Checking in with LOT Polish Airlines is a simple and efficient process designed to suit different types of travelers, whether you prefer digital convenience or traditional airport services. You can check in online starting 36 hours before your scheduled flight departure, and this service is available for both domestic and international routes. For flights to or from the United States and Canada, online check-in becomes available 24 hours before departure. Using the LOT website or mobile app, passengers can select their seat, confirm booking details, and receive a mobile or printable boarding pass. Online check-in closes about 120 minutes before the flight, depending on the route. This method is highly recommended for passengers traveling with hand luggage only, as it allows them to go straight to security and avoid lines at the airport.

If you prefer to check in at the airport, LOT Polish Airlines provides staffed counters that generally open two to three hours before departure, depending on the flight type. For short-haul European flights, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before takeoff. For long-haul flights, especially intercontinental routes, arriving three hours in advance is the best practice. Airport check-in counters usually close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure, but passengers should check local airport rules, as closing times may vary slightly. Airport check-in is ideal for travelers with checked baggage, those who need assistance, or those who prefer face-to-face service.

Many airports also offer self-service kiosks for LOT passengers. These machines allow you to check in, choose or change your seat, and print your boarding pass and baggage tags. After completing the kiosk check-in, passengers with checked luggage can go directly to the bag-drop counter. This option saves time and helps ease congestion at traditional check-in desks, especially during peak travel hours.

Passengers flying in Business Class, as well as Miles & More frequent flyer members or Star Alliance Gold status holders, benefit from priority check-in counters. These dedicated lines offer a quicker and more relaxed check-in experience. LOT also provides assistance for travelers with special needs, including unaccompanied minors, elderly passengers, and people with reduced mobility. These passengers are advised to arrive even earlier to ensure all necessary accommodations can be arranged in a timely manner.

Once check-in is complete, travelers should proceed to the boarding gate as early as possible. Boarding for LOT flights typically begins around 40 minutes before departure, and gates close about 15 to 20 minutes before takeoff. Even if you’ve already checked in online, arriving at the gate late could result in denied boarding, as LOT strictly adheres to boarding deadlines to ensure flights leave on time.

In conclusion, checking in with LOT Polish Airlines can be done online 36 hours before your flight, or at the airport two to three hours before departure, depending on the destination. Whether you use the online check-in system, airport counters, or self-service kiosks, all methods are designed to provide a seamless travel experience. Search-friendly terms like “LOT Polish Airlines check-in process,” “how early to check in LOT flight,” and “LOT airline boarding time” help this content rank well while giving travelers the information they need.