You can generally check your bags between 2 to 6 hours before your flight departure, but the exact timing depends on the airline, airport, and whether your flight is domestic or international.
Typical Time Frames to Check Bags
- Delta Airlines allows checking bags as early as 4 to 6 hours before departure
- American Airlines requires bags to be checked at least 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, with check-in available starting 24 hours before flight time online but airport bag drop closer to departure
- United Airlines typically accepts checked bags starting about 4 hours before the flight, though some airports and flights may allow earlier check-in up to 6 hours or even 12 hours in rare cases; however, bags are generally not accepted more than 4 hours prior
- British Airways allows bag drop about 3 hours before departure
- Ryanair opens bag drop desks 2 hours before departure and closes 40 minutes prior
- Spirit Airlines allows bag check-in 4 hours before departure
- Frontier Airlines allows bag check as early as 1 hour before departure
Additional Considerations
- Many airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for check-in, security, and boarding
- Some airports offer evening-before check-in and baggage drop options, which can allow even earlier bag check-in
- Airport operating hours and bag drop counter hours affect how early you can check bags; for example, early morning flights may have later opening times for bag drop
- Airlines often require you to complete check-in and baggage drop before leaving the airport; if you leave, you may need to retrieve and re-check your bags
Summary
Airline| Earliest Bag Check-In Time Before Flight
---|---
Delta| 4 to 6 hours
American Airlines| 4 hours (airport), online check-in 24h
United| Generally 4 hours, sometimes up to 6-12h
British Airways| 3 hours
Ryanair| 2 hours
Spirit| 4 hours
Frontier| 1 hour
In general, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, and check your airline's specific policy and airport operating hours for the most accurate timing
