Early Can You Check-In for Austrian Airlines?

As a frequent traveler through Europe, I recently had the chance to fly with Austrian Airlines and was curious about their check-in process—especially how early I could check in before my flight. If you’re planning to travel with Austrian Airlines, you’ll be pleased to know they offer a flexible and user-friendly check-in experience, both online and at the airport.

To start, Austrian Airlines opens online check-in 47 hours before the scheduled departure time. This is notably earlier than many other carriers, who usually allow check-in starting 24 hours prior. The extended window gives passengers extra time to confirm travel details, select seats, add frequent flyer information, and download or email their boarding pass. I found the Austrian Airlines website and mobile app both intuitive and fast, making it simple to complete my check-in with just a few clicks. This is especially helpful if you want to avoid airport lines and head straight to security with only hand luggage.

If you're traveling with checked baggage, you can still check in online and then use the dedicated bag drop counters at the airport, which typically open at least 2–3 hours before departure. During my trip from Vienna International Airport, I arrived three hours before my international flight, and the check-in process was efficient and smooth. The self-service kiosks were available and easy to use, and the bag drop process took less than 10 minutes.

For short- and medium-haul flights, Austrian recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 to 120 minutes before your flight, while for long-haul or intercontinental routes, it’s best to arrive three hours prior to departure. Their airport check-in counters usually open at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights, closing 45 minutes before European flights and 60 minutes before intercontinental flights. However, these timings can vary slightly depending on the airport.

If you’re traveling in Business Class or are a Frequent Flyer with Star Alliance Gold status, Austrian Airlines provides dedicated check-in counters and priority services, which I personally found very convenient. Security lines were much shorter, and boarding was smooth and well-organized.

One tip I learned: passengers traveling with special requirements—such as those with pets, unaccompanied minors, or those needing wheelchair assistance—should check in at the airport and arrive early to allow for extra processing time.

In conclusion, Austrian Airlines allows online check-in 47 hours before departure, one of the most generous windows in the industry. This extended lead time, combined with efficient airport services, makes traveling with Austrian smooth and comfortable. Whether you’re flying short-haul within Europe or heading across the Atlantic, early check-in with Austrian Airlines helps you secure a good seat, avoid delays, and start your journey with ease and confidence. I highly recommend using online check-in to streamline your travel experience.`