Knowing which documents to bring with you and when to arrive at the airport will help to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Advisory: Security measures are in place which necessitate an earlier arrival. See Security Checkpoints for details.

To get a general idea of when you should arrive at the airport, add the required check-in time below to the current security wait time. It is your responsibility to arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete all ticketing, baggage check, and security clearance procedures and to arrive at the gate ready to board by these deadlines.

If you are traveling as a Delta customer on one of our codeshare partners, check in with that codeshare carrier for their security check-in requirements.

Security Check-in Requirements for Travel Within or Between U.S. Cities, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

We recommend you arrive at the airport 75 minutes prior to departure for travel within the U.S. (must be checked in 30 minutes prior to departure). If you're traveling within the United States and you're checking bags, your baggage must be present at the check-in counter and checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

See exceptions in the table below. It is your responsibility to arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete all ticketing, baggage check, and security clearance procedures and to arrive at the gate ready to board by these deadlines. If you do not complete the check-in process by these deadlines, you will not be able to travel on your desired flight and change fees may apply.

From U.S. cities, you must be at the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time with the exception of St. Croix (STX) and St. Thomas (STT) which require 45 minutes.

Security Check-in Requirements for International Travel To/From Non-U.S. Cities

The recommended arrival time at the airport prior to departure of International Flights is 3 hours. When traveling to/from a destination outside the United States, you must be checked in at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This minimum requirement applies to all customers checking-in, with or without baggage. Customers who fail to complete the check-in procedures by these deadlines will not be able to travel on desired flights and change fees may apply.

Earlier security check-in times apply for the following cities:

For international flights, you must be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico

One unexpired form of local or federal government-issued photo id such as:

For more information about the types of ID accepted at U.S. security checkpoints, see the Transportation Security Administration.

Outside the United States

Visit Visa & Passport Information to determine which documents you'll need to enter your destination country.