Check In for delayed flights
 

Due to fly out on the DL AMS-MSP flight at 13:25. Is delayed now until 20:00 (and likely will get cancelled I presume).

Do I still need to check in for 13:25 or can I play it pout and turn up around18:00?

Any advice would be apreciated as I know different airlines have different policies etc

Call and ask why it is delayed. It is probably due to the volcano eruption. The main thing to find out is if the airplane is enroute and when it is arriving. Once the airplane is "at the gate" your flight may leave at anytime thereafter. Since you have a TATL flight I doubt the airplane would be switched so that should not be a big worry.

Barring the issues surrounding the current volcano situation, this is my feedback on the core question (check-in times for delayed flights).

I have asked TA about this before and been told that a delay, even if it is noted online or at the TA desk, does not impact the check-in requirements. IOW, you still have to be checked in subject to the originally scheduled departure time (both person and baggage limits in place).

From my experiences with DL/UA/WN, I would assume that is pretty much the industry stance. Keep in mind, people not hitting the original deadlines is what allows the airlines to manage their oversold and IRROPS situations, as those seats become available at the check-in deadline.

(not a DL, or even any airline employee - just posting my anecdotal experiences)

It was delayed due to the volcano situaiton.

Flight was AMS-MSP and was showing as delayed till 8pm. I figured it would end up being cancelled, but didint want to risk it as it was due to depart at 1.25pm.

Left home at 11.30am and at that time Schiphol and KLM both said flights to resume from 1400. I called DL and they advised I must go to the airport.

Get to the airport at 12:30 to be told it is shut for the day and dont I watch TV!!!! Grrr

DevilDog is correct on the subject of check-in times for delayed flights. The checked baggage time limits go by the scheduled time, not the actual departure time. So the computer may simply refuse to print a baggage tag/sticker if the time is past the checked baggage limit. Similarly, your reservation can be canceled and your seat given away to someone else if you have not checked in by the deadline based on the scheduled departure time.