How Many Hours Before Check-In for Singapore Airlines?
If you're planning to fly with Singapore Airlines, one of the most important details to know before your flight is: How many hours before check-in opens? Singapore Airlines offers both online and airport check-in options to make your travel experience efficient and stress-free. For most passengers, online check-in opens 48 hours before the scheduled departure time and closes 1.5 hours (90 minutes) before the flight. You can check in easily through the Singapore Airlines website or the SingaporeAir mobile app. This online service allows you to select your seat, input your passport and visa details (if required), add baggage, and receive your digital boarding pass—all from your phone or computer. This is the fastest and most convenient way to check in, especially for those traveling without checked luggage.
For airport check-in, Singapore Airlines typically opens its counters 3 hours before departure for international flights and around 2 hours before regional or short-haul flights, depending on the location and airport. These counters usually close 40 to 60 minutes before the flight, but exact cut-off times can vary by destination and airport rules. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight, even if you’ve checked in online, to allow time for baggage drop, immigration, and security screening—especially at busy hubs like Singapore Changi Airport.
Singapore Airlines also offers self-service check-in kiosks at select airports. These kiosks are usually available around the same time as the airport counters and allow travelers to check in, print boarding passes, and print baggage tags. After using a kiosk, you can head to a designated bag drop counter if you have checked baggage. This speeds up the check-in process and helps avoid long queues at the main check-in desks.
For travelers departing from Changi Airport in Singapore, the airline provides a seamless experience with automated bag drops, immigration e-gates, and digital boarding gates. Even if you’re checking in online, Singapore Airlines recommends being at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure, as boarding typically begins 40 minutes before takeoff and closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Late arrivals may not be allowed to board.
If you're flying on codeshare flights or routes that involve document verification (such as visas, health declarations, or travel restrictions), Singapore Airlines may require you to check in at the airport desk, even if online check-in is available. Always check the travel requirements for your destination in advance to avoid any issues.
In summary, you can check in for Singapore Airlines flights online 48 hours before departure, and airport counters open 2 to 3 hours before the flight, depending on the route. Arriving early and checking in ahead of time is the best way to enjoy a smooth and stress-free start to your journey with one of the world’s top-rated airlines.