Delta: Check-in Policy - SeatGuru (2024)

FAQs

What is Delta's check in policy? ›

Check-In Times at U.S. Airports

For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note). Additionally, you're required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

†Not eligible for MQD earn, paid or complimentary access or upgrades to premium seats, including to Delta Comfort+® or Preferred Seats; and no paid access to Priority Boarding. Seat assignments can be purchased in advance for a fee or will be assigned for free at the airport after check in or at the gate.

When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure.

Basic economy tickets have the most restrictions of any Delta ticket, and this extends to seat selection. Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in.

Whether you check in on delta.com, the Fly Delta app or in-person at the airport, you'll be expected to present government-issued photo identification along with your boarding pass. International travelers also need additional documentation, which can be fulfilled with Delta FlyReady^SM.

You can only be checked in for one trip at a time. If you are flying Delta more than once within a 24 hour period, you will be able to check in once your previous trip is complete. If you are traveling with a seat request card or don't currently have a seat assignment, we'll wait to issue a boarding pass at the gate.

Family Seating Policy

Delta strives to seat family members together upon request. If you are unable to obtain seat assignments together for your family using delta.com or the Fly Delta mobile app, please contact reservations to review available seating options.

The earlier you check-in, the more seat options you'll have available to choose from. This is particularly helpful for those who prefer a window or aisle seat, families who want to sit together, or anyone looking to snag that extra legroom.

If you were not able to make an advance seat assignment, keep an eye on the seat map as these seats will begin to open up once check-in begins and then once the gate opens for the flight. If you see a note to see the agent on your boarding pass, you may be in luck.

I have checked in online and have no hold baggage, do I need to go to check-in? If you have checked in and have a printed or mobile boarding pass and are not checking in any hold luggage you can go straight to security and through to the departure lounge.

What time should I get to the airport for a 6 am flight? ›

Within the U.S. and in many other countries, most airlines recommend passengers arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight. This accounts for everything from check-in and baggage drop to security lines and boarding cutoff times.

This is because international flights can have additional check-in requirements, like passport verification, that need to be completed before you receive your boarding pass. Further, international flights tend to begin their boarding process 15 to 30 minutes earlier than domestic flights due to the larger plane size.

We reserve the right to assign or reassign your upgraded seat at any time, even after boarding of the aircraft, for operational, safety or security reasons.

Many airlines provide a seat map that allows one to see the available seats and choose a seat online. One can use the map to select a window seat if one is available. Some airlines may also require a passenger to pay an extra fee for a window seat, so be sure to check the price before selecting a preferred seat.

What if there is no airline seat map or no available seats showing on the seat map? Some airlines do not offer complimentary pre-reserved seating on all flights. If a seat map is unavailable or there are no seats to select, it means that the airline is not allowing you to select pre-reserved seat assignments.

Yes, you may check-in for your Delta Air Lines (DL) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass.

If you check in online or use your airline's app, you can electronically check in 24 hours before your scheduled departure, so you just have to check your luggage at the airport, get through security, and reach your departure gate when you get to the airport.

How early can you check in for a flight online? Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours prior to the flight. Some have a slightly longer window, up to 36 hours before the flight. Be sure to confirm the exact time with your airline.

Delta offers up to two free checked bags to passengers traveling in first class, Delta Premium Select or Delta One. But barring a fare sale or mistake fare, premium cabin flights are generally going to cost you more than economy class.