In general, if you're on a domestic flight, once you land for your layover, you'll pass through a transfer area that will take you to the gate for your next flight without having to check in again. Your bags will automatically pass through to the next flight without you having to collect them.

A Delta Air Lines layover is a scheduled stop at one of their "hub" airports (like Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), or Minneapolis (MSP)) before you continue to your final destination. When you book a connecting flight, Delta's system automatically ensures you meet the "Minimum Connection Time" (MCT) for that specific airport. On a Domestic-to-Domestic layover, you typically disembark your first flight and head straight to your next gate; your checked luggage is automatically transferred for you. For International arrivals into the U.S., the process is different: you must pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your first point of entry, collect your checked bags from the carousel, and then drop them off at a "Recheck" counter before heading through security again to reach your domestic gate. In 2026, Delta has streamlined this with "Digital ID" in many hubs, allowing for faster security processing. If your layover is short (under 60 minutes), it's a good idea to use the Delta app's map feature to find your next gate. If your flight is delayed and you miss your connection, Delta's "Fly Delta" app will usually automatically rebook you on the next available flight.