+1-866-551-1186 How early can you check in for Lufthansa?

When flying with Lufthansa, passengers have the convenience of checking in online starting 30 hours before their scheduled departure time. This extended check-in window is available through the Lufthansa website or mobile app, allowing travelers to select seats, add baggage, and receive their boarding pass, which can be printed or saved digitally to a mobile device. It's important to note that Lufthansa often sends a check-in invitation via email approximately 23 hours before departure, but passengers can initiate the process earlier themselves if they prefer. Having your booking reference and last name handy will help make the process faster and easier.

For certain routes, especially those departing from airports in Germany and some other international locations, Lufthansa also offers a late-night check-in service. This option allows passengers to check in their luggage at the airport on the evening before their scheduled departureusually up to 23 hours before the flight. This is particularly convenient for travelers who live close to the airport or want to save time on the day of travel. However, late-night check-in is not available for flights departing from many North American cities due to stricter airport security regulations.

In addition to traditional and online check-in, Lufthansa also provides an automated check-in service. For passengers enrolled in the Lufthansa iD system or the Miles & More frequent flyer program, the airline can automatically check you in about 23 hours prior to departure and send the boarding pass directly to your email or mobile device. To use this service, the booking must be made more than 24 hours before departure and meet eligibility criteria such as having all required passenger data submitted in advance.

Despite the early availability of check-in services, Lufthansa strongly recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure for international flights, and at least 1 hour in advance for domestic or short-haul European flights. This buffer time is essential to accommodate check-in verification, security screening, passport control, and boarding procedures, especially during peak travel periods. By checking in as early as possible and arriving with ample time, travelers can ensure a smoother and less stressful airport experience with Lufthansa.