If you're planning to fly with Virgin Australia, one of the most important things to know before your trip is when you can check in. Whether you're flying on a domestic route within Australia or heading to an international destination, Virgin Australia offers flexible and convenient check-in options. For most passengers, online check-in opens 48 hours before your scheduled departure and stays available until 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights. This gives travelers plenty of time to confirm their details, select their seat, and receive their boarding pass—all from a phone, tablet, or computer. I found the online check-in process easy and fast when I used it before my last trip. After checking in, I was able to download my mobile boarding pass and skip the check-in counter completely, which saved me time at the airport. However, if you have checked baggage or need special assistance, you’ll still need to visit the bag drop counter or speak to Virgin Australia staff at the terminal. For passengers who prefer checking in at the airport, Virgin Australia check-in counters generally open two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights. Counters for domestic routes usually close 30 to 45 minutes before the flight, while international counters close 60 to 90 minutes prior, depending on the destination. When I traveled from Sydney to Bali, I arrived at the airport a little more than three hours early, which turned out to be a smart move because the security and immigration lines were long. Virgin Australia staff were friendly and quick, and they directed me to a self-service kiosk to print my bag tag before heading to the drop counter. For those traveling with just carry-on bags and who checked in online, going straight to the security checkpoint is allowed, which can save even more time. It's important to remember that boarding gates usually close 20 minutes before departure, so checking in early helps you avoid last-minute rushes or delays. Virgin Australia also allows travelers with Velocity Frequent Flyer status or Business Class tickets to use priority check-in lanes, which makes the experience even faster and more relaxed. To sum it up, the answer to “When can I check in with Virgin Australia?” is: you can check in online from 48 hours to 45 minutes before your domestic flight and up to 90 minutes before your international flight. Airport counters open 2 to 3 hours before departure, and it’s best to arrive early to allow time for bag drop, security, and boarding. My experience checking in with Virgin Australia was smooth and efficient, and I recommend using online check-in if you can. It’s the easiest way to start your trip stress-free and ensure you're on time for your flight. Whether you're flying across Australia or to an international destination, knowing your check-in times with Virgin Australia will make your journey easier from the very beginning.