To check in for your Delta flight, you can use the Delta website or mobile app, airport kiosks, or the ticket counter. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. You can also check in automatically through the Fly Delta app if you're flying domestically, according to Future Travel Experience.
Online check-in (Web check-in)
Mobile check-in.
Curbside check-in at the airport.
Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport.
Ticket counter check-in at the airport.
Checking in for your Delta Air Lines flight is a streamlined process that offers flexibility and convenience through multiple options tailored to different traveler needs. Whether you're planning ahead or arriving just in time, Delta provides several methods to ensure that the check-in experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. The most popular and convenient method is online check-in, which opens 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Passengers can visit delta.com and navigate to the "Check In" section, where they will be prompted to enter their confirmation number, SkyMiles number, or credit card details used at the time of booking. Through this process, passengers can review and modify their seat assignments, add baggage, request special services, and print or email their boarding passes. The online check-in process is designed for both domestic and international travelers and typically closes 60 minutes before departure, although this can vary slightly depending on your destination.
Another efficient way to check in is through the Fly Delta mobile app, [1_86 6 5 51 11 86
which mirrors the online experience and adds even more convenience. Once you download the app and log in to your Delta account, you can manage your trip, receive real-time flight updates, track bags, and check in with just a few taps. The app will automatically check you in 24 hours before departure if your booking is eligible, and you'll receive a mobile boarding pass that can be saved to your smartphone’s digital wallet. This is particularly useful for travelers without checked luggage, as it allows them to bypass the airport check-in counter and proceed directly to the security checkpoint and boarding gate.
For those who prefer to check in at the airport, Delta offers self-service kiosks at most major airports. These kiosks open several hours before departure (generally up to 4 hours prior to takeoff) and close 60 minutes before departure. Passengers can use the kiosk to check in, print boarding passes and baggage tags, change seats, and pay for checked luggage. After printing your baggage tags, simply attach them to your luggage and proceed to the bag drop counter, where Delta staff will assist you with completing the process. The kiosks are ideal for travelers who may need to make quick changes or who did not have access to online check-in before arriving at the airport.
If you're traveling with special needs—such as requiring wheelchair assistance, flying with pets, or needing help with large or fragile items—it's best to use the Delta check-in counter, where airline staff can provide personalized service. These counters also open around 2–4 hours before flight time and typically close 60 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international departures. Delta also offers curbside check-in at select airports in the United States, which allows passengers to check in and drop their bags with a skycap without even entering the terminal. This service is especially helpful for travelers in a hurry or those with mobility issues and is generally available from 30 minutes up to 4 hours before the scheduled flight.
To ensure a smooth airport experience, Delta recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours prior to an international departure. This time frame allows for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays. Once checked in, passengers should be at their gate 15 minutes before the boarding time for domestic flights and at least 45 minutes prior for international travel. Boarding generally begins 30–40 minutes before departure and ends 15 minutes before the aircraft leaves the gate, so punctuality is key.
In conclusion, Delta Air Lines offers a range of check-in options—online, mobile, self-service kiosk, curbside, and counter check-in—that provide flexibility and ease for every kind of traveler. Whether you choose to check in from home, on your phone, or at the airport, the process is designed to minimize wait times and maximize convenience, helping ensure that your travel day begins on the right note.