Cutoff Time

Cutoff time is the latest time by which cargo must be delivered to a cargo terminal or airport facility to be accepted for a specific flight. It ensures ground handlers have adequate time to process, document, security screen, build up onto unit load devices (ULDs), and load cargo onto the aircraft before departure. Airlines and ground handling agents establish cutoff times based on flight schedules, cargo volume, security requirements, and operational constraints at each facility.

American Airlines Cargo flight AA9175 from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to London Heathrow (LHR) departing at 9:00 PM has a general cargo cutoff time of 6:00 PM, giving ground handlers three hours to process and load the shipment. FedEx Express flight FX5123 (AWB prefix 023) operating from Memphis International (MEM) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) may have a dangerous goods cutoff of 4:00 PM for a 10:00 PM departure due to additional security screening and handling requirements.

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What happens if my cargo arrives after the cutoff time for a flight?

The cargo will typically be rolled over to the next available flight with space. Airlines may charge rebooking fees, and your shipment will experience delays. Some carriers offer late acceptance for urgent shipments at premium rates, but this requires advance approval and may not be available for all cargo types, particularly dangerous goods or temperature-sensitive items.

How far in advance are cutoff times set before flight departure?

General cargo cutoff times typically range from 2-4 hours before domestic departures and 3-6 hours before international departures. Dangerous goods may require cutoff times up to 8 hours before departure. Temperature-controlled cargo and live animals often have earlier cutoff times to allow proper handling. The 2026 IATA Cargo Handling Manual includes clarified definitions of Latest Acceptance Time (LAT) to standardize these procedures across carriers.