To check in for an Iberia flight, you can choose from several convenient methods depending on your preferences and travel requirements. The easiest and most common way is to check in online, which becomes available 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. You can complete this process through Iberia’s official website or mobile app by entering your booking reference along with your last name or by logging into your Iberia Plus account. During online check-in, you will confirm your flight details, select or change your seat if your fare type allows, and add