Delta Airlines Check-in Policy, Deadline & Process
The check-in time differs from one airline to another. So, if the passenger has a booking on Delta, they need to adhere to the Delta Airlines check-in time. Whether the passenger is flying internationally or within the US, they must follow the Delta Airlines check-in policy for a smoother boarding process.
In the following guide, we will explore the various methods Delta offers to complete the check-in process. What are the deadlines to finalize the check-in?
Delta Airlines Check-in Policy
There are certain points that travelers must remember to complete the check-in and obtain the boarding pass at the right time.
- Delta Airlines does not permit any passenger to board the aircraft without completing the check-in process.
- The online check-in window for Delta-operated flights opens 24 hours before departure. Thus, travelers can web check-in if they have connecting flights and Delta Airlines is operating the first flight.
- Online check-in is not available for flights run by codeshare partners.
- Also, online check-in is not available to passengers with special assistance.
- During the check-in process, travelers can:
- Change their reservation for an earlier flight.
- Select seats
- Upgrade seats.
- Check bags and pay the baggage fee.
- Purchase add-ons.
- Delta Airlines accepts passports, driving licenses, military IDs, and any other government photo ID during check-in.
- Travelers flying on domestic Delta flights must arrive at the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before departure.
- Also, passengers traveling on international Delta flights must arrive at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before departure.
How to Check-In on Delta Airlines?
There are several ways to check in on Delta Airlines. Travelers can use offline and online means to complete the check-in on Delta Airlines. If the passenger fails to check in on time, then Delta Airlines can cancel their booking.
Web Check-in
It is the most convenient way to check in on Delta Airlines. The Delta Airlines web check-in option saves time and energy and also allows passengers to get approval for boarding without any extra cost.
You need to take the following steps to complete the Delta Airlines web check-in process.
- Go to the official website.
- Choose the “Check-in” option in the top menu.
- After that, enter the confirmation number and departure airport. Instead of a confirmation number, passengers can also use the SkyMiles number, ticket number, or credit card number to fetch the trip details.
- Confirm your check-in.
- Now, print the boarding pass. Travelers can also get an eBoarding pass on their mobile device.
When making an online check-in, travelers can make the following amendments:
- Check-in for a single passenger can be done.
- Select or upgrade your seats.
- Purchase additional bags.
- Get an eboarding pass on a mobile device.
Check in with the Fly Delta App
The passengers can also use the Fly Delta App to check in for their flight. Here are the quick steps.
- Download the Fly Delta app.
- Log in to your account as a guest. Traveler can also sign in to their SkyMiles account.
- After that, enter the confirmation number to retrieve the trip details.
- Click on the check-in option.
- Choose the passengers and confirm the check-in.
Travelers will be automatically checked in 24 hours before their flight departure if they stay logged in the app. The Today Mode in the app allows the flyer to see their boarding pass. By checking in via mobile app travelers can also add baggage, select or upgrade seats, and get boarding passes.
Use the Kiosk machine
The kiosk check-in option is available for all domestic and international Delta flights. Travelers can start the check-in process by entering either SkyMiles, confirmation, or e-ticket numbers. It is helpful if the passenger fails to check in online for their flights. Moreover, it also helps in purchasing last-minute baggage allowance or seat upgrades.
Check-in at Airport Counter
If you are not able to check in online or via the kiosk machine, then no problem as Delta Airlines offers check-in assistance at the airport. Travelers will need to visit the airport counter and ask the agent to complete the check-in.
Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion Members can use the Sky Priority Boarding Lane for faster check-in. Also, Delta One, Premium Select, and First Class passengers can use the priority lane.
Airport Curbside Check-in
At some of the selected domestic airports, travelers get the perk of checking at the curbside. In many US airports, the curbside desk is located at the passenger drop area. Passengers have to provide the booking ID to complete the process. There are no additional charges for curbside check-in.
Travelers can also check in their baggage here. However, if they have overweight baggage, they need to check in at the airport counter.
Delta Airlines Check-In Timings
- The online check-in window on Delta Airlines opens 24 hours before and closes 60 minutes prior to departure. Travelers can use the Fly Delta app, Delta.com to check in online.
