To check in online with Lufthansa, passengers can begin the process 30 hours before their scheduled departure. This convenient service is accessible through the Lufthansa website or the official Lufthansa mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. To start, you visit the Lufthansa homepage or open the app, then navigate to the “Check-In” section. Here, you enter your booking reference or ticket number along with your last name to retrieve your reservation. This online check-in system allows you to select or change your seat, add baggage if necessary, and complete the check-in process without the need to visit the airport counter. After completing these steps, you can choose to receive your boarding pass electronically via email, download a PDF, or save a mobile boarding pass directly to your smartphone using the app. Mobile boarding passes are widely accepted and convenient, allowing quick scanning at security and boarding gates.

For most Lufthansa-operated flights, online check-in is available to passengers except for some specific categories. Those who are not eligible to check in online typically include unaccompanied minors, travelers needing special assistance, and passengers flying on certain codeshare flights operated by other airlines. Passengers in these categories will need to complete their check-in at the airport in person. Lufthansa also offers automated check-in for eligible passengers traveling within the Schengen Area. This feature requires passengers to register their personal information either through a Lufthansa Travel ID profile or a Miles & More account. If enrolled, Lufthansa will automatically check the passenger in 23 hours before departure and send the boarding pass via email or text message, further simplifying the process.

During online check-in, seat selection policies vary depending on the fare purchased. Passengers with Economy Light tickets generally do not have free seat selection privileges, while those holding other fare types can choose their preferred seats as part of the process. It is important to note baggage policies when checking in online. While Economy Light fares usually do not include checked baggage, most other fare types do. Passengers can add checked bags during the online check-in process and pay the applicable fees, helping to save time at the airport.

If any issues arise during online check-in, such as errors related to passport details or special characters in names, Lufthansa advises passengers to carefully verify and correct their information before attempting to check in again. In some cases, removing advanced passenger information and re-entering it can resolve the problem. If problems persist, passengers should contact Lufthansa’s customer service for assistance.

For those who prefer to check in at the airport, Lufthansa provides self-service kiosks at most airports, which open approximately 24 hours before departure and close 45 minutes prior to flight time for domestic and European flights, and earlier for international departures. Airport check-in counters typically open three hours before departure and close according to the destination and flight type, generally around 60 minutes before international flights.

In summary, Lufthansa’s online check-in system offers a user-friendly and efficient way to prepare for travel. By checking in up to 30 hours in advance via the website or app, passengers can select seats, manage baggage, and obtain boarding passes digitally, which helps streamline their airport experience. Automated check-in further enhances convenience for eligible travelers, while customer service remains available to resolve any check-in challenges. Arriving early at the airport is still recommended to allow enough time for baggage drop and security screening. Using Lufthansa’s online tools ensures a smoother and faster start to your journey.