Straight-talk guides to flying — and to Delta in particular.
We spend all day helping travelers work through airline policies on the phone. The same questions come up over and over. Here they are, written out — for the times when you'd rather just read something than call.
How to change a Delta flight (without paying more than you have to)
Change fees, fare differences, 24-hour rules, and the situations where Delta will move you for free — explained plainly.
What to do when your Delta flight is cancelled
The five things to do in the first ten minutes — before the line at the counter turns into an hour of your life.
Getting compensation when Delta delays you or bumps you
DOT rules on denied boarding, tarmac delay rights, EU 261, and the new 2024 automatic refund rules. What you can actually claim.
Delta baggage rules, explained by someone who actually reads them
Carry-on limits, checked bag fees, oversize items, delayed baggage, and the gotchas that catch even seasoned travelers.
Delta seat selection and upgrades, without the confusion
Basic Economy quirks, Comfort+ vs Premium Select vs Delta One, and how complimentary upgrades actually clear.
Delta One vs domestic First — when the upgrade is worth what it costs
Fully flat business suite vs domestic recliner. When paying the difference makes sense, when it doesn't, and how upgrade certificates clear on Delta One.
Understanding SkyMiles and Medallion status (in English)
How MQDs work, what each Medallion tier actually gets you, and whether chasing status is worth it for how you fly.
SkyMiles award redemption tactics — how to spend miles well
Where the sweet spots are, why Pay With Miles usually loses value, and how to hold an award ticket you might cancel.
Booking partner airlines with SkyMiles — the good redemptions Delta hides
Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean, ITA. Where to search when Delta.com won't show the space, and which redemptions actually deliver value.
Getting into Delta Sky Club — access, membership, and the 2024 changes
Every way in — Delta One, executive membership, Amex Reserve, day pass — and what the 15-visit caps did to card-based access.
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR — which one you actually need
What each program does, who should get which, credit card reimbursements, and how the three stack at the checkpoint.
Flying with kids on Delta — a plain guide from a family-travel helpline
Lap infants, unaccompanied minors, the DOT family-seating rule, car seats and strollers, and what to do when the app shows your family apart.
International travel documents — passports, visas, ETIAS, and REAL ID
The six-month passport rule, ETIAS for Europe, UK ETA, REAL ID for domestic flights, and where to check whether you need a visa before booking.
More guides coming. If there's a specific policy or situation you'd like us to write about, email hello@travelsupport.shop — we write from what people actually ask us on the phone.