Delta Air Lines offers multiple check-in options tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. The process begins with **online or mobile check-in**, which opens **24 hours before your scheduled flight** and remains available until **60 minutes before departure** ([delta.com][1]). Through the **Delta website** or **Fly Delta app**, you can select seats, add baggage, print boarding passes, or use an **eBoarding pass** for contactless travel ([delta.com][1]). If you're a SkyMiles member and logged in, the system often auto-checks you in within this window while displaying your boarding pass in “Today Mode” ([delta.com][1]). At the airport, Delta provides **multiple check-in options**. **Curbside check-in**, available at most U.S. airports, allows you to drop off baggage directly upon arrival; it's typically accessible **from 4 hours before departure until 30 minutes prior** ([seatguru.com][2]). **Self-service kiosks** are another convenient option, opening around **2–4 hours before departure** and remaining available until check-in closes **60 minutes before** (domestic) or earlier for international flights . For those needing assistance, **Delta ticket counters** offer in-person help, usually operating within the same time window . **Check-in deadlines vary** by route and baggage. For **domestic flights**, online check-in closes 60 minutes prior, and **checked-baggage drop ends 45 minutes before** departure, as per recent policy changes . **International travelers** must check in at least **60 minutes before** departure, although many U.S. airports recommend **90 minutes or more**, and Delta requires checking in **one hour prior** with gate arrival at least **45 minutes before** in most cases ([delta.com][3]). Delta offers priority service through **Sky Priority**, which gives eligible travelers—such as Medallion members and premium cabin passengers—access to **dedicated check-in lanes**, expedited security, luggage handling, and boarding ([delta.com][4]). This makes the airport experience faster and smoother during peak times. As a general guideline, Delta recommends **arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights** and **three hours before international departures** to account for check-in, security screening, and boarding ([cntraveler.com][5]). With the gate closing **15 minutes before domestic flights** and **30 minutes before international ones**, missing these cut-offs may result in denied boarding regardless of check-in status . In summary, Delta Air Lines offers a comprehensive check-in experience with options including online/mobile check-in (24–1 hr before), curbside (4–0.5 hr), kiosks and counters (2–4 hr until cutoff), and international check-in at least 1 hr prior. To enjoy a seamless travel day, check in early, drop bags timely, and arrive at the gate ahead of closing times. [1]: https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/overview?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Check In | Delta Air Lines" [2]: https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Delta_Airlines/checkin.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How can I check in for my Delta Air Lines (DL) flight? - SeatGuru" [3]: https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/check-in-time-requirements/international-check-in?utm_source=chatgpt.com "International Check-In Requirements | Delta Air Lines" [4]: https://www.delta.com/us/en/check-in-security/sky-priority?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sky Priority® | Delta Air Lines" [5]: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-check-in-for-a-flight-and-skip-the-lines?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Check in for a Flight and Skip the Lines"