How Do I Send a Delta Ticket to Another Person? Your Guide to Gifting or Transferring Flights

Thinking about surprising a loved one with a flight or need to transfer a ticket you can no longer use? While Delta Air Lines doesn't have a direct "send ticket" button like you might find for an event, there are several effective ways to get a Delta ticket into someone else's hands. The process can vary depending on whether you've already booked the ticket or are looking to purchase a new one for someone else. This guide will walk you through the most common scenarios and provide detailed steps.

Scenario 1: You Have an Existing Delta Ticket and Want to Transfer It

This is often the most straightforward scenario, but it's important to understand Delta's policy. Generally, Delta tickets are non-transferable in the sense that you cannot simply "send" your ticket to someone else and have them use it under your name. However, you can change the name on the ticket under specific circumstances, or you can effectively "gift" it by cancelling and rebooking.

Option 1.1: Change the Name on the Ticket (Limited Circumstances)

Delta's policy states that tickets are issued to the passenger named at the time of purchase and are generally not transferable. However, there are a few exceptions:

Death of a Passenger: If the original ticket holder has passed away, Delta may allow a name change to another traveler. You will typically need to provide a death certificate.
Mistake in Name Entry: If you made a minor error when entering the passenger's name during booking (e.g., a typo), Delta may allow a correction. This is usually limited to a few characters and might require documentation like a government ID.

How to Proceed if You Believe You Qualify for a Name Change:

Contact Delta Reservations: This is the only way to initiate a name change. You can reach them by phone. Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and have your booking confirmation and any supporting documentation ready.
Provide Documentation: As mentioned, for the death of a passenger, you'll need a death certificate. For name corrections, a copy of the passenger's government-issued ID might be required.
Potential Fees: Even in these specific cases, Delta may charge a change fee in addition to any fare difference. The agent will inform you of any applicable charges.

Important Note: For most travelers wanting to transfer a ticket for personal reasons (like a change of plans), a direct name change is not an option.

Option 1.2: Cancel and Rebook (The Most Common Method for Gifting/Transferring)

If you cannot directly change the name on your ticket, the most practical way to "send" a Delta ticket to another person is to cancel your existing ticket and then either gift them the money to book their own or book a new ticket for them yourself.

Steps to Cancel Your Ticket:

Check Your Ticket Type: The ability to cancel and receive a refund (or a travel credit) depends on the fare class you purchased. Non-refundable tickets often result in a Delta eCredit. Refundable tickets can be cancelled for a full refund to the original form of payment.
Go to Delta.com: Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account or use your confirmation number and last name to access your reservation.
Select "My Trips": Find your upcoming flight.
Choose "Cancel Flight": Follow the prompts to cancel your reservation.
Follow Refund/eCredit Instructions: Delta will guide you through the process of receiving your refund or eCredit.

Once You Have Your Refund or eCredit:

Option A: Gift the Money: If you received a refund to your original payment method, you can simply give that money to the person you want to travel.
Option B: Gift the Delta eCredit: If you received an eCredit, you can typically transfer this to another person. Here's how:
- Find Your eCredit: Your eCredit will have a unique code and amount.
- Share the eCredit Information: You will need to provide the recipient with the eCredit number and the associated PIN or security code.
- Recipient Books the Flight: The recipient will use this eCredit information when they book their new Delta ticket on Delta.com or by calling reservations. They will apply the eCredit as a form of payment during the checkout process.
Option C: Book a New Ticket for Them: You can use your refund or eCredit (or your own credit card) to book a new flight directly for the other person.
1. Go to Delta.com.
2. Enter Travel Details: Search for flights as you normally would.
3. Enter Passenger Information: Crucially, enter the name of the person who will be traveling in the passenger details section.
4. Payment: Use your eCredit, refund, or credit card to complete the purchase.

Scenario 2: You Want to Buy a Delta Ticket for Someone Else (A Gift)

This is often the easiest and most common way to "send" a Delta ticket to another person. You are essentially purchasing a ticket and specifying them as the passenger.

Steps to Purchase a Ticket as a Gift:

Go to Delta.com: Navigate to the Delta Air Lines website.
Search for Flights: Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers (which will be one for the person you're buying for).
Select Your Flight: Choose the flight that best suits your needs and budget.
Enter Passenger Information: This is the most critical step. In the "Passenger Details" or "Traveler Information" section, you will enter the full legal name of the person who will be flying, their date of birth, and any other requested information (like SkyMiles number if they have one). Do NOT use your own name if you are not the one traveling.
Payment: Proceed to the payment page. You can use your credit card, debit card, or a Delta eCredit if you have one.
Confirmation: After booking, you will receive a confirmation email. You can choose to have this email sent to yourself or directly to the recipient. It's a good idea to send it to yourself first so you can review it and then forward it to the traveler.

Tips for Gifting a Delta Ticket:

Inform the Recipient: Make sure the person knows they have a flight booked and what the details are (flight number, times, dates, airports).
Check Baggage Allowance: Understand the baggage rules for the fare class you purchased and inform the traveler.
Seat Assignments: You can often select seats during the booking process or after. If you select seats, make sure they are suitable for the traveler.
Delta SkyMiles Number: If the recipient has a SkyMiles account, include their number during booking to ensure they earn miles.
Fare Rules: Be aware of the fare rules associated with the ticket you purchase, as they will dictate the flexibility for changes or cancellations for the recipient.

Delta's official stance on transferring tickets is that they are non-transferable. However, by canceling and rebooking, or by purchasing a ticket for someone else with their details, you can effectively achieve the goal of sending a Delta ticket to another person.

Can I send an electronic ticket (e-ticket) directly to someone's email?

While you receive an e-ticket confirmation via email, this document itself isn't a transferable ticket. It's a record of your booking. You can forward this confirmation to someone, but they will not be able to use it to check in without the correct passenger name and ID. The actual transfer of the flight value or the booking itself requires the methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I transfer a Delta flight booking to someone else if I can't travel?

Delta tickets are generally non-transferable. The most common way to "transfer" a booking is to cancel your current ticket (if possible for a refund or eCredit), and then either gift the funds to the other person to book their own ticket, or book a new ticket for them yourself using the funds from your cancellation.

Why can't I just send my Delta ticket to another person?

A Delta ticket is tied to the specific passenger's name and information entered at the time of purchase. This is for security and identification purposes. Airlines do not allow the direct transfer of a ticket from one individual's name to another's due to these policies, though limited exceptions exist for specific circumstances like errors or the death of a passenger.

Can I give my Delta eCredit to someone else?

Yes, you can typically transfer your Delta eCredit to another person. You will need to provide them with the eCredit number and any associated PIN or security code. The recipient can then use this information to book their own Delta flight.

What if I booked a Delta ticket for someone and they made a mistake on their name?

If there was a minor typo or error in the passenger's name during booking, you can contact Delta reservations to request a correction. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as a government-issued ID, to prove the correct name. Significant name changes are usually not permitted.