta Travel Insurance Works

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether it’s a canceled flight, lost baggage or an unexpected medical emergency, these events are not only disruptive, they can also be expensive. Purchasing a travel insurance plan can help mitigate some of the cost when your plans go awry.

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, travelers paid an average of $6,158 for a 16-day trip over the past year. That’s a lot of money on the table if an unexpected occurrence derails your plans.

One option to minimize this loss is purchasing travel insurance, such as coverage from Delta Air Lines’ plan. Here’s what to know about Delta’s trip protection policies.

Delta travel insurance plans

Delta offers international and domestic travel insurance that is administered by Allianz Global Assistance .

Its policies provide you reimbursement for some, or all, of your covered travel purchases and emergency medical expenses in the event of a disruption or delay.

Unlike dedicated travel insurance providers that offer annual or multi-trip plans , Delta’s plan is available for single-trip coverage only. However, you can purchase coverage for multiple individuals, as long as each person is named on the travel insurance plan.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

What does Delta travel insurance cover?

Delta’s travel insurance option can be a convenient way to secure travel insurance, and it provides coverage for quite a few common scenarios, such as delayed baggage, trip cancellation and medical expenses.

However, coverage levels for some benefits will vary depending on where you live.

Generally, Delta’s trip protection includes the following:

Trip cancellation and trip interruption. You’ll get the nonrefundable part of your prepaid reservation back if you need to cancel or cut your trip short unexpectedly due to a covered event. Delta’s coverage limits for trip cancellation and trip interruption are based on the limits set for the state you live in.

Emergency medical and dental protection. If you experience an emergency illness or injury while on your trip, Delta travel insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical and dental expenses you incur for a covered occurrence. 

Emergency medical transportation. You might not always be near a hospital or urgent care facility when you are injured. For example, hiking in a remote location may require an emergency helicopter ride to a hospital. In this scenario, Delta’s travel insurance offers an emergency medical transportation benefit of up to $50,000.

Travel delay. Travelers who experience a trip delay of six or more consecutive hours can receive meal and accommodation reimbursements. The maximum coverage limits depend on your state of residence. 

Lost or damaged baggage. If your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen, Delta travel insurance reimburses you up to $500 for your personal items.

Baggage delay. This protection covers you when you need to replace essential items in your baggage because your baggage was delayed for 24 hours or longer. You can submit a reimbursement claim for up to $100 per person.

Change fees. If you need to make changes to your trip itinerary for a covered reason and it results in change fees, Delta trip protection reimburses you for this fee.

Concierge. As a traveler with Delta travel insurance, you’ll receive concierge support to help make your trip less stressful. A concierge associate can help you book restaurant reservations, provide travel recommendations and more. 

24-hour hotline assistance. If you encounter an emergency and need medical, legal or travel assistance during your trip, Delta travel insurance provides around-the-clock access to an associate who can help.

What isn't covered by Delta travel insurance?

A Delta travel insurance plan includes many categories for single-trip coverage; however, certain things that impede your travel might not be covered. Below is a list of what isn't covered under Delta’s trip protection.

Losses due to known, foreseeable and expected events.

Losses due to government restrictions, travel advisories or warnings.

Losses due to personal fear of travel.

Trips canceled due to fear of COVID-19.

Although impacted trips due to COVID-19 generally aren't covered, travelers might receive temporary accommodation under Delta’s Epidemic Coverage Endorsement.

For example, if you or someone in your travel group tests positive or is diagnosed by a physician as having COVID-19, you might be eligible for some benefits, like trip cancellation reimbursement.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

Delta international travel insurance cost

Plan rates for Delta trip protection vary based on the details of your trip — such as your destination and the total nonrefundable trip cost for all travelers — as well as your state of residence.

To get an accurate Delta travel insurance cost estimate for your upcoming flight with the carrier, use Delta’s trip protection quote tool online.

Delta also offers a window where you can cancel your trip protection plan and receive a full refund.

