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Security Check-in Requirements
Knowing which documents to bring with you and when to arrive at the airport will help to ensure a hassle-free trip.
When to Arrive at the Airport
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.
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 from U.S. Cities, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
The recommended arrival time at the airport prior to departure is 75 minutes for travel within the U.S. 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. If you do not check-in by these deadlines, you will not be able to travel on your desired flight and change fees may apply.
| City | Required Security Check-in Time with Baggage | Required Security Check-in Time without Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Cincinnati, OH | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Denver, CO | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Las Vegas, NV | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Los Angeles, CA | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| New York, NY (JFK) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Newark, NJ (EWR) | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Orlando, FL | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Philadelphia, PA | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Reno, NV | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| San Antonio, TX | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| San Juan, PR | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| St. Croix, VI | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| St. Thomas, VI | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Washington-Dulles (IAD) | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
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 from Non-U.S. Cities
The recommended arrival time at the airport prior to departure is 3 hours for travel outside the U.S. If traveling outside the United States, you must be checked in and present at the departure gate 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:
| City | Required Baggage Security Check-in Time | Be at the Boarding Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Accra, Ghana | 2 hours before departure even if you're not checking bags | 2 hours before departure |
| Amman, Jordan | 75 minutes before departure even if you're not checking bags | 45 minutes before departure |
| Bogota, Colombia | 2 hours before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Bucharest, Romania | 90 minutes before departure evn if you're not checking bags | 90 minutes before departure |
| Dakar, Senegal | 75 minutes before departure even if you're not checking bags | 45 minutes before departure |
| Istanbul, Turkey | 3 hours and 15 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 75 minutes before departure even if you're not checking bags | 45 minutes before departure |
| Moscow, Russia | 3 hours before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Nassau, Bahamas | 2 hours before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Providenciales, Turks and Caicos | 2 hours before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| St. George, Bermuda | 90 minutes before departure even if you're not checking bags | 45 minutes before departure |
| St. Lucia | 2 hours before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
From non-U.S. cities, you must be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Security Wait Times
To be at the gate in time for your flight, you'll need to add additional time to your recommended check-in time in order to clear security. To check current security wait times at airports throughout the United States, visit the Transportation Security Administration.
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to topSecurity Check-in Requirements: What You'll Need
The documentation you'll need will vary depending on your destination.Within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico
One unexpired form of local or federal government-issued photo id such as:
- Passport
- Driver's License
- Military ID
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.
Terms and conditions apply to all offers and SkyMiles benefits. See specific offer for details, and visit SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules.
+Subject to government approval.
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