Delta Air Lines Check-In: Step-by-Step Guide for Passengers

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: November 19, 2024

Delta transported over 190 million passengers in 2023, enough to place it second in the US after American Airlines. That’s a lot of people who need to check in before their flights. With airports getting busier and busier these days, it’s important to know your Delta check-in options in advance. 

Delta has hubs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York among others. The airline has taken steps recently to try to reduce the time spent at these airports by streamlining the check-in and bag-drop procedures using Delta Digital ID. This eliminates the need for an agent to check physical documents at airport check-in, bag drop, and security. When commenting on the new initiative, Allison Ausband, Delta’s Chief Customer Experience Officer said:

We know a frictionless airport experience is integral to your satisfaction with your overall journey. With Digital ID, our customers spend less time hassling with their wallets, and our agents spend less time checking documents. It opens an opportunity for our people and our customers to genuinely connect.

When it comes to Delta check-in, passengers have 5 different options, including online or using the Delta app and in-person at the airport. Here’s what you need to know before you start:

Why is Delta Check-In So Important?

The purpose of check-in with any airline is to confirm your details, luggage requirements, and seat. Delta Air Lines check-in is also needed to get your boarding pass. Without it, you won’t be able to drop your bag, get through security, or board the aircraft.

Getting Your Boarding Pass

Regardless of how you check in with Delta, once you complete the process, you’ll be issued a digital or paper boarding document. You’ll scan this at points throughout the airport, including security and bag drop.

Select Seats

If you haven’t already picked and paid for a seat, you can choose your seat when you check in online with Delta. Delta charges for seat selection in Basic Economy, but other fares include free seat selection. Also, if you already paid for a seat, you can change it at check-in. A seat will be automatically assigned if you don’t pre-book.

Check-In Your Luggage

Like seats, checked bags are not free on Delta flights. If you didn’t specify and pay for hold luggage at booking, you have a second chance at check-in. 

Delta does not allow free checked bags for domestic passengers. Checked bags are chargeable and the fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second for US flights.

Note that luggage can only be dropped off 6 hours ahead of your flight.

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Check-In and Airport Arrival For Your Delta Air Lines Flight

USA Today confirms that between 2 and 8% of passengers miss their flights. While this can happen for several reasons, some passengers don’t get on the flight because they do not leave enough time for check-in, security, and getting to the gate. Don’t be one of these passengers and arrive early at the airport - especially if you’re doing in-person check-in. Additionally, when you do your Delta check-in early online, you’ll benefit from:

• A better selection of seats.
• Saved time - no lines at the kiosks or agent counters.
• Reduced risk of getting bumped
• Access to upgrades - the later you check in, the more likely it is that all the upgrades are taken.

Delta Check-In Policy

Delta requires that all passengers check-in for their flights under the following guidelines: 

• No less than 30 minutes prior to take-off for domestic flights and no less than one hour before international departures.
• Typically, for US airports and domestic flights, the minimum Delta check-in time is 45 minutes if you have checked bags.

Check-In Rules for Delta Flights

1. ID documents: You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID for domestic flights and a passport for international ones, plus visas if applicable.
2. Gate arrival: Passengers must be present at the gate (and ready to board) at least 15 minutes before domestic departures and 45 minutes before international departures.
3. Group check-ins: When traveling in groups of 10+, airport check-in can take longer, so all group members should arrive at the airport early.
4. Special assistance: If you or a member of your travel group needs special assistance, such as a wheelchair escort, plan to arrive earlier and notify Delta in advance to ensure a smoother check-in and boarding experience.

Available Delta Check-In Methods

The Delta check-in process can be done in 5 different ways:

• Online via the Delta website
• Using the Delta mobile app
• In-person at the airport using the Delta counters
• The self-service kiosks at most airports
• Curbside check-in (available at many US airports)

How Does Delta's Online Check-In Work?

Checking in online with Delta is straightforward. Just go to their website and click on the menu option for CHECK-IN. Then, choose from the confirmation number, credit card number, ticket number, or SkyMiles number to locate your booking. Follow the prompts to check in. 

Delta will likely also send you a check-in reminder by email, so you can get to the check-in area this way as well. Or, log in to your Delta account and find the applicable trip.

The Delta online check-in process is a standard one and you’ll be asked to confirm:

• You’re not traveling with banned or hazardous goods
• Your seat
• Your checked bags (you can add and pay for them if you haven’t already)
• Your personal details

Important: if you are checking bags, even if you’ve checked in already online, you’ll need to use the airport kiosks to print baggage tags and the bag drop counter to check your luggage.

Fly Delta App Check-In

If you travel with Delta frequently, it’s useful to get the Fly Delta mobile app, which will organize your trips and offer access to your boarding passes with a single click. Checking in via the app works much like online and you need to locate your trip and simply follow the steps. It will ask for the same information as online check-in but is easier as your personal details, such as travel documents, are generally already saved in the app. 