You must cancel your plan within 10 to 15 days of purchase (depending on your state). However, cancellations and refunds aren't available beyond this period or if you’ve already departed on your trip.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

Is Delta trip protection worth it?

Ultimately, deciding whether Delta’s trip protection plan makes sense starts by assessing your risk tolerance.

If you purchased a nonrefundable flight ticket, reflect on how your finances would be affected if you had to cancel your trip and were unable to recoup the cost.

Conversely, consider your immediate finances and whether you have the budget to pay for Delta’s travel protection upfront.

On top of factoring in risk tolerance and costs, it’s a good idea to compare Delta’s coverage and limits against other travel insurance companies.

Although two different policies might offer baggage loss coverage, for instance, one might offer a maximum coverage of $500 while another covers up to $3,000. Likewise, emergency medical coverage can run from $10,000 up to $500,000 or more, depending on the policy.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

Delta’s travel protection plan is a type of travel insurance that reimburses you for a portion of your travel expenses if you need to cancel a trip or you experience covered interruptions. It also provides other protections, like reimbursement of emergency medical expenses or lost baggage while traveling.

It can be purchased in conjunction with a Delta flight, either at the time of booking or as an add-on for existing reservations.

Delta travel insurance plans are underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on the state you live in. Allianz Global Assistance is the administrator of the plans.

Yes, if you cancel within an eligible timeframe, you can receive a refund for the Delta travel insurance plan. You have 10 to 15 days after purchasing your plan (depending on your state of residence) to cancel and receive a full refund.

However, if you’ve filed a claim or have already departed on your trip, Delta’s trip protection can’t be canceled and is nonrefundable.

Before purchasing Delta’s trip protection for your next vacation, consider the existing insurance coverage you have elsewhere.

For a domestic trip, your health insurance coverage may extend to other states. You may also receive travel insurance benefits through your credit card, which would be activated if you use that card to pay for your trip.

Although Delta’s travel insurance includes many coverage categories, you could find that its coverage maximum amounts might not be sufficient for your needs.

The peace of mind of having travel insurance can be worth it. However, it’s wise to compare travel insurance policies to find the most coverage possible at a cost that’s reasonable for your budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals

Delta Stays

• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• Ways to Redeem Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles

Travel with Miles

• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

In-page Links

• Award Travel , Go to footer note
• Travel with Miles on Partner Airlines , Go to footer note
• Book with Delta Vacations , Go to footer note
• Delta Stays , Go to footer note
• Miles + Cash , Go to footer note
• Pay with Miles  , Go to footer note
• Frequently Asked Questions , Go to footer note

Award Travel

Use your miles to travel to 1,000+ destinations around the world with Delta and our partners. You can book Award Travel for yourself or for someone else – even if you’re not flying with them. And there are no blackout dates on any Delta Air Lines flight.

• Select ' Book ' at delta.com or in the Fly Delta app
• Check the box next to "Shop with Miles" on delta.com or "Show Price in Miles" on the app
• Enter your flight preferences and select ‘Find Flights’
• Our flexible Award calendar shows the lowest price options for the dates you select
• Choose your flight(s), complete your purchase and you’re on your way 

GET THE MOST OUT OF AWARD TRAVEL:

• Earn MQDs toward your next Medallion Status tier with Award Travel on Delta and our partners (excluding Basic Economy fares)
• We've made it easy for you to find the best deals for your miles by compiling all of our latest SkyMiles Deals 
• Follow #SkyMilesLife on Instagram to explore real experiences from your fellow SkyMiles Members and get inspired for your next adventure
• Miles can be redeemed toward travel on Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection carriers and on 30+ partner airlines 
• Book different experiences on the outbound and return flights – Relax in Delta Comfort+® on the way to your destination and fly home in Delta One® to return rested and refreshed
• Earn a Bonus Miles welcome offer with select Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards. Plus, eligible Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes or fees. Terms apply.
• Award Travel flight miles flown (excluding Basic Economy fares) will count toward your total Million Miler balance

See if Award Travel or other fees apply to your ticket. All fees are non-refundable.

