How Long Before a Lufthansa Flight Can You Check-In?

When preparing to fly with Lufthansa, it’s important to know exactly how early you can check in, both online and at the airport. Lufthansa offers travelers the convenience of checking in early enough to secure a preferred seat, manage baggage, and avoid airport stress. The airline allows passengers to check in online starting 23 hours before the scheduled departure time. This applies to both domestic and international flights operated by Lufthansa and its partner airlines.

To check in online, you can use the Lufthansa website or the mobile app. All you need is your booking reference or e-ticket number and your last name. Once logged in, you can confirm your itinerary, select or change your seat, add frequent flyer information, enter your passport details (for international travel), and even pay for any extra baggage if necessary. Once your check-in is complete, Lufthansa provides the option to download, print, or save a mobile boarding pass. This makes the process smooth and fast, especially if you're traveling with hand luggage only.

If you're traveling with checked baggage, you can still check in online and head to the airport early to use Lufthansa’s bag drop counters. These counters generally open 3 hours before the flight and close between 40 to 60 minutes before departure, depending on your destination. For short-haul flights within Europe, the counters usually close 40 minutes before takeoff, while for long-haul and intercontinental routes, they close 60 minutes prior.

For travelers who prefer to check in at the airport, Lufthansa has self-service kiosks and staffed counters that open well ahead of flight time. These typically become available 3 to 4 hours before departure. If you’re traveling with special needs, pets, oversized baggage, or unaccompanied minors, it’s advisable to check in at the staffed counters.

Lufthansa recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before European flights and 3 hours before international flights, especially during peak travel seasons or busy times of day. Giving yourself enough time helps you manage check-in, security, and any unforeseen delays more comfortably.

In short, Lufthansa check-in opens 23 hours before departure, and airport counters are ready well in advance to accommodate early arrivals. Early check-in ensures a more relaxed and efficient start to your journey.