The recommended time to check in for a flight depends on whether your flight is domestic or international and the airline's policies:
- For domestic flights, it is generally advised to arrive at the airport and check in about 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. If you have already checked in online and have only hand luggage, arriving 1 hour before may be sufficient.
- For international flights, it is recommended to arrive about 2 to 3 hours before departure to allow time for passport control, security, and boarding. Some airlines and airports may advise earlier arrival, especially for flights outside the EU or to the USA.
- Many airlines allow online check-in starting 24 hours before the flight, which can save time at the airport.
- Airport check-in counters typically open 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights, closing around 40 to 90 minutes before departure depending on the airline and destination.
- It's important to check your specific airline's check-in and boarding time rules as they can vary.
In summary, check in online as early as possible (usually 24 hours before), then plan to arrive at the airport about 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights and 2-3 hours before international flights to allow for smooth check-in and security processing.