*Changes to origin, destination, routing, date and time are permitted except for Basic Economy tickets, and the mileage difference (and any applicable taxes) for the new Award ticket will apply. For travel originating from the United States and Canada to anywhere in the world (including flights operated by joint venture and codeshare partners), Members may change or cancel Award tickets for travel without a redeposit or change fee, excluding Basic Economy fares. For some travel originating outside the United States and Canada, Basic Economy Award ticket restrictions will vary and may be non-cancelable or may be changeable for a fee. For details, visit our Baggage & Travel Fees page .

Mileage difference, taxes and fees apply for any changes. Changes to Pay with Miles tickets are determined by the fare rules of the ticket purchased.

Mileage Upgrade Awards may be surrendered or cancelled any time prior to the scheduled flight departure time. Members may reissue or change a Mileage Upgrade Award prior to departure time. Taxes, fees and any additional collection is based on the rules of the purchased fare.

Not applicable where prohibited by local law.

1 Charges may vary by country. Charges will only apply to tickets issued in select European countries and Members may be eligible for a waiver of the direct ticketing international charge upon request. Charges are waived for all other points of origin.

2 Basic Economy fares are not eligible to make same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes, regardless of Medallion or other elite Status. Same-day Standby and Same-Day Confirmed are limited to availability, and only available on domestic flights.

See what other taxes and fees apply to your Award Ticket .

Terms & Conditions:

Your SkyMiles account must have enough miles for the Award Ticket you are purchasing.

All Awards are subject to availability, and additional taxes and fees may apply. See Membership Guide & Program Rules for details.

Awards are subject to capacity controls. Awards may require higher prices depending on routing rules and restrictions. Exceptions to these rules may require additional mileage or taxes and fees. Travel to all destinations within region may not be available at lowest price. Not all countries within region are serviced by Delta and/or partner airlines. Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is issued. The payment of any taxes, fees, and other government-, airport- or carrier-imposed charges is the responsibility of the passenger. Award redemption requires payment of at least $11.20 in U.S. government taxes and fees for domestic itineraries and may include up to $600 for foreign government taxes and fees and/or carrier-imposed fees for international itineraries.

Award seats may be limited and not available on all Delta Connection flights. Offers and benefits subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Award Tickets issued by Delta Reservation Sales over the phone, in person at a ticket office or airport ticket counter, may be subject to a direct ticketing charge . Charges only apply to tickets issued in select European countries and may be waived upon request. Charges are waived for all other points of sale.

In some cases, seat assignments are made automatically based upon your preference for a window or aisle seat, noted in My Profile . We will request seat assignments when traveling on an airline partner at the time of ticketing. Seat assignments may not always be confirmed at the time of the request. Contact the airline partner directly for seat requests. If your seating preference is not available, "NA" will appear in the "Seat Assignment" column of your itinerary. In this case, you will receive your seat during check-in on the date of departure or you can go to Itineraries to select a seat. We accommodate the seating requirements of customers with certain types of disabilities. This could result in the occasional need to change another individual's pre-assigned seat, with bulkhead seats being particularly subject to reassignment.

Travel with Miles on Partner Airlines

Book Award Travel through delta.com with:

• Aerolineas Argentinas
• China Eastern
• China Airlines
• China Southern
• Garuda Indonesia
• Hawaiian Airlines
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Mandarin Airlines
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia Airlines
• Shanghai Airlines
• Tarom Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Xiamen Airlines

Contact Delta Reservations for Award Travel on:

• Air Tahiti Nui
• Czech Airlines
• Kenya Airways

There are no blackout dates on Delta-operated flights. Blackout dates may apply on partner airline-operated flights and are defined by individual carriers .

Partner Airline Redemption for Members Residing in Japan:

Medallion Members or Delta SkyMiles Credit Card (issued in Japan) Members residing in Japan may redeem miles toward Award Travel on Skymark flights throughout Japan.

