Delta Air Lines has introduced an automatic check-in feature for domestic travelers in the latest version of its Fly Delta app.
With this update, eligible customers are automatically checked in 24 hours before departure. The streamlined process removes the need to manually start check-in, while still ensuring compliance with federal regulations. After the app sends a push notification or email, customers simply open the Fly Delta app, acknowledge the required restricted-items notice, and receive their boarding pass.
The automatic check-in applies only to passengers who already have a seat assignment or were auto-assigned a seat. Travelers who need special assistance—such as unaccompanied minors, passengers traveling with pets, or those requiring other accommodations—are not eligible for auto check-in and must complete the standard check-in process.
In addition to auto check-in, Delta has added several convenient features to Today mode in the Fly Delta app. Passengers can now select seats, purchase upgrades, and add checked bags directly from the Today screen. These tools are designed to make pre-flight tasks faster and more intuitive.
Rhonda Crawford, Delta’s vice president of global distribution and digital strategy, highlights how small interface changes can deliver meaningful benefit. “We’ve approached the app experience with the intention of making it as intuitive as possible,” she said. For example, once a customer adds a bag, the bag button in Today mode will automatically switch to “Track My Bags,” enabling travelers to use Delta’s RFID-based bag-tracking capability from within the app.
By combining automatic check-in with in-app seat management, upgrade options, and baggage handling, Delta aims to reduce friction in the travel experience and give passengers more control over their journey from their mobile device. These updates focus on simplicity and clarity so travelers can move through pre-flight steps quickly and confidently.
Passengers should ensure they have the latest Fly Delta app version and keep notifications enabled to benefit from automatic check-in and the new Today mode features. For those not eligible for auto check-in, the app continues to support traditional check-in methods and detailed assistance options to meet individual needs.