NEW Airport Rule CONFIRMED for Delta Air Lines Flights

Recently, the internet has been dissecting the viral “Airport Theory” with mixed reactions. The theory suggests that you can arrive at an airport just 20–30 minutes before your flight without any real issues, contrary to what airline companies may warn.

Orlando International Airport

If you tend to arrive at the airport as late as possible, you might want to listen up, though. A new Delta Air Lines announcement might force you to rethink your plans. Here’s what we know.

Delta Air Lines just announced a new rule for travelers who check their bags on a domestic flight. According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Delta recently sent customers an email stating that all bags for domestic flights must be checked at least 45 minutes before departure. This rule is effective as of now.

Orlando International Airport

Most airlines have a similar rule, and typically, you must check your bags between at least 30 minutes to an hour before your flight departs. In this case, Delta’s new rule fits within the standard cutoff window.

Orlando Airport gets long lines at security

Keep in mind that the cutoff time may vary depending on the airport. For example, per the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, JFK Airport in New York requires you to check your bags 60 minutes before departure. Check the rules while booking your flight so you aren’t caught off guard, and we recommend you arrive at the airport as early as possible (typically three hours before departure) to ensure you don’t miss your flight.

Orlando International Airport

Delta Air Lines asks its passengers to arrive at the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights, though at places like Orlando Airport, we recommend getting there as early as possible. We’ve seen the security lines reach 40+ minute waits in Orlando.

Orlando International Airport

Many airports also share the current TSA wait times on their website. For example, the security wait times are posted on the homepage of the Orlando Airport website.

©Orlando Airport

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest travel news, so stay tuned for more.

We’re Begging You To Follow This WEIRD Airport Security Rule

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

How early do you like to arrive at the airport? Let us know in the comments!