Routes/Destinations: Haneda, Kobe, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Naha and Ibaraki. Check flight schedule with Skymark Airlines , prior to submitting the request.

SEGMENTS AVAILABLE

• Fukuoka (FUK) - Naha (Okinawa, OKA)
• Haneda (HND) - Kobe (UKB)
• Kagoshima (KOJ) - Amami (ASJ)
• Kobe (UKB) - Ibaraki (IBR)
• Kobe (UKB) - Kagoshima (KOJ)
• Kobe (UKB) - Nagasaki (NGS)
• Kobe (UKB) - Naha (Okinawa, OKA)
• Kobe (UKB) - Sendai (SDJ)
• Naha (Okinawa, OKA) - Shimojishima(SHI)
• Central Japan International (Nagoya, NGO) - Kagoshima (KOJ)
• Central Japan International (Nagoya, NGO) - Naha (Okinawa, OKA)
• Central Japan International (Nagoya, NGO) - New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS)
• Fukuoka (FUK) - New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS)
• Haneda (HND) - Fukuoka (FUK)
• Haneda (HND) - Kagoshima (KOJ)
• Haneda (HND) - Naha (Okinawa, OKA)
• Haneda (HND) - New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS)
• Haneda (HND) - Shimojishima(SHI)
• Ibaraki (IBR) - Fukuoka (FUK)
• Ibaraki (IBR) - Naha (Okinawa, OKA)
• Ibaraki (IBR) - New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS)
• Kobe (UKB) - New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS)
• Kobe (UKB) - Shimojishima(SHI)

