Air France Check-In
Air France check-in is a straightforward process designed to give passengers flexibility and convenience when preparing for their journey. Passengers flying with Air France can check in starting 30 hours before departure for most flights, either through the official Air France website, the Air France mobile app, or directly at the airport. For flights departing from Atlanta and Detroit in the United States, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. The most efficient method is online check-in, where passengers can enter their booking reference or Flying Blue number along with their last name to retrieve the reservation. During online check-in, travelers can select or change their seat, add baggage, request special services, and receive their boarding pass via email, mobile download, or print it at home. The Air France mobile app is a practical tool for travelers who want to manage their bookings on the go, offering real-time updates, mobile boarding passes, and easy access to flight information. Mobile check-in allows passengers to save time at the airport, especially if traveling with carry-on luggage only, as they can proceed directly to security without stopping at the check-in counters. For those who need to check bags, Air France provides dedicated baggage drop-off counters at most airports. These counters are clearly marked and are specifically for passengers who have already checked in online. If passengers do not use online or mobile check-in, they can check in at the airport using self-service kiosks or the Air France check-in counters. Self-service kiosks allow travelers to print boarding passes, choose seats, and print luggage tags. Airport check-in counters are ideal for travelers with special requests, excess baggage, unaccompanied minors, or those who need additional travel document verification for international routes. For short-haul and medium-haul flights, Air France recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for long-haul international flights, at least 3 hours before. Boarding gates typically close 15 to 20 minutes before takeoff, so completing check-in and security procedures early is essential. Air France also offers automatic check-in services for eligible passengers, where you can be automatically checked in and receive your boarding pass via email or SMS, making the process even faster. This feature is available for selected flights and can be enabled during the booking process or through the passenger’s Air France account. In addition, passengers flying business class, first class (La Première), or who are SkyPriority members enjoy priority check-in lanes, faster baggage drop, and shorter wait times. For group travel or passengers with specific needs, Air France provides dedicated support and options to assist with check-in. Overall, the Air France check-in system is built for efficiency, offering multiple ways to check in depending on the traveler’s preference. By checking in online or via the mobile app 30 hours before your flight, you can ensure a smooth start to your journey and take advantage of better seat selection, less waiting time at the airport, and a more relaxed boarding experience with Air France.