Do you have a flight with Lufthansa soon? If you are picturing your Lufthansa check-in at the airport, a few questions might arise as the date of departure approaches.
- When should you arrive at the airport for check-in?
- What documents are required to check in online?
- How does the check-in process work?
Check-in does not have to be a part that creates anxiety for your trip. And thus, Lufthansa has brought multiple ways to check in, including automated check-in, online check-in, or kiosk check-in. This guide will walk you through your check-in options, what times it opens and closes, automated check-in, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What Are Lufthansa’s Different Check-In Methods?
Lufthansa Airlines has various options through which a passenger can complete the check-in process. However, there are various factors, such as route, loyalty status, and how much baggage you carry, that determine the method to use for the check-in.
- Online check-in: The Lufthansa check-in time online opens 30 hours before departure and can be completed through Lufthansa’s official website. While check-in, you can select the preferred seat and obtain a digital boarding pass.
- Mobile check-in: Mobile check-in is just an alternative to the online check-in for passengers who want to complete the check-in via the Lufthansa mobile app.
- Automated check-in: Travelers with a Travel ID or Miles & More profile are eligible for the automated check-in. They just need to select the option, and the system will automatically complete the check-in up to 23 hours before departure.
- Airport kiosk and counter check-in: Travelers who require physical boarding passes, bag tags, or assistance at the airport will have to check-in at the counter.
How Does Lufthansa Online Check-In Work?
The online Lufthansa airlines check in window opens up to 30 hours before the flight departure and closes an hour to 40 minutes (depending on the airport) before flight take-off. It allows the passengers to skip the long queue at the airport and complete the check-in from the comfort of their couch.
To check in online, you will need the following details:
- Booking code (PNR) or e-ticket number
- First and last name of the passenger (must match the booking)
Once you have these details ready with you, here is a step-by-step process to complete your check-in:
- Access the portal: Visit the official website of Lufthansa Airlines or download their mobile app.
- Retrieve your Booking: Enter your 6-character booking code (PNR) or 13-digit e-ticket number alongside your last name.
- Select Flights & Passenger: You will be redirected to the booking page, select the flight segment and the passenger for whom you want to check in.
- Pick seats and add-ons: Move to the seat map and select a preferred seat for your journey, add luggage, or add extra service.
- Make the payment: You may have to make the payment for the service. Enter the details and confirm your add-ons.
- Issue boarding pass: Once you have completed the check-in, the airline will issue the boarding pass. Download the PDF version, print the physical copy, or save it to your mobile phone.
What Is Lufthansa Automated Check-In and Who Qualifies?
The passengers who are looking for a convient check-in option can opt for automated check-in. Here, they simply require to set the details and forget, the airline will automatically process the check-in and send the notification up to 23 hours before the flight departure.
Here is a list that tells who qualifies for the Lufthansa automated check-in:
| Requirement | What it means |
| Miles & More profile | All personal and contact information is stored in your Miles & More account. |
| Lufthansa Travel ID (Lufthansa iD) | A full profile of a traveller with all information |
| No profile? Click on the confirmation link | An option is available in the booking confirmation email; this request can only be made for the one flight. |
However, the automated check-in is only available on flights operating inside the Schengen zone. Thus, you will still require to check-in manually if you have an international or long-haul flihght via airline’s official website or mobile app.
What is Airport Kiosk and Counter Lufthansa Airlines Check In?
Online check-in is not available to every passenger. Many passengers still needs to complete Lufthnasa check-in at the airport. These passengers includes the one who travel as unaccompanied minor, looking for special assistance, or traveling with special or oversize baggage. here are the airport check-in option available to the passengers:
Travelers uses the self-service kiosks for the following:
- Use the scan of your passport or booking details to view your booking.
- Print a physical boarding pass on the spot
- Print your own baggage tags, then hang them on before dropping your bag at the belt.
Counter check-in, staffed by a Lufthansa agent, is generally the better route if you’re:
- Mobility assistance, traveling with mobility assistance requests
- Pets requires an inspection at the airport
- Travelers who are require to present the visa or entry documents at the airport
What is Lufthansa’s Late-Night Baggage Check-In (Pre-Check-In)?
Lufthansa occasionally provides a late check-in service the night before a flight for flights leaving major European hubs, such as Frankfurt and Munich, at early-morning times. This way you can confirm your bags and collect your boarding pass until you arrive at the airport the next morning, with only hand luggage, and proceed directly through security.
