Sometimes an airline will make a big change, such as Southwest’s announcement last week. Sometimes the change is small but can potentially impact passengers in big ways. Such is the case with Delta’s new bag policy.
The Atlanta-based carrier sent an email not long ago to let passengers know that effective today, April 8th, all checked bags must be dropped off at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure for domestic flights.
There are a few outliers for this new policy – certain hubs have a different cutoff time to check bags:
- JFK Int’l Airport (JFK): bags must be checked at least 60 minutes before takeoff
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) (St. Croix): 60 minutes
- Cyril E. King Airport (STT) (St. Thomas): 90 minutes
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 40 minutes
- Hilton Head Island (HHH): 40 minutes
- Jacksonville (JAX): 40 minutes
- Kahului (OGG): 40 minutes
- Kona (KOA): 40 minutes
- Nashville (BNA): 40 minutes
- Pittsburgh (PIT): 40 minutes
- Savannah (SAV): 40 minutes
- Salt Lake City (SLC): 40 minutes
- San Francisco (SFO): 40 minutes
- Seattle (SEA): 40 minutes
Prior to this change, the typical deadline to check bags had been between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the airport.
In a statement emailed to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Delta said it’s changing its policy “so Delta teams can ensure all customers have a great experience that begins with safety and continues with a clean, on-time and enjoyable flight with their bags.” Which really doesn’t explain the need for checking your bags earlier, but that’s corporatespeak for ya.
Here’s how Delta explains it on their website:
When you’re traveling within the United States, we recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. All customers are required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
If you are traveling domestically and not checking baggage, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
For travel on or after April 8, 2025, baggage must be checked-in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Airports requiring additional time are listed below
If you are traveling internationally, please review the international check-in requirements.
Bags may be added to your reservation at the time of check-in. However, checked bags will not be accepted at the airport more than 6 hours prior to scheduled departure time.
Obviously, if you’re not checking any bags, you can still check in as late as 30 minutes before your departure time.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
1 comment
BOOOO super lame. I’ve become accustomed to MSP’s 30-min cutoff