Air New Zealand allows check-in for domestic and international flights starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Passengers can check in online or through the Air New Zealand mobile app. For domestic flights within New Zealand, online check-in is available from 24 hours to 30 minutes before departure. Baggage drop closes 30 minutes before the flight, and passengers are advised to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. For international flights, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before takeoff. For flights to or from the United States, online check-in closes 120 minutes before departure. International travelers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight, and 3 hours before for flights involving the U.S. The mobile app allows passengers to complete check-in, select seats, and save mobile boarding passes. Passengers using self-service kiosks at the airport can check in and print bag tags and boarding passes. Kiosks and staffed counters usually open 3 to 4 hours before flight time. Passengers with checked luggage must drop bags before the cut-off time to ensure they are accepted for the flight. Airport counters for domestic flights generally close 30 minutes before departure, while counters for international flights close 60 minutes before and 120 minutes before for U.S. flights. If a passenger cannot use online check-in due to special requirements like unaccompanied minors, special assistance, or document verification, they must check in at the airport counters. Early arrival is essential for such cases. For travelers departing from smaller regional airports within New Zealand, check-in counters may have shorter opening hours and limited staffing, so checking in online is recommended. Air New Zealand's policy requires that all passengers be at the gate before boarding closes, which usually occurs 15 to 20 minutes before scheduled departure. Failure to check in or drop bags before the deadline can result in denied boarding. Online check-in also enables passengers to manage optional extras such as baggage and seat upgrades. Group bookings may have different check-in procedures, and business or premium customers may use dedicated check-in lines at select airports. In summary, Air New Zealand's check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 30 minutes before for domestic, 90 minutes before for international, and 120 minutes before for U.S.-bound flights. Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive early, use online check-in where possible, and allow enough time for baggage drop, security, and boarding. This ensures a smooth check-in process and helps avoid delays or missed flights.