For domestic flights, check-in usually begins 1-2 hours beforehand and often closes 30-45 minutes prior to departure. Despite flight delays, these check-in times and deadlines generally stay the same. This is because of the unpredictable nature of delays, which could be reduced or even reversed.

Excellent question! The short answer is: Yes, you should still aim to check in at your originally scheduled time, or as soon as possible after the delay is announced.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of why and what you should do:

1. Check-in Deadlines Are Usually Unchanged

Airlines have strict check-in deadlines (typically 45 minutes to 2 hours before the original departure time for domestic flights, and often 3 hours for international). These deadlines are set by the airline’s operational rules and are rarely extended just because the flight is delayed. If you miss this cutoff, the airline may cancel your reservation and give your seat to a standby passenger.

2. The Gate or Aircraft Could Change

A delay often means a change of gate or even a change of aircraft. By checking in on time (online or at the airport), you will receive the most up-to-date notifications about your new gate and departure time. If you haven’t checked in, the airline may have a harder time contacting you with updates.

3. You Might Be Rebooked

For significant delays, the airline might automatically rebook you on an alternative flight. To see your new itinerary and get new boarding passes, you must be checked in. The airline’s app, website, or airport kiosk is where you’ll manage this.

4. Security and Bag Drop Lines

Your check-in time is separate from the time you need to clear security and, if you have bags, use the bag drop. These processes can still be lengthy. Checking in early ensures you have your boarding pass and can proceed through security to the secure gate area, where you can wait