Delta: No reimbursement for hotels or rental cars on canceled flights

(UNITED STATES) Delta Air Lines told customers this week that it will not cover out-of-pocket costs like hotels, rental cars, meals, or other prepaid expenses that stem from recent flight cancellations tied to events outside the airline’s control, including the latest Federal Aviation Administration directive and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

In a customer notice dated November 7, 2025, the carrier said travelers whose flights were canceled can receive full refunds for unused tickets or opt for an eCredit, but reimbursements for secondary costs will not be offered. The message comes amid a wave of last-minute changes that have disrupted travel plans across the country and left passengers looking for clarity on what airlines owe when flights do not go as planned.

Delta’s stated policy and how to act

Delta shared this message via its website, email updates, and the Fly Delta app. The company reiterated a policy it has long applied during weather-related and regulatory disruptions: it will handle the ticket, not the extras.

• What Delta will do
  • Offer full refunds for canceled flights (unused tickets).
  • Offer an eCredit valid for one year as an alternative to refunds.
  • Waive change fees and fare differences for itinerary changes that fall within published waiver guidelines.
• What Delta will not do
  • Not reimburse incidental expenses such as hotel stays, rental cars, meals, or other prepaid costs when cancellations are caused by events beyond Delta’s control (e.g., FAA directives, federal shutdown).

Passengers affected by cancellations tied to the FAA directive or the shutdown are directed to manage refunds or eCredits through My Trips on delta.com or in the Fly Delta app.

“They will not reimburse expenses such as hotel stays, rental cars, meals, or other prepaid costs incurred due to flight cancellations caused by events beyond Delta’s control.”

Federal context and guidance

Delta’s stance aligns with guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):

• DOT requires airlines to refund tickets for canceled flights.
• DOT does not require carriers to cover ancillary expenses (hotels, meals, rentals) when causes are outside the airline’s control.

For DOT refund rules, consumers often consult: U.S. Department of Transportation refund rules.

Practical effects for travelers

In practice, the policy means:

• Travelers who prepaid hotels, rental cars, tours, or conference fees may be left to absorb those costs if cancellations stem from federal orders or the government shutdown.
• Delta pointed customers to refunds and eCredit options and emphasized the airline is following federal guidelines.
• The airline described these triggers as “extraordinary,” a term often used to indicate events outside carrier control and thus limit airline responsibility to ticket-related remedies.

What Delta recommends customers do

Delta’s customer guidance includes:

1. Track and rebook flights via My Trips on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
2. Request a refund or convert to an eCredit (valid one year).
3. Use the app for faster processing and real-time updates; call centers remain available but may have longer waits.
4. Seek reimbursement for hotels, cars, or events from the original vendor, travel insurance, or credit card protections.

Waivers, eCredits, and refunds — details and choices

• The airline waives change fees and fare differences within waiver terms, allowing travelers to switch to a new date or route without extra charges.
• eCredit vs. cash refund
  • eCredit: Useful if you plan to fly again within a year; stored in your Delta profile and applied at checkout.
  • Cash refund: Returns money to the original form of payment; card refunds can take a week or more depending on banks.
• Delta did not specify an exact refund processing time in the notice.

Exceptions and reimbursement request form

• Delta reminded customers of a general reimbursement request form for eligible situations (e.g., misplaced checked baggage, onboard service issues).
• Crucially, that form does not apply to cancellations tied to the FAA directive or the shutdown.
• The company explicitly excludes “extraordinary events” from reimbursement eligibility.

Passenger experiences and reactions

• Travelers reported scrambling to rebook, find hotel rooms, or cancel other reservations (e.g., beach houses).
• Example: A Minneapolis traveler lost a prepaid hotel for a Monday meeting and planned to submit a claim to travel insurance.
• Reactions were mixed:
  • Some appreciated fee waivers and rebooking flexibility.
  • Others wished for meal vouchers or a partner-hotel list with discount rates when stranded late at night.

Industry context and analysis

• Analysis by VisaVerge.com and other industry observers note this is consistent with broader airline practices during government-imposed capacity limits: airlines focus on flight core obligations (refunds, fee waivers) and avoid open-ended liability for widely varying incidental costs.
• The U.S. system differs from some European rules, where carriers may be required to provide care (lodging, meals) even during extraordinary events.

Practical tips for travelers

• If a cancellation occurs while en route:
  • Rebook first (app, call center, or airport team) under waiver rules, then sort receipts later.
  • Contact hotels and rental vendors immediately to explain the situation and request cancellation or date-change flexibility.
• Check travel insurance and credit card benefits for trip interruption coverage and other protections.
• Preserve receipts for potential insurance or credit card claims.
• Don’t assume delays equal cancellations—monitor status up to boarding to avoid unnecessary hotel or rental cancellations.

Distinctions that matter

• Cancellations: Entitle you to a refund or eCredit.
• Delays that still operate: Typically do not qualify for refunds under federal rules, though airlines may offer waivers or goodwill gestures.
• Delta’s notice underscores that the ticket is the core of passenger rights in the U.S.; ancillary costs depend on separate contracts and policies.

Important: Full refunds or eCredits for canceled flights, fee waivers for changes within the waiver guidelines, and no reimbursements for hotels, rental cars, meals, or other secondary expenses when the cause lies beyond the airline’s control.

Final takeaway

Delta’s November 7 notice restates an industry-standard approach under U.S. rules: when federal orders reshape operations, airlines will reset schedules and refund tickets but generally will not cover ripple costs that fall outside the ticket. Travelers should act quickly—use the app or My Trips to rebook or request refunds, keep receipts, and check travel insurance or credit card protections to help cover nonrefundable hotel, car, or event costs.