What does it mean to say that Delta airlines “can’t validate your ticket?”
You’re on your Delta app the day before your flight, and you can actually see your reservation with your flight and seat information, but when you press the button to check in, you receive an error message through the app. You get your laptop out, and try again through Delta.com.
Again: “We’re sorry. We can’t validate your ticket. Please contact your local reservation office,” and another one, “You don’t have an electronic ticket. Please check with an agent.” You call and text and are still awaiting a response. You wonder if this is something you can take care of at the airport tomorrow.
Unfortunately, these sorts of things happen occasionally (it’s just part of traveling), but it can be so frustrating when technology can’t deliver what we need when we need it. I will answer questions about what this means if it happens and what you can do about it to resolve the situation, along with other related questions I’ve heard from readers.
Why Can’t Delta Validate My Ticket?
Delta is likely unable to validate your ticket because there is an issue with the information provided or the ticket itself. Some common reasons why a ticket may not be valid include:
- The ticket has already been used or has expired
- The ticket was not purchased from a authorized agent or source
- The information on the ticket, such as the passenger’s name or flight details, does not match the information on file with Delta
- The ticket has been canceled or refunded
- The ticket is a duplicate or has been reported as lost or stolen
- The flight information has been changed, but the ticket has not been reissued
You’ll likely have to contact Delta directly at: (800) 221-1212 for further assistance and to verify that your reservation is valid before attempting to check in online. They can at least tell you what you need to do or with whom you need to speak to resolve the issue.
Why Can’t I Check in Online for my Delta Flight?
Can’t check in online? Here are some of the reasons why you may not be able to check in online for your Delta flight:
- Your flight may not have opened for online check-in yet. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.
- The information on your reservation, such as your name or confirmation number, does not match what is on file with Delta
- Your flight is part of a group or tour reservation and cannot be checked in online
- You have special needs or requests, such as a wheelchair or an unaccompanied minor, that require in-person check-in
- You have an outstanding balance or issue with your booking, such as an unpaid baggage fee (This kind of oversight happens often if someone else, like your office, makes your travel arrangements for you)
- Your flight has been canceled or delayed and you are required to check in at the airport
You’ll likely have to contact Delta directly at: (800) 221-1212 for further assistance and to verify that your reservation is valid before attempting to check in online.
Why Can’t I Check in Online for a Delta International Flight?
Having issues checking in online for your Delta international flight? It could be for one of many reasons why you are unable to check in online for your Delta international flight, including:
- You have not completed the online check-in process for immigration and customs. Some countries require passengers to complete an online form before arriving at the airport.
- You have not provided all the required travel documents. For international flights, you will likely need to provide a passport and any required visa to check-in.
- Your flight is part of a group or tour reservation and cannot be checked in online
- You have special needs or requests, such as a wheelchair or an unaccompanied minor, that require in-person check-in
- Your travel documents, such as your passport or visa, have not been verified
- You have an outstanding balance or issue with your booking, such as an unpaid baggage fee
- Your flight has been canceled or delayed and you are required to check in at the airport
Get with Delta customer service directly at: (800) 221-1212 for further assistance and to verify that your reservation is valid and that you have all the necessary travel documents before attempting to check in online.
Why Won’t My Delta App Let Me Check In?
Having issues checking in with the Delta app? Reasons why the Delta app may not let you check in for your flight include:
- The flight has not yet opened for check-in. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.
- The information on your reservation, such as your name or confirmation number, does not match what is on file with Delta
- You have special needs or requests, such as a wheelchair or an unaccompanied minor, that require in-person check-in
- Your travel documents, such as your passport or visa, have not been verified
- You have an outstanding balance or issue with your booking, such as an unpaid baggage fee
- Your flight has been canceled or delayed and you are required to check in at the airport
- There could be an issue with the Delta app, such as a technical problem or a version compatibility issue with your device.
Contact Delta directly customer service directly at: (800) 221-1212 for further assistance in resolving your issue, and to verify that your reservation is valid before attempting to check in using the app. If you find the issue is with the app, try updating the app or clearing cache and data from the app.
How Do I Get Through to Delta Customer Service?
When all else fails, you can always reach Delta Customer Service, available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Here is some valuable contact information you will find comes in handy.
Delta Customer Service Contact Info:
- Phone (Best, most direct method): (800) 221-1212
- Delta’s International Customer Service Number: 404-765-5000
- You can chat live with Delta customer service on your Apple or Android device by going to the “Need Help?” page on delta.com and clicking on the “Message Us” button. A window will pop up inviting you to chat with a virtual assistant.
- Delta Help Center
So, Why Can’t Delta Validate My Ticket?
There are several reasons you may not be able to get your Delta ticket validated so that you can check in online, including flight cancellation/change, unpaid balance for checked luggage, etc., special needs that require you to speak to a customer service rep, etc. The best thing you can do is contact Delta customer service at: (800) 221-1212. Have your reservation number ready to expedite the process.
How Are Tickets Verified at the Airport?
Ticket verification involves several steps to ensure the ticket is genuine and belongs to the correct passenger when you arrive at the airport. The authenticity of tickets is verified by airlines using advanced security measures. The validity of a ticket can be confirmed by scanning a barcode or QR code on the ticket, for example. As well as facial recognition technology, airlines may also use biometrics to verify passengers’ identities.
The ticket verification process is designed to ensure that only authorized passengers are allowed to board flights and that all passengers are on the correct flight.
In 2018, a total of 813.8 million (813,791,287) passengers and crew members passed through TSA screening. With that many people, it’s no wonder that the TSA has adopted a “no questions asked” policy.
Here are the typical steps that occur during the ticket verification process:
Check-in: The first step is to check-in for your flight. This is typically done at a check-in counter or self-service kiosk. During check-in, you will be asked to provide your ticket and identification.
Security check: After check-in, you will need to go through security. You must present your ticket and identification again, along with any carry-on luggage or personal items for inspection.
Boarding pass: Once you have passed security, you will receive a boarding pass. This document contains information about your flight, including your seat number, departure gate, and boarding time.
Boarding: When it is time to board your flight, you must present your boarding pass and identification again at the gate. The gate agent will scan your boarding pass to confirm that it is valid and belongs to the correct passenger.
Boarding verification: Prior to boarding, a flight attendant will check your boarding pass to ensure it matches your identification and that you are on the correct flight.
In-flight verification: During the flight, the flight attendants will make several announcements reminding passengers to check their boarding passes to ensure they are on the correct flight.
