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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
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. 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 Before Departure with Baggage |
Required Security Check-in Time Before Departure without Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Cincinnati, OH | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Denver, CO | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Las Vegas, NV | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Los Angeles, CA | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| New York, NY (JFK) | 60 minutes | 45 minutes |
| New York, NY (LGA) | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Newark, NJ (EWR) | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Orlando, FL | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Philadelphia, PA | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Reno, NV | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| San Antonio, TX | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| San Juan, PR | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
| St. Croix, VI | 60 minutes | 45 minutes |
| St. Thomas, VI | 60 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Washington-Dulles (IAD) | 45 minutes | 30 minutes |
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.
*Travelers flying from LaGuardia to Boston and from LaGuardia to Washington D.C.should be at the boarding gate 2 minutes before departure.
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 even if you're not checking bags | 90 minutes before departure |
| Dakar, Senegal | 90 minutes before departure even if you're not checking bags | 60 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.
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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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