Skymark Terms & Conditions

• SkyMiles Medallion Members or Delta SkyMiles Credit Card (issued in Japan) Members, residing in Japan, may redeem miles toward Award Travel on Skymark flights throughout Japan. SkyMiles Medallion Members or Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members cannot earn miles on their Skymark Award ticket. Supplemental card holder is not eligible for this offer. New Card Members are eligible to redeem miles for this offer after two months of activity on their card.
• Award Travel on Skymark is available on the segments listed above in Economy/Main Cabin Class in a booking class Skymark determines and currently on sale on the Skymark website. Travel must be booked at least 14 days prior to departure. Award Seats on Skymark are limited and may not be available on all flights or markets.
• Booking is available for travels through October 26, 2024
• February 2, 2024 – February 13, 2024 (for flights between New Chitose (Sapporo, CTS) and Haneda (HND), Ibaraki (IBR), Kobe (UKB), Fukuoka (FUK), and Central Japan International (Nagoya, NGO) )
• February 9, 2024 – February 13, 2024 (for all flights other than HND-CTS,IBR-CTS,UKB-CTS,NGO-CTS,FUK-CTS)
• March 19, 2024 – March 30, 2024
• April 26, 2024 – April 30, 2024
• May 1, 2024 – May 7, 2024
• July 12, 2024 – July 16, 2024
• August 8, 2024 – August 19, 2024
• September 13, 2024 – September 17, 2024
• September 20, 2024 – September 24, 2024
• October 11, 2024 – October 15, 2024
• Once your booking is confirmed, Delta will deduct the required miles from your SkyMiles account usually within 24 hours and a Skymark Confirmation Number with the flight details itinerary will be sent to the e-mail address provided when the booking was requested. If your ticket is not confirmed or additional information is needed, you will be emailed within 72 hours after the request is submitted. 
• You cannot check or view your Award Travel itinerary on Skymark website.
• A request response email of your Skymark award flight will be sent to the email address you provide on the online booking form within 72 hours after your submission of the request form. Skymark tickets are “ticketless” meaning no paper or electronic tickets will be issued after booking is complete. Once you receive the confirmation email, show the email to the Skymark check-in counter, and a boarding pass will be issued at the counter. 
• With your Skymark Confirmation Number, make sure to check in between 2 hours – 20 minutes prior to departure for your Skymark Award Travel at an auto check-in machine. If you do not meet the check-in window, you will not be able to travel on the scheduled flight. 
• Award Travel redemption on Skymark is not combinable with itineraries on any other carrier's flights, including with Delta or any other Airline Partner.
• Adults must enter their age as of the date of flight.
• Infant and children must travel with adult. Infant and children cannot travel alone. Infant is defined as a person of 0-2 years old and does not occupy a seat, and child is defined as a person of 3-11 years old.  The same award redemption level is required for children as adult. No miles are needed for infant not occupying a seat but only one infant is allowed to travel with one adult.
• One (1) infant must travel with at least one (1) adult. Please contact Skymark for more details about infant and child passengers.
• Waitlist is not permitted for Award Travel on Skymark.
• Upgrade is not permitted.
• Open-jaw travel is not permitted.
• One-way travel is permitted. One-way travel requires the same award redemption level as roundtrip.
• Return trips cannot be left open when making reservations. All flights must be confirmed before SkyMiles Award tickets can be issued. 
• Cancellation and changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed. Redeposit of miles is not permitted. Award Travel has no cash value.
• If you miss a Skymark flight due to a flight delay or cancellation, Skymark will put you on the next flight with seats available only if you show a certificate proving the delay or cancellation of the original itinerary. If you do not use your Skymark flight due to a flight delay or cancellation, mileage will not be redeposited to your SkyMiles account, and Delta or Skymark will not provide a cash refund. 
• The number of seats available for this offer may be limited and are subject to availability.
• Passenger facility charges, fuel surcharge, security fees, any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the user.
• Redemption award level is subject to change without prior notice. Please refer to the Redemption Level for details.
• If you need any special assistance or arrangement, please contact Skymark. Please note that the special assistance or arrangement is subject to availability.
• An ID (Drivers license, Passport, Health insurance card, Student ID card, Basic resident register card, Resident card, Full copy of a person's family register, Abstract of a person's family register, Certificate of alien registration, War injury and sickness certificate, Mentally disabled person's certificate or Pension book) of the traveler is required when the customer checks-in the Skymark flight.
• Skymark terms and conditions apply .
• For luggage requirements and restrictions, please visit Skymark or contact Skymark.  
• Other restrictions may apply.
• Delta has the final authority in the interpretation of these rules.

Additional Terms & Conditions

Award Tickets on partner airlines may require higher rates or a Saturday night stay. Some airline partners impose a surcharge on Award redemptions for travel on their airline. These charges when applicable are the responsibility of the passenger and will be collected at the time of booking. Partner airline benefits are subject to change and subject to terms and conditions of each partner. Skymark operates on a Boeing 737-800.

If a flight is delayed or cancelled, Skymark is not responsible for ground transportation to/from the airport. Please visit Skymark , opens in a new window for details.

Food and beverages are not provided on Skymark flights. You can purchase soft drinks with 100 yen per drink or an alcoholic beverage with 200-300 yen per drink.

Book with Delta Vacations

Go Beyond the Flight with Delta Vacations. Your miles are now worth at least 15% more* to every destination at any time when you use them toward a Delta Vacations package booked through Delta Vacations. Use your miles to pay for just a portion or your entire vacation. With Delta Vacations you can choose from flights, expertly curated stays, rides and activities all over the world all in one place. Plus, you will still earn miles as you redeem them! 

• Visit Delta Vacations to customize your vacation package
• Enter your SkyMiles number
• During the “Review & Purchase” step, choose miles as your payment type. Keep in mind, only one SkyMiles account can be used for redemption
• Enter the amount of miles to redeem. Your mileage discount should appear in the payment overview
• Select ‘Complete Purchase’ 

* As compared to the mileage value with Delta Vacations prior to July 10, 2023.

