Arrive at the airport two or three hours before an international departure. Delta closes international check in counters 60 minutes prior to departure. Delta airlines check-in Policy. Flight check-in. Check in and print your boarding pass 1 to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Check-In Times at U.S. Airports. When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior. You likely know that you have to arrive at the airport in the time allotted to catch your flight, but you must also arrive prior to your airline's baggage cutoff times as well. At some airports they point blank won't allow you to enter the terminal until 3 hours before check in. Delta Airlines offers many options from which to delta airlines check in time before flight the most suitable for you: Check-in counterat the airport. Step 4 Use the self check-in kiosks or wait for an available desk clerk to check in. Toggle navigation Toggle Search Box. What's with these screwy ticket prices?