Airline check-in guide
Delta Air Lines check-in: cutoffs, carry-on rules, and bag fees
Check in online 24 hours before departure and be through airport check-in by Delta Air Lines's cutoff of 30 minutes before departure (no checked bags); 45 minutes before departure (with checked bags) on domestic flights. Bag-drop closes 45 minutes before departure — miss that window and your bag may not make the plane even if you do.
Looking for oversize fees, sports equipment, or stroller policy? See the full Delta Air Lines baggage guide.
When does Delta Air Lines open online check-in?
Delta Air Lines opens online check-in 24 hours before departure and closes it 30 minutes before departure (no checked bags); 45 minutes before departure (with checked bags). The moment the window opens today, check in — you lock in your seat, skip the ticket-counter queue, and have your boarding pass on your phone before you leave home.
What is Delta Air Lines's airport check-in cutoff?
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 30 minutes before departure (no checked bags); 45 minutes before departure (with checked bags) | 45 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure | 60 minutes before departure |
These are hard deadlines — Delta Air Lines can give your seat to a standby traveler once the cutoff passes. Arrive with room to breathe, not at the last second.
Can I bring a carry-on on Delta Air Lines?
Yes. One full-size carry-on and one personal item are included on main-cabin fares at no extra charge. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin — Delta Air Lines sets the limit at 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm); total must not exceed 45 linear in.
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (must fit under the seat in front of you (no specific dimensions published)). Pack it smart so you have easy access during the flight.
How much does Delta Air Lines charge for checked bags?
| Bag | Main cabin | Basic economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $55 |
Prices shown are for online prepayment. Paying at the airport or the gate runs higher. Baggage fees compared across every airline shows how Delta Air Lines stacks up against the rest.
How does a bag fee change my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 5 to 10 minutes at the counter — time in line, handing off the bag, collecting a receipt. That window sits between your arrival at the terminal and your walk to security, so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Recompute your Leave-By Time with bag drop factored in — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the counter time so you leave home with exact numbers, not a guess.
Things to know before you fly Delta Air Lines
- Delta raised the domestic bag drop cutoff from 30 to 45 minutes starting April 8, 2025, aligning with the checked-baggage deadline.
- Delta Main Basic (Basic Economy) includes a free full-size carry-on bag, unlike American Airlines or United Airlines basic economy fares.
- Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members receive the first checked bag free on domestic flights; eligible cards also get the second bag free.
Related guides
Verified against Delta Air Lines's official site, . Sources: delta.com — overview; delta.com — carry on baggage; delta.com — overview; delta.com — domestic check in; delta.com — international check in.