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

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How Early Can You Check In for Lufthansa?

You can check in for a Lufthansa flight as early as 23 hours before your scheduled departure time, whether you're flying domestically, within Europe, or on an international route. Lufthansa offers a smooth and user-friendly check-in experience that starts online via their official website or through the Lufthansa mobile app. This early check-in window allows travelers to secure their boarding pass, select or change seats, and handle baggage needs with ease from the comfort of home. Once you complete the check-in process, you can download a digital boarding pass to your smartphone or print it at your convenience. For added flexibility, Lufthansa’s online check-in also lets you enter Advance Passenger Information (API) for international travel, making airport procedures faster. Passengers flying with checked baggage can still use the online check-in option and then proceed to drop their luggage at the airport’s Bag Drop counters, which typically open two to three hours before the flight and close at least 40 to 60 minutes prior to departure, depending on the route. Lufthansa recommends arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before short-haul and 3 hours before long-haul flights to allow enough time for baggage drop, security, and immigration checks. For those who do not check in online, Lufthansa provides self-service kiosks at most major airports, where you can check in, choose your seat, and print your boarding pass. You can also check in at the airline’s staffed counters, though this may take longer, especially during peak travel times. Business Class, First Class, and Lufthansa Miles & More elite members typically have dedicated check-in counters and priority services, helping them skip queues and move through the airport faster. Lufthansa’s mobile app is a recommended tool for modern travelers, offering check-in reminders, real-time gate updates, and the ability to manage bookings from your phone. If you’ve selected a seat in advance or are flying with family or a group, checking in early increases your chance of sitting together, especially on full flights. While Lufthansa allows early seat selection during booking, checking in as soon as the window opens helps confirm or change your seat based on availability. It's also important to note that for code-share flights operated by partner airlines (like United or Swiss), check-in times may vary, so always confirm on the operating carrier’s website. In summary, Lufthansa’s check-in opens 23 hours before departure, allowing travelers to complete the process online, via mobile, or at the airport with ease. Checking in early not only saves time but also provides more seat choices, faster boarding, and smoother airport transitions. Whether you prefer a digital boarding pass, printed document, or self-service kiosk, Lufthansa makes it simple to start your journey on time and without stress.