• You can use your miles for yourself and everyone who is traveling with you, as long as they’re on the same reservation.
• There is no minimum or maximum number of miles, no blackout dates, and you don’t need a promo code. 
• You can use miles on any vacation package type. 
• When booking online, you can redeem up to 999,999 miles on flight and hotel packages to any Delta Vacations destination. To redeem more than 999,999 miles, please contact Delta Vacations at 1-800-800-1504.
• All SkyMiles Program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide . To review rules for Delta Vacations mileage redemption, please visit delta.com/vacations-usemiles .

You can now use your miles to book your next hotel stay or vacation rental when you book with Delta Stays.  

How to Book with Delta Stays  

• Log into your SkyMiles account (either on delta.com or the Delta Stays platform)
• Click the "Book Now" button below to launch Delta Stays
• Select "Pay with miles" when searching for your hotel stay or vacation rental 
• Search the available inventory shown  
• Make your selection(s), complete your booking and enjoy your stay

General Terms and Conditions:

• Delta’s online booking engine for stays is powered and serviced by Expedia and is accessible via delta.com, delta.com/hotels, delta.com/stays or directly at travelextras-delta.com.
• Standard Mileage Offer: SkyMiles® Members will earn two (2) miles per US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at travelextras-delta.com on the base hotel or vacation rental rate for a completed stay. Base rate is the cost of the hotel room or vacation rental property, before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking. Taxes and fees, gratuities, room service, other incidental charges, and insurance costs are excluded from mileage credit. Miles will not be awarded on any portion of the stay paid for using miles.
• Mileage can only be credited to the SkyMiles Member if the name on the booking matches the name of the SkyMiles account provided.
• SkyMiles number should be provided at the time of booking.
• Only one SkyMiles number can be provided per booking.
• Please allow up to 8 weeksn after completion of eligible stay for miles to be deposited in SkyMiles account.
• If mileage credit has not been recorded on your SkyMiles account within 8 weeksafter qualifying activity occurs, please  contact us  and select: Request Refund or Miles > Mileage Credit > Partners
• Requests for mileage credit will be accepted up to 6 months from check out date.
• Stays completed prior to enrollment into SkyMiles will not be eligible for mileage credit.
• Hotel currency or status are subject to each respective Hotel guest program and may not be applicable for bookings made on travelextras-delta.com.
• Miles awarded are bonus miles, and do not count toward Million Miler Status.
• Unless otherwise expressly specified as part of a limited time offer (which is subject to the terms and conditions of such offer), spend on completed stays does not count toward Medallion Qualification Dollars.

Redeeming Miles for Stays:

• For certain pay now hotel and vacation rental properties, SkyMiles Members have the option to pay for all or a portion of their booking using miles earned through the SkyMiles Program.
• There is no minimum number of miles needed to redeem for a stay, but if you would like to book your stay using only miles, your mileage balance must equal or exceed the total of your booking.
• If you do not have enough miles to pay for your entire stay, you can split your transaction using both miles and a credit/debit card for payment. When prompted, enter how many miles you would like to use for that booking; the remaining value (after subtracting the miles used) will be reflected as USD and must be paid using a credit or debit card.
• You must be logged-in to your SkyMiles account to complete a purchase when using miles.
• You may not combine miles from two or more accounts on a single transaction. Miles used may only come from one SkyMiles account.
• Miles will be deducted at the time of purchase from the SkyMiles account provided and will appear as “Delta Stays”.
• If permitted under the terms of your booking, refunds will be made to the original form of payment less any fees and charges, where applicable. If your booking was made using both miles and a credit/debit card, then the portion of your booking made with miles will be refunded as miles to your SkyMiles account and the credit/debit portion will be refunded to the original card used in the booking.
• If you change or alter your booking resulting in additional costs and charges, any charges must be paid using a credit card or debit card.
• Miles will not be awarded on any portion of the stay paid for using miles.
• Resort fees, gratuities, room service, and any third-party fees or charges, including those incurred while traveling, are in addition to the fees and charges of your original reservation and are not eligible to be paid for with miles.
• Delta reserves the right to cancel any stays bookings due to insufficient miles in your account, suspicion of fraud, violation(s) of the SkyMiles Program Rules, or termination of your SkyMiles account.
• Delta may change, suspend, or terminate the redemption program (including but not limited to any benefits and conditions of participation), in whole or in part, at any time with or without notice.

