Delta Air Lines·SkyTeam
Delta Check-in Times & Boarding Cutoffs
Delta Check-in Times & Boarding Cutoffs — Summary
When Delta check-in opens, airport and bag drop cutoffs for domestic and international flights, and how early the gate closes.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- When online check-in opens: 24 hours before scheduled departure, via delta.com or the Fly Delta app..
- Domestic airport cutoff: 30 minutes before departure for most domestic airports; 45 minutes at a handful of larger stations..
- International airport cutoff: 60 minutes before departure for international itineraries..
- Bag drop deadline: Checked bags must be dropped at least 45 minutes before domestic departure and 60 minutes before international departure..
When online check-in opens
24 hours before scheduled departure, via delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Domestic airport cutoff
30 minutes before departure for most domestic airports; 45 minutes at a handful of larger stations.
International airport cutoff
60 minutes before departure for international itineraries.
Bag drop deadline
Checked bags must be dropped at least 45 minutes before domestic departure and 60 minutes before international departure.
Boarding and gate closure
Doors close 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Delta boards in eight numbered zones by fare brand and Medallion tier.
Doing it in the app
Most changes, cancellations, seat swaps, same-day standby and bag tracking are faster in the Fly Delta app than on the phone. Start there before you queue.
Delta check-in & boarding — common questions
When does Delta check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure, via delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
How early do I need to be at the airport for Delta?
Domestic: 30 minutes before departure for most domestic airports; 45 minutes at a handful of larger stations. International: 60 minutes before departure for international itineraries. Bags: Checked bags must be dropped at least 45 minutes before domestic departure and 60 minutes before international departure.
How long before departure does the Delta gate close?
Doors close 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Delta boards in eight numbered zones by fare brand and Medallion tier.
More Delta help
Booking Delta? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.