What Is The Cutoff Time For Checked Baggage? Critical Deadlines For Major Airlines

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Airlines recommend travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights, but whether by choice or unforeseen circumstances, there may be times when you cut it down to the wire.  

Even if you can make your flight, your bags may not. That’s because most airlines require a certain amount of time for checking in luggage.  

Delta Air Lines recently updated their deadlines: 

“Beginning April 8, a minor change took effect for most U.S. domestic minimum bag drop times for our customers who check a bag. This is 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,” a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. 

Delta said most of their passengers check luggage more than 45 minutes prior to departure and the airline doesn't foresee major disruptions. 

Here’s what to know before your next flight. 

The general rule of thumb is at least 45 minutes before a domestic flight and longer for international flights. 

Either way, you’ll need to be at the airport even earlier to allow for waits at check-in counters or curbside. 

Rules for America’s five largest airlines: 

Alaska Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 50 minutes before scheduled departure time for most domestic flights. Travelers flying out of King Salmon (AKN) and Dillingham (DLG) in Alaska need to check their bags at least 60 minutes early. 

Bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes before most international flights. Ninety minutes are required for flights leaving Guadalajara (GDL). 

American Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights.  

Some airports require even more time. For instance, 75 minutes leaving Delhi, India (DEL) and 90 minutes departing from St. Croix (STX) and St. Thomas (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Location-specific guidelines can be found on American’s website. 

Delta Air Lines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights. 

A few notable exceptions include New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport, which requires a minimum of 60 minutes, and Athens International Airport (ATH), which requires two hours for checked bags. Additional domestic and international deadlines can be found on Delta’s website.  

Southwest Airlines' checked baggage policy doesn’t specify a cutoff time for domestic flights, but the airline’s website states: “Baggage checked in 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time (whichever is later) is considered ‘Late Check.’ Although every effort will be made to get late checked baggage on your flight, in the event your baggage does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest will not assume delivery charges to get your baggage to you.” 

Bags must be checked in at least 60 minutes before most international flights. Passengers leaving Aruba (AUA), with or without checking baggage, must check in at least 75 minutes before their scheduled departure. 

United Airlines requires bags to be checked in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for most domestic flights and at least 60 minutes before most international flights. 

Some airports require even more time but at least one airport requires less. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in California only requires 30 minutes advanced check in, with or without bags. Other airports with differing time limits can be found on United’s webbite. 

Travelers on other airlines should check with their specific carrier.