Miles + Cash

Don’t have enough miles for the flight you want? Available on select flights, Miles + Cash gives you the flexibility to pay for a flight using a combination of miles and dollars.

HOW TO USE MILES + CASH:

• Choose your flight
• Change the ‘Show Price In’ setting from “miles” to “Miles + Cash”
• Select your flight(s), complete your purchase and you’re on your way

Miles + Cash is offered worldwide only on flights operated by Delta, Delta Connection and Delta Shuttle. Remember, tickets purchased using Miles + Cash are Award Tickets and are subject to all the limitations of Award Tickets. They are not eligible to earn miles, and mileage purchases in Miles + Cash transactions are nonrefundable. All Award ticket change fees apply. In the event of ticket changes or cancellations, miles, including miles purchased as part of a Miles + Cash transaction, will be redeposited in the Member’s SkyMiles account.

Pay with Miles

Take a shortcut to your next adventure by using Pay with Miles*. Exclusively for Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members, Pay with Miles is a Card benefit that gives you more flexibility by taking dollars off of Delta tickets or allowing you to use miles when you don’t have quite enough to cover the full ticket. Not yet a Card Member and based in the U.S. or its territories? Learn more about The Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards  here . 

HOW TO PAY WITH MILES 

• Log in at delta.com
• Go to Book a Trip
• Select flights marked as “Pay with Miles eligible”
• On the ‘Trip Summary’ page, choose “Pay with Miles” and pay with miles, money or a combination of both
• After you make your selection, continue booking your ticket
• If you choose to pay for a fare with both miles and a credit card, use your Delta SkyMiles American Express Card to pay for the remaining ticket price

Not U.S.-based? You may be eligible to use Pay with Miles internationally if you’re a SkyMiles Credit Card Member in certain countries. Learn more .

HOW DOES IT WORK*?

Pay with Miles is an exclusive benefit for Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members.  This benefit allows Card Members to use their miles, starting at just 5,000 miles, to discount the price of Delta tickets.  Regardless of ticket price, a Card Member can reduce the cost of their ticket by up to $50 for every 5,000 miles. For example, redeeming 10,000 of your miles takes $100 off your fare, 15,000 miles takes $150 off, 20,000 miles takes $200 off, etc.

For example: a Card Member who currently has 22,000 miles in their SkyMiles account selects a round-trip flight from Atlanta, GA to Washington, D.C. for $250 total fare. By using Pay with Miles, the Card Member can redeem 20,000 miles to reduce the ticket cost by $200. The Card Member would then pay $50 and 20,000 miles for the ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fee for using your Pay with Miles benefit.

As long as you have sufficient miles in your account, there is no limit on the number of times you can use your Pay with Miles benefit—use it as often as you like.

There is no cap on the amount of miles you can use. If you have enough miles, you can pay for your entire ticket price using miles.

Yes, you may use Pay with Miles to book someone else's ticket. You can use Pay with Miles for multiple tickets—you just need to have 5,000 miles per passenger available and they must be on the same itinerary.

If you do not have the minimum 5,000 miles per passenger available in your account, you will not see Pay with Miles as an option to purchase your ticket after selecting your flights. Pay with Miles is only available for Delta Air Lines (not partner airline) flights. You also must log into delta.com to see the Pay with Miles option.

Pay with Miles is a benefit of Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards where you can use miles to pay for all or part of the price of eligible flights. It is always available as a payment option on all Delta operated flights as long as you have 5,000 miles in your SkyMiles account. Pay with Miles always has a value of up to $50 per 5,000 miles for Card Members. Miles + Cash is a redemption option on Award Tickets offered to all SkyMiles members where you can pay for your flight using a combination of miles and dollars.

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)