How Early Can You Check-In for Lufthansa?

When flying with Lufthansa, it’s important to know how early you can check in to make your travel experience smooth and stress-free. Lufthansa allows passengers to check in online starting 23 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight. This early online check-in window gives travelers plenty of time to choose seats, add extra services, and get their boarding passes ready before arriving at the airport. Checking in online as soon as the window opens is recommended, especially if you want to select a preferred seat or avoid long lines at the airport.

If you prefer to check in at the airport, Lufthansa’s check-in counters usually open 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours before for domestic or short-haul flights. It’s best to arrive early to allow enough time for baggage drop-off, security checks, and reaching your gate. Lufthansa also provides self-service kiosks at many airports that open around the same time as the counters. These kiosks make the check-in process faster and easier by letting you print your boarding pass and luggage tags yourself.

For passengers who have only carry-on luggage and have completed online check-in, going directly to the security checkpoint and gate saves time at the airport. However, if you need to check bags, be sure to drop them off before the airline’s cut-off times. Lufthansa requires passengers to check in baggage at least 60 minutes before international flights and 40 minutes before domestic flights. Arriving early helps you avoid last-minute rushes and potential boarding issues.

The Lufthansa mobile app is a convenient tool for check-in. You can check in from your phone, select seats, add services, and download your boarding pass. The app also provides live updates on your flight status, gate changes, and boarding times. Many travelers find the app helpful for managing their trip on the go and reducing time spent in lines at the airport.

In summary, you can check in online with Lufthansa up to 23 hours before your flight. If you prefer airport check-in, counters open 2 to 3 hours before departure depending on the flight type. Make sure to arrive early enough to drop off bags and complete security. Using online check-in and the mobile app can save time and offer a smoother airport experience. Knowing these timings helps you plan better and ensures a stress-free start to your Lufthansa journey.