Nothing is worse for a traveler than hearing, “You’re late for your flight.” Just when your vacation begins, this single sentence can shatter your plans, and possibly your bank balance. To ensure your vacation travels go as smoothly as possible, here is an in-depth Air India Express check in time guide, with updated guidelines on airport and web check in to follow for domestic and international flights. Scroll to know more, because losing money over a few minutes is no joke!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Air India Express Check in Counter Timings
- Self-Check-in at the Airport
- Baggage Counter Closing Time
- Air India Express Check In Online
- Web Check In Air India Express Restrictions
- Tips to Ensure You Arrive on Time for Air India Express Check In
- Summing Up:
- FAQs: Air India Express Check In Time
- Akbar Travels Services
Air India Express Check in Counter Timings

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The Air India Express check in time remains constant at every airport in India, for domestic and international flights. Following these timings, especially if you have to check in at the counter, can save you a lot of stress.
| Counter Opening Time | 180 minutes before departure |
| Counter Closing Time (Metro City Airport) | 60 minutes before departure |
| Counter Closing Time (Non-Metro City Airport) | 45 minutes before departure |
All passengers must reach the boarding gate 30 minutes before departure time. 25 minutes before is the gate closing time, after which you will be marked as a no-show passenger.
These rules apply to Air India Express check in time international and domestic travellers. Ensure to visit the official Air India Express website to verify the flight details and timings after securing cheap flight bookings online!
Self-Check-in at the Airport

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Hate having to wait in queues that seem to have no end? You can access the self-check-in counters in all Indian airports to speed up the process. The Air India Express check in time for self-check-in counters are:
- Counter Opens: 14 days before departure
- Counter closes: 60 minutes before departure.
Passengers who self-check-in are expected to be at the airport 60 minutes before departure for metro cities, and 45 minutes before for non-metro cities.
Don’t know how to use the machine? There will be staff around to assist. You can also get in touch with Air India Express customer service for any queries.
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Baggage Counter Closing Time

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As per the Air India Express baggage rules, passengers must deposit their check-in luggage 45 minutes before departure. At some airports, the baggage check-in services might close 60 minutes before departure, so plan accordingly.
Check out an in-depth guide on Air India Express Baggage Allowance, Rules, and Policy, so you don’t exceed the limit and cause delays.
Air India Express Check In Online

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Web check in Air India Express time are:
| Online Check-in Opens | 14 days before departure |
| Online Check-in Closes | 2 hours before departure |
The Web Check-in process is quick and simple; all you need to do is:
- Step 1: Visit the official website or mobile app.
- Step 2: Air India Express web check in with PNR number. (You can find it in the booking confirmation email.)
- Step 3: Enter first or last name, or email ID.
Ensure that the data entered matches the information entered while booking online.
Important Tip: Always get your Air India Express check in time boarding pass printed before you arrive at the airport to save time.
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Web Check In Air India Express Restrictions

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While the only way to enjoy the best Air India Express check in time 14 days before is to do it online, a few passengers are restricted from completing the check-in process online, these include:
- Unaccompanied minors between 12 and 16 years. You must bring your parent or guardian with valid ID proof along.
- Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance or those with special needs.
- Pregnant passengers or those flying with a child younger than 8 days. Read the Infant and Child Care Policy for Air India Express to fly stress-free.
AT Tip: If this describes you, you must arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before the flight departs since checking in can take longer than usual.
Tips to Ensure You Arrive on Time for Air India Express Check In

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Some tips to help you follow the Air India Express check in rules with ease are:
- Prepare Documents: Keep your ID proof, ticket, boarding pass, and travel documents ready to avoid delays. Print the boarding pass before you arrive, in case required.
- Check Baggage Rules: Ensure your luggage complies with Air India Express airlines’ size and weight restrictions to prevent last-minute hassles.
- Plan Transport: Account for traffic or transit delays when planning your journey to the airport. Use Google Maps to get an estimate of the time needed for you to drive to the airport from your stay.
- Book a Nearby Stay: Secure reservations at the best hotels online close to the Airport. You’ll find excellent options on a budget that are just within 15 to 30 minutes away.
- Monitor Flight Status: Stay updated on your flight schedule to anticipate any sudden changes or delays.
- Get someone else to do your planning: Don’t stress over the planning; hand it over to a pro by securing personalized holiday tour packages. The guides will plan your itinerary while considering departure timings to ensure you stick to the Air India Express check in time.
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Summing Up:
Air India Express check in time is the same for domestic and international travels. Counters open 180 minutes before departure and close 60 minutes prior at metro airports, 45 minutes at non-metro. Boarding gates close 25 minutes before departure. Online web check-in opens 14 days to 2 hours prior. Arrive early, prepare documents, follow baggage rules, monitor flight status regularly, and plan transport to ensure timely check-in and smooth travel.
FAQs: Air India Express Check In Time
How many hours before check-in Air India Express?
The counters for Air India Express check-in open 3 hours before the flight departure. Passengers travelling from metro cities can check in up to 60 minutes before, while those in non-metro cities must check in 45 minutes before departure. Web check-in is open from 14 days to 2 hours before flight departure.
How long before my flight should I check-in?
All passengers living in metro cities must check in up to 60 minutes before departure, while those in non-metro cities have to check in 45 minutes before.
How many hours before can we check in baggage?
The baggage check-in counter closes 45 minutes before flight departure, so ensure you deposit the luggage in advance.
Are Air India and Air India Express the same?
No, Air India and Air India Express are not the same, since Air India Express is a subsidiary airline.
What is the cut off time for Air India Express check-in?
The cut-off time for check-in for Air India Express is 60 minutes for passengers boarding at metro cities and 45 minutes for those boarding at non-metro cities. The gates close 25 minutes before departure.
Need More Information? Also Read:
- Senior Citizen Discount in Air India Express.
- Air India Express Cancellation Charges
- How to Check In Online? Make the Most of Your E-Ticket.
Akbar Travels Services
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