Imagine days/months of excitement, decisions, and savings only to be thwarted by a few seconds of delay? Not the ideal vacation you were thinking of, right? Scroll through an updated Air India check in time guide, covering airport and online check in timings, restrictions, and secret tips so you never miss a flight!

Secure your cheap flight tickets and let’s begin the countdown to your next adventure.

Air India Check in Time at Airport Counter

Airport check-in counters
Airport check-in counters
Image credit: Unsplash/Edwin Petrus 

The Air India check in time at counters is uniform at all airports worldwide. It indicates the maximum allowed time by which the passenger must report at the counter. Follow the table to ensure you follow the check in Air India timings to the dot:

 Domestic Check-In (before departure)International Check-in (before departure)
Counter Opening Time180 minutes180 minutes
Counter Closing Time60 minutes60 minutes

Please note: At Delhi Airport, the check-in counter closes 75 minutes before departure for international and domestic flights. If you’re catching Air India London from Heathrow Airport, the counter here closes 75 minutes before departure as well.

It is important to note that boarding gates close 20 minutes before flight departure, for domestic and international flights. It is essential that you hop onto the official website or check ticket booking details to ensure the above-mentioned Air India check in time international timings apply to you.

AT Tip: Long queue at check-in? Domestic flyers can access the self-check-in kiosks to skip the queues and the stress.

Air India Check in Baggage Timings

Baggage drop counter at the Airport
Baggage drop counter at the Airport
Image credit: Unsplash/Edwin Petrus

Regardless of whether you complete the check-in process online or at the Airport counter, you must follow these guidelines for checked luggage drop off:

Baggage check-in opening time (before departure)48 hours
Baggage check-in closing time (before departure)60 minutes


Ensure your baggage weight does not exceed the Air India baggage rules, allowance, and policies for domestic and international flights.

Explore: Luggage Capacity Allowed on Board: What Airlines Don’t Want You to Know.

Web Check In Air India Time

Online check-in
Online check-in
Image credit: Unsplash/Kajetan Sumila

Hate waiting in queues for hours? Air India has made the check-in experience incredibly easy to follow for travellers, as you can do it from anywhere in the world online! Note the Air India check in time to complete the process online:

 Domestic Check-In (before departure)International Check-in (before departure)
Web Check-in Opening Time48 hours48 hours
Web Check-in Closing Time60 minutes2 hours


Air India web check in has many perks, allowing you to print your Air India boarding pass in advance, reserve your favourite window or aisle seat, and even grab exclusive discounts on in-flight meals and other services. Don’t know how to check in online?

Find Steps to Make the Air India Web Check-in Mobile and Desktop Easy for You

Step 1: Open the official Air India website or download the App.

Step 2: Open the Air India manage booking section and enter your PNR or reference number and surname.

Once check-in is complete, you’ll receive your boarding pass directly in your inbox. Any delays? Contact Air India customer care services to set off on an adventure soon!

Explore: How to Check in Online? Don’t Waste the Power of Your E-Ticket!  

Restrictions for Air India Check in Online

While booking cheap flights online and completing the check-in online seems like a treat, the online check-in is not available for certain travellers, including:

  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Travellers with special needs or those requiring travel assistance.

AT Tip: If this kind of passenger describes you, arrive at least 2 hours before flight departure for a stress-free check in since document verification takes time.

Tips to Never Miss the Air India Check in Time

Airport check-in queue
Airport check-in queue
Image credit: Unsplash/Phil Mosley

Want your schedule to always align with the Air India check in time? Here are some easy-to-follow tips to ensure you’re always on the dot:

  • Keep documents easily accessible: Always pack your ID proof, boarding pass, and passport in a side pocket from where they’re easily accessible.
  • Secure reservations for the best hotel bookings online and book one that is within a 15-minute drive from the airport to save travel time.
  • Always ensure you check the traffic and time required to drive to the airport from your hotel well in advance. This allows you to book your vehicle accordingly, hence preventing delays.
  • First time exploring an international destination? Ascertaining the perfect timings can be difficult to prepare an easy-to-follow itinerary. A great solution is to rely on tour guides, with all-inclusive holiday tour packages! They’ll ensure you have enough spare time to pack up and drive to the airport.

All ready to beat the clock and arrive on time as per the Air India check in time? Apply for online visa services for 180+ countries to get your visa within 24 hours!

Summing Up:

Air India check in time for passengers at the counter is between 180 and 60 minutes before flight departure, when the counters open and close, respectively. Web check-in opens 48 hours in advance, and closes 60 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights take off. Online check-in is available for all except unaccompanied minors and travellers having special needs. Boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure.

FAQs: Air India Check in Time

How many hours before Air India check in?
Airport check-in at the counter opens 180 minutes before the flight and closes 60 minutes before departure for domestic and international flights. Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. Domestic travellers can check in up to 60 minutes before take-off, while international travellers can check in up to 2 hours before departure.

Is 2 hours enough to check-in for an international flight?
Yes, arriving 2 hours before departure is enough to check in for an international flight at the airport or online.

Can we check-in 30 minutes before a flight?
No, you cannot check in 30 minutes before a flight since most airlines close their check-in counters and online services 60 minutes before.

Can I check my bag 45 minutes before a flight?
No, you must check your baggage in at least 60 minutes before the flight departs.

Also read:


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