Curbside Check-In with Delta

Available at many airports in the US, Delta’s Curbside check-in can be a convenient way to drop off your bags. All you need to do is find the desk in the passenger drop-off area and present your information. There is no fee for this and it can help you avoid longer lines inside the airport.

Delta In-Person Airport Check-In

When you don’t have online access or are restricted from Delta online check-in, you’ll need to check in at the airport. If you suspect that your documents need to be verified or are traveling with your pet, for example, you’ll have to check in face-to-face with a Delta agent at the desk. Generally, when you do this, you can also drop off any checked bags at the same time.

Delta Kiosk Check-In

Most airports will have Delta self-service terminals that you can use at the airport instead of lining up. You pull up your booking using your reference number, credit card, SkyMiles card, or ID, then follow the prompts much as you would with online check-in.

As mentioned, these kiosks are also used to print your checked luggage tags even if you have already done online check-in.

Managing Your Delta Booking

For changes to your reservation, certain cancelations, and purchasing flight extras, you can manage everything online. 

Head to the Delta website or use the app and select My Trips. If you have Medallion status, you can also opt into automatic upgrades in your Delta account from the My Profile section. For flight cancelations, there is a “Need to Cancel?” link, once you choose the applicable booking in My Trips.

Choosing Your Seat

Source: reddit.com

With basic Delta fares, seat selection is always chargeable. If you did not pay for a specific seat at the time of booking, one will be automatically assigned to you. If you want to avoid the middle seat or make sure your party sits together, paid seat selection is recommended. 

How Long Before a Delta Flight Can You Check-In?

Regardless of where you’re traveling, the earliest you can check in for a Delta flight online is 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. 

• US destinations: Passengers need to check in at the airport a minimum of 30 minutes before takeoff. Some airports require 45 minutes to an hour for domestic flights.
• International destinations: The minimum check-time timeframe for international flights is one hour. 

Delta’s Bag Check Timeframe

With Delta, you can check your baggage no earlier than 6 hours before your scheduled flight. The baggage check typically closes 15 minutes ahead of check-in. So you’ll need to check your bag at least 45 minutes (domestic) and 75 minutes (international) before the scheduled takeoff time.

Timing Your Airport Arrival For a Delta Flight

Aside from the check-in time limits, Delta requires passengers to be at their gates and ready to board at least:

• 45 minutes before departure for international routes
• 15 minutes before departure for domestic routes

That said, Delta recommends that international passengers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours in advance and domestic passengers arrive a minimum of 2 hours ahead of time.

The Exceptions: Delta Airports with Different Check-in Deadlines

The 30/45 minute/1 hour rule for Delta check-ins has some exceptions to be aware of: 

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The following are the exceptions to the rule of 30 minutes before check-in without bags and 45 minutes before check-in with bags for domestic flights:

Why Delta Won’t Let You Check In Online

In rare cases for domestic travel and more often for international travel, the Delta online check-in won’t work or be available. Here are the possible causes:

• You need special assistance, such as wheelchair services, or are traveling as an unaccompanied minor. 
• You’re checking in too early. The earliest you can check in for a Delta flight online is 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Delta does not offer early check-in. 
• You’re traveling with pets, which requires additional checks and requirements at the airport.
• International travel document verification. For international flights, Delta may require in-person verification of travel documents, such as passports and visas.
• You're part of a group reservation with multiple passengers, so online check-in might be restricted.
• Security concerns or random selection. Occasionally, passengers are randomly selected for additional security screening, which requires them to check in at the airport.

Missing the Delta Check-In Window - The Consequences

While airlines may still try to accommodate passengers who fall short of the check-in lead times, the most common result is that you won’t be permitted to fly. When you don’t check in with the required notice, Delta is likely to re-assign your seat to a standby passenger. Or, you simply won’t have enough time to make it to the gate before the plane leaves and will miss your flight anyway.

Expert Tips for Your Delta Air Lines Check-In

These items should help you navigate the entire Delta check-in process and result in a better overall travel experience:

1. Check-in promptly: Begin the process as soon as it opens (24 hours before your flight) to secure better seat choices and decrease the chance of being bumped from an overbooked flight.
2. Download the Fly Delta app: The Delta mobile app makes it easy to check in, track your flight status, and access digital boarding passes, cutting down on paper use.
3. Review luggage guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Delta's weight and size limits for checked and carry-on bags to avoid surprise fees at the airport. For example, Delta generally allows 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag per person per flight.
4. Verify travel documents: Before international flights, double-check that your passport, visa, and any required paperwork are current and easily accessible.
5. Reach the gate early: After checking in, ensure you arrive at the gate with time to spare in case of last-minute changes.
6. Keep tabs on your flight: Regularly monitor your flight for any changes in schedule, gate adjustments, or cancelations that could affect your plans.
7. Be ready for self-service kiosks: If online check-in isn't an option, use airport kiosks for a quicker check-in experience and to avoid waiting in long lines.

Source: delta.com