Delta Air Lines offers several convenient ways for passengers to check in before their flight. The most commonly used method is online check-in, which opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Passengers can check in through the Delta website or mobile app by entering their booking confirmation number and last name. During online check-in, travelers can select or change their seat, add any necessary travel documents, confirm baggage details, and obtain a boarding pass. This boarding pass can be downloaded to a mobile device or printed at home. For those traveling with carry-on baggage only, online check-in allows them to bypass the airport counters and proceed directly to the security checkpoint.

For passengers who need to check bags or prefer checking in at the airport, Delta provides self-service kiosks at most major airports. These kiosks are generally available from about four hours before departure and remain open until about 30 minutes prior to takeoff. At the kiosk, passengers can print their boarding pass and baggage tags. After tagging their checked baggage, they must proceed to the designated bag drop counter. The cut-off time for baggage drop is usually 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.

Delta also offers curbside check-in services at many airports. This option allows travelers to check in and drop off bags with the help of an agent at the curb near the terminal entrance. Curbside check-in usually opens around four hours before the flight and closes about 30 minutes before departure. This is a useful option for travelers with checked baggage who want to avoid lines inside the terminal.

For passengers who prefer personal service or have special travel needs, Delta maintains staffed check-in counters at all airports it serves. These counters typically open about two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before for international flights. Check-in counters generally close 30 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights. It is recommended to allow extra time if you are traveling with pets, children, oversized luggage, or have additional assistance needs.

After checking in and passing through security, passengers should be at the boarding gate on time. For domestic flights, boarding gates close 15 minutes before departure, while for international flights, gates close 30 minutes before departure. Arriving late to the gate, even if you are checked in, may result in denied boarding. To avoid any last-minute problems, Delta recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This provides enough time for check-in, baggage handling, security screening, and walking to the gate.

In summary, Delta allows passengers to check in online 24 hours before the flight, with additional options at self-service kiosks, curbside stations, and staffed counters. Baggage must be dropped off before the deadline, and boarding gates close shortly before departure. Arriving at the airport early helps ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.