- Passengers can check in on their Delta Airlines flight through a kiosk machine or curbside check-in 4 hours before departure up to 30 minutes.
- According to Delta Airlines Baggage Policy, the airline does not accept checked bags six hours before the scheduled departure of the airport.
- If the passenger is checking at the airport counter, then:
For International Airports
| Minimum time at the airport before departure | Minimum check-in cutoff time before departure | Minimum time at the gate before departure |
| 3 hours | 1 hour | 45 minutes |
For Domestic Flights
| Minimum time at the airport before departure | Minimum check-in cutoff time before departure | Minimum time at the gate before departure |
| 2 hours | 30 minutes | 15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How early does Delta let you check in?
Ans. Delta Airlines opens its check-in window 24 hours before departure. Passengers can check in online via united.com or the Fly Delta app to complete the check-in process.
Q. Can I check in curbside on Delta Airlines flights?
Ans. Yes, you can check in on Delta Airlines flights via the curbside desk. The facility is available at selected US airports. There are no additional charges for checking in through the curbside desk.
Q. Can I board the flight without checking in?
Ans. No. Delta or any other airline does not allow passengers to board the flight without completing the check-in process. It is compulsory for travelers to check in before the deadline.
Q. Is it better to check in online or at the airport?
Ans. If you have a reservation on Delta Airlines, then it is better to check in online. The online check-in feature allows passengers to get boarding approval from the comfort of their homes.
Q. What happens if you don’t check in 24 hours before for your Delta flight?
Ans. The check-in window on Delta opens 24 hours before departure and closes an hour before take-off. If you delay the check-in, then you may not get to choose your desired seat. Also, it may lead to cancellation of your booking.
Q. Do I get better seats if I check in early?
Ans. The seat selection begins at the time of check-in. You must select your seat as soon as the check-in window opens. If you check in early, you will have wider seat options.
Q. What happens if you check in online on Delta and don’t turn up?
Ans. If you complete the check-in on Delta Airlines and don’t show up for the flight, then the airline will mark it as a no-show. Under the Delta Airlines no-show policy, the airline will cancel the booking and forfeit the ticket value.
Q. Does Delta SkyMiles member get priority boarding?
Ans. Not all Skymiles members get to use the priority check-in lane. Only the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion Members can use the Sky priority boarding lane for faster check-in.
Q. What are the check-in timings for Delta international flights at the airport counter?
Ans. The check-in time for international flights at the Delta airport counter opens 3 hours before departure. Travelers must complete the check-in process at least 1 hour before take off.
Q. What are the check-in timings for Delta domestic flights at the airport counter?
Ans. The check-in time for domestic flights at the Delta airport counter opens 2 hours before departure. The minimum cut-off time is 30 minutes before take-off.
Q. What documents does Delta Airlines need during check-in?
Ans. Travelers need to provide passports, driving licenses, military IDs, and any other government photo ID during check-in. After matching the name and other details on the ticket and ID, the airline will approve the boarding.
Q. What information do I need to process my Delta flight check-in request?
Ans. You can use either a confirmation number, SkyMiles number, ticket number, or credit card number to start the check-in process.
Q. Can I add baggage during check-in on Delta flights?
Ans. Yes, during the online check-in, kiosk, or airport check-in process, Delta Airlines permits the passengers to add baggage to their itinerary, They can also add overweight/oversized items through the airport check-in counter. Also, the additional baggage fees can be paid during check-in.
Q. What are the various ways to check in on Delta flights?
Ans. Passengers can check in on Delta flights:
- Through the official website.
- Also, via the Delta Fly app
- At the airport check-in
- Through kiosk machine
- Also, at the curbside desk
Q. When should I arrive at the boarding gate for Delta flights?
Ans. You must arrive at the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before departure of their domestic flights. On the other hand, you must arrive at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before departure for international flights.
Q. How to get an eBoarding pass on Delta?
Ans. When you check in online through the official website or the Fly Delta app, you can request delivery of your eBoarding pass to your mobile device.
Q. Can I check in with the Fly Delta app?
Ans. Yes, you can use the Fly Delta app for a faster and more convenient check-in process. If you stay logged in to your account on the Fly Delta app, the airline will automatically check you in.