Delta Airlines Hold Ticket - How to Reserve a Flight Without Paying Immediately

Delta Airlines Hold Ticket: Everything You Need to Know

Travel plans often change, and sometimes you're not quite ready to pay for a flight immediately. That’s where the Delta Airlines hold ticket option comes in handy. This feature allows you to hold a reservation temporarily while you finalize your travel plans—without having to pay for the ticket right away.

Whether you're waiting for your leave to be approved, coordinating with other travelers, or just not ready to commit, this guide will help you understand how to take advantage of Delta Airlines' ticket holding policy.

What Is the Delta Airlines Hold Ticket Option?

The Delta Airlines hold ticket option is a feature that allows passengers to reserve a flight and lock in the current fare for a limited time without immediate payment. This helps avoid fare increases that can happen while you’re still making travel arrangements.

Delta doesn’t always offer a traditional “hold” button like some other airlines. However, it provides alternative methods to secure a reservation temporarily, including a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window and a paid fare lock in some cases.

Methods to Hold a Delta Airlines Ticket

1. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

Delta complies with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations that require all airlines to offer a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. This means you can:

• Book a flight

• Lock in the fare

• Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund

While not a “hold” in the traditional sense, it effectively serves the same purpose—you can secure your seat and price without long-term commitment.

2. Fare Lock Option (When Available)

Delta occasionally offers a Fare Lock service during the booking process. This allows you to pay a small, non-refundable fee to hold your selected itinerary for up to 7 days.

• Fare Lock fees range from $5 to $50 depending on the flight and fare class.

• This option may not appear on every booking and is more common for international or premium cabin reservations.

Always check if this feature is available during checkout.

Why Use the Delta Airlines Hold Ticket Option?

There are several practical reasons to hold a Delta Airlines ticket instead of booking it right away:

1. You Need Time to Finalize Plans

Waiting on a travel companion or need to confirm your vacation time? Holding the ticket gives you breathing room without losing the fare.

2. Avoiding Fare Increases

Airfares can fluctuate daily—or even hourly. Holding a Delta ticket ensures your selected fare won’t increase while you decide.

3. Comparing Other Travel Options

You might be comparing airlines, travel dates, or package deals. Holding the fare gives you time to shop around without pressure.

4. Waiting for Payment or Approval

If you're waiting for business travel approval or a reimbursement process, holding the ticket locks in your preferred flight until you're cleared to book.

How Long Can You Hold a Delta Airlines Ticket?

Using the 24-Hour Cancellation Policy:

• You can cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.

• This essentially gives you a one-day “hold” without paying a separate fee.

Using the Fare Lock:

• Hold time ranges from 1 to 7 days depending on the itinerary.

• The fee is non-refundable even if you don’t end up purchasing the ticket.

Be sure to read the terms carefully before choosing this option.

How to Use the Delta Airlines Hold Ticket Feature

Here’s a step-by-step guide to holding your Delta ticket:

Using 24-Hour Risk-Free Booking:

1. Visit the official Delta Airlines website.

2. Search for your desired flight.

3. Select your flight and proceed to booking.

4. Enter passenger information and complete the reservation.

5. Make note of your confirmation number.

6. If you decide not to travel, cancel the booking within 24 hours for a full refund.

Using Fare Lock (If Available):

1. Begin booking your flight as usual on Delta.com.

2. During the checkout page, look for the “Fare Lock” option.

3. Choose your desired lock duration (up to 7 days).

4. Pay the associated fee to secure the fare.

5. Return later to finalize your booking within the selected time frame.

Important Notes About Holding a Delta Airlines Ticket

• Not All Routes Offer Fare Lock: This feature is typically limited to certain domestic and international routes.

• Non-Refundable Fees: If you use the Fare Lock feature and don’t book the flight, your fee will not be refunded.

• Watch the Clock: If you forget to cancel within the 24-hour window or let your fare lock expire, you may lose the deal or incur higher costs.

Can You Hold a Delta Airlines Ticket Through Customer Service?

Yes. If you're unable to find the Fare Lock option online or have specific needs (such as group bookings or medical travel), Delta’s customer service team may be able to help you place a temporary hold manually. You can call:

• Delta Airlines Reservations: 1-800-221-1212 (U.S. and Canada)

Alternatives to Delta Airlines Hold Ticket

If Delta’s hold ticket option isn’t available for your route or doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Use a Travel Agency: Many agents have tools to place holds on flight tickets, even if the airline doesn’t offer it directly.

• Book a Refundable Fare: While more expensive, refundable fares give you maximum flexibility.

• Use Fare Alerts: Monitor flight prices using tools like Google Flights or Hopper to decide the best time to book.