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Germany · LH / DLH · Star Alliance

Lufthansa Online Check-in Guide

Germany's flag carrier and one of Europe's largest full-service airlines. Online check-in opens 23 hours before departure on lufthansa.com or in the Lufthansa app.

Opens on lufthansa.com in a new tab.

Is Lufthansa check-in open right now?

Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.

Open Lufthansa check-in →

When does Lufthansa check-in open and close?

Online check-in opens
23h before departure
Online check-in closes
60 min before
Boarding closes
20 min before
Mobile boarding pass
Yes
Self bag-drop
Yes (everywhere)

How to check in online with Lufthansa

  1. Have your booking reference and ID ready

    You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).

  2. Open the official check-in page

    Use the button at the top of this page or visit lufthansa.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.

  3. Enter passenger details

    Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.

  4. Choose seats and add extras

    Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.

  5. Save the boarding pass

    Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Lufthansa app stores it offline once downloaded.

Mobile vs desktop check-in

FeatureMobile (app)Desktop (web)
Boarding pass in WalletYes (recommended)Email link only
Passport scanYes (camera)Manual entry
Push gate updatesYesNo
Print boarding passVia email linkYes
Best forDay-of-travel useTroubleshooting, family bookings

Lufthansa baggage at a glance

TypeDimensionsWeightIncluded?
Personal item 40×30×10 cm 8 kg Yes
Carry-on 55×40×23 cm 8 kg Yes
Checked 23 kg From €50

Common Lufthansa check-in problems

Codeshare flights need partner check-in

Problem: Flights operated by United, Air Canada, or other Star Alliance partners cannot be checked in via lufthansa.com.

Solution: Check the operating airline on your booking and use that airline's online check-in instead.

US-bound flights require APIS data

Problem: Flights to the United States are blocked at check-in until passport and address-on-arrival fields are completed.

Solution: Open Manage Booking → Passenger Details and add full passport and US destination address before check-in.

Lufthansa check-in FAQ

When does Lufthansa check-in open?

Online check-in opens 23 hours before scheduled departure for most flights. For long-haul flights to the US it may close 60 minutes before departure due to security checks.

Can I check in for connecting flights?

Yes — Lufthansa checks you in for the entire journey if all flights are on the same booking. You'll receive boarding passes for each leg.

Is the Lufthansa app required for mobile check-in?

No. The web check-in works on mobile browsers. The app adds offline access, push gate updates, and Apple/Google Wallet integration.

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