One Major US Airline Is Enforcing A New, No-Nonsense Checked Baggage Policy

It's official: 2025 is turning out to be the year airlines decide to switch things up. On April 8, Delta Air Lines started enforcing a major change that will affect any passengers with checked bags, though it's not nearly as dramatic as Southwest Airline's latest luggage policy change. The airline will now impose a new cutoff time for checking bags on domestic flights. Any passengers flying within the United States who are checking bags must do so at least 45 minutes before their plane departs. According to an email Delta sent to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, this change was made to improve customer experience and make sure operations work more efficiently and seamlessly going forward.

This change applies to all 50 U.S. states and the U.S. territories Delta flies to, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers should note that there are a few exceptions to this rule — mostly because some airports require passengers to check their bags even earlier. For example, passengers flying out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, are required to check bags 60 minutes before departure. Passengers flying out of Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, must check their bags 90 minutes before departure. If you're unsure what the cutoff time is for the airport you're flying out of, double check your flight information or visit the Delta Air Line's website.

The question remains: How early do you really need to get to the airport? While Delta passengers checking bags are encouraged to get that done before the cutoff time, those with only carry-ons and/or personal items don't have to worry as much because the airline allows them to check in as late as 30 minutes before departure. However, the airline encourages all domestic passengers, regardless of whether or not they're checking bags, to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight is scheduled to depart. This is generally the standard recommended time across the board.

At the time of writing, international flights have not been affected by this new luggage policy change. Passengers traveling outside the U.S. are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure and are required to check-in at least one hour before departure. The airline also recommends guests flying internationally be at the gate and ready to board at least 45 minutes before departure. 

If you know you're prone to being late, this new change might be the inspiration you need to brush up on your time management skills. Type A personalities, on the other hand, will likely have no issue with these policies as they generally arrive according to or earlier than the recommended time and thus are likely to have a more relaxing time at the airport.