Availability, hours, and exact counter location depend on the airport and flight, so please check the availability with Lufthansa or your booking, particularly if you are travelling from a smaller airport.
What Are Lufthansa’s Baggage Drop-Off Deadlines and Fast-Track Options?
Having already checked in online, or even via the app, does not mean you have to wait in line at a full-service counter to check in any bags you still have. Lufthansa has divided baggage drop-off into two routes:
- Self-service bag drop kiosks: scan the boarding pass, print a bag tag, attach it, and place the bag on the belt. Faster, and typically a shorter, line.
- Regular baggage drop counters: required if checking in and dropping bags at the same time, or if the bag is for special handling.
The last check-in times vary by journey:
| Flight type | Typical baggage drop-off deadline |
| Short-haul / European | About 45 minutes before starting time |
| Long-haul / intercontinental | Approximately 60-90 minutes prior to departure |
The deadline of these windows may differ from airport to airport, so please verify the deadline on your boarding pass or booking confirmation.
What’s Lufthansa’s Check-In Deadlines by Destination?
The check-in/bag-drop times also vary from Europe to beyond, as well:
| Route type | Recommended airport arrival | Notes |
| Schengen / European flights | About 2 hours before departure | Shorter security and border checks |
| Long-haul international (US, Canada, Asia, etc.) | About 3 hours before departure | Extra time for document checks and customs |
The following are general guidelines and do not represent a strict timetable: busier airports, peak travel dates, and increased checks on documents (such as visas for some countries) can justify arriving even earlier.
How to Check In When Travelling with Pets, Unaccompanied Minors, or Groups?
Other trips require a little more than a tap on the phone. Some typical situations to be prepared for:
- Traveling with pets, usually you will need to book this in advance of your flight and check in at the counter, where staff will need to check pet documentation and carrier requirements.
- Unaccompanied minors, minors cannot avail the online check-in, they must reach the airport to complete the paperwork at the check-in counter and then get along with the escort.
- Sports equipment, larger items such as bikes, golf bags, or ski equipment cannot checked in online and thus, passengers traveling with such items will have to complete the check-in at the counter.
- Group travel, when you are traveling in group of above nine, you will have to check-in at the counter. It is because, the airline can effectively handle the logistics, seating arrangements, and documentation of group offline.
How to resolve the frequently occurring check-in problems with Lufthansa?
When check-in cannot be completed, there are a handful of typical suspects:
- Passport or ID verification issues: This is the information that is required in your booking to be added to your passport or ID, full name, date of birth, gender (etc.). This is required for flights to/from the US and will not go through to the US for check-in until it is done.
- Codeshare Flight: If you have booked a flight with a codeshare rather than Lufthnsa directly, you might not be able check-in. In scuh a case, you will have to reach the official website of the airline with whom you have actucally book the flight.
- Unpaid seat or service fees: An outstanding charge for an add-on or paid seat can delay check-in until paid for an unpaid seat or service fees. An outstanding charge for an add-on or paid seat can delay check-in until the charge is settled via “Manage Booking.”
If none of these is the cause of the error message you are getting, it is possible that you are missing a step in the booking, so it is advisable to review your booking again to see if it is still pending, as it will not be available for check-in.
It typically takes time to work through these one at a time until you get a boarding pass, and then, once you do, you can follow the route through the airport that works best for your flight.
Conclusion
Lufthansa provides multiple check-in options for its passengers, from the comfort of online to the convenience of in-person assistance. To check in quickly, the passengers are suggested to keep their travel documents ready and understand the applicable deadlines. However, the passengers traveling with pets, special baggage, or unaccompanied minors will have to reach the airport to check in. Go through the details above and learn every aspect of Lufthansa check-in and board your flight with confidence.
FAQs
The Lufthansa online check-in window opens up to 30 hours before the flight departure. You can check in via Lufthansa’s official web page.
You may not be eligible to check in online on Lufthansa’s website or app if you are traveling with a codeshare partner, an unaccompanied minor, or have special baggage.
Lufhansa check-in starts 30 hours prior to the departure hour. However, you can choose the automated check-in option, where you can set the details and the airline will automatically process the check-in 23 hours before the flight departure and send you notification to your registered email ID.
Checking in online is always preferable because it saves you time, provides you the access to the seat map before most passengers, and saves you from denying boarding when the flight is overbooked.
If you do not check in online, you will have to stand in the long queue at the airport to complete your check-in and obtain the boarding pass.
Read More: –
