Had an issue with Delta Air Lines? Get a real response.
How to submit a complaint with Delta Air Lines
Filing a complaint with Delta is straightforward, and the fastest method is through their online complaint form. Here’s exactly how to get your issue logged and moving:
Online Comment/Complaint Form (Fastest):
Delta’s official complaint form is available through their Help Center: https://www.delta.com/comment
This is the quickest way to get your complaint formally into Delta’s system. You’ll enter your flight details and describe the issue.
Phone Support – 24/7:
If you prefer to speak to someone, call Delta’s main customer service line: 1-800-221-1212 (U.S.)
A representative can document your issue immediately and provide next steps.
Fly Delta App & Web Messaging:
You can also message Delta through:
- The Fly Delta app (Contact Us → Message Us)
- Delta’s website messaging assistant
At the Airport (During Travel Issues):
If your issue happened during travel (delays, cancellations, boarding problems), speak to a gate agent or request a station manager. They may issue vouchers or resolve issues immediately.
Mail a Written Complaint:
Delta Air Lines, Inc. – Customer Care
P.O. Box 20980, Department 980
Atlanta, GA 30320-2980
Include documentation: receipts, boarding passes, emails, photos, etc.
Pro tip: Clearly state what happened, how it impacted you, and what outcome you're seeking (refund, miles, expense reimbursement, policy clarification, etc.).
Here’s what to expect once your complaint is logged:
1. Acknowledgment & Case Number
Delta acknowledges written complaints within 30 days and provides a full response within 60 days, per their Customer Commitment. Online submissions typically generate instant email confirmation with a case ID.
2. Investigation by Customer Care
A Customer Care specialist reviews your case. They may reach out for clarification.
3. Resolution & Response
Delta responds by email or phone with an explanation, decision, and (when appropriate) compensation such as:
- Travel credits
- SkyMiles
- Refunds
- Vouchers
- Expense reimbursement
4. Special Handling of Accessibility Complaints
Disability-related complaints receive priority by Delta’s Complaint Resolution Officials (CROs), required to respond within 30 days.
5. Goodwill Gestures
Delta empowers reps to issue goodwill miles or credits to resolve legitimate service failures.
6. Reopen If Needed
If the resolution doesn’t fully address your concern, you can reply to the same case email to reopen the matter.
Common complaints against Delta Air Lines
Delta customers commonly report:
Flight Delays & Cancellations:
Missed connections, overnight delays, and insufficient communication during disruptions.
Baggage Issues:
Lost, delayed, or damaged bags, sometimes misrouted and delivered late.
Customer Service Interactions:
Reports of unhelpful or curt staff, long hold times, or inconsistent answers.
Booking & App Problems:
Issues with Delta’s website or app:
- Broken upgrade paths
- Name mismatch errors
- Problems managing reservations
SkyMiles Issues:
Missing miles, incorrect elite benefits, or delayed mileage posting.
Refund & Compensation Disputes:
Disagreements around refunds for cancellations or insufficient compensation for service failures.
Overall, most Delta complaints relate to operational disruptions, inconsistent communication, and baggage handling.
Complaints submitted through Ajust
How other consumers Delta Air Lines complaints got resolved
Cancelled Flight → Full Reimbursement + Gift Cards:
A traveler whose flight was cancelled had to take a bus home at their own expense. After escalating through the BBB, Delta reimbursed the unused flight leg, refunded the bus fare, and issued two Delta gift cards as a goodwill gesture.
8-Week Complaint Delay → $1,000 Voucher:
A customer waited eight weeks for Delta to respond to a mishandled cancellation. Delta eventually apologized and provided a $1,000 travel voucher, plus a fare-difference refund due to a codeshare downgrade.
First-Class Downgrade → Fare Refund + Bonus Miles:
A passenger downgraded due to an aircraft swap received a refund of the fare difference and dditional SkyMiles as a goodwill gesture
If your initial response isn’t satisfactory, escalate strategically:
1. Ask Customer Care for a Supervisor
Reply directly to your case email or call Delta referencing your case ID.
2. Corporate Customer Care (Higher-Level Review):
Write to:
Delta Air Lines – Corporate Customer Care
P.O. Box 20706
Atlanta, GA 30320
3. File a BBB Complaint:
Delta responds to BBB complaints, which often prompts a thorough review and better outcomes.
Tip: Always include your case number, timeline, documentation, and the specific resolution you want.
If Delta has not resolved your complaint, you can escalate externally.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division handles issues related to:
- Refunds
- Delays & cancellations
- Overbooking
- Baggage
- Discrimination & disability issues
Submit a DOT complaint: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint
DOT requires airlines to:
- Acknowledge complaints within 30 days
- Provide a full response within 60 days
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
File a BBB complaint to trigger corporate-level review: https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint
State Attorney General
Useful if your issue involves deceptive practices or financial impacts.
Consumer Advocacy Organizations
Elliott Advocacy (nonprofit mediation): https://www.elliott.org
Delta’s Official Complaint Channels
- Comments & Complaints Form:
https://www.delta.com/comment - Delta Contact Information (Phone, Messaging, FAQs):
https://www.delta.com/contactus - Delta Customer Care Mailing Address:
Delta Air Lines, Inc. – Customer Care
P.O. Box 20980, Department 980
Atlanta, GA 30320-2980
Delta Policy Resources
- Customer Commitment:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/about-delta/customer-commitment - Contract of Carriage (Passenger Rights):
https://www.delta.com/us/en/legal/contract-of-carriage
Regulator Links
- DOT Consumer Complaint Form:
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint - BBB Complaint Portal:
https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint - Elliott Advocacy Executive Contacts:
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/delta-air-lines/
Delta Air Lines Complaints FAQs
You’ve done your part, now it’s time to hold Delta Air Lines accountable.
Take the final step and submit a complaint that gets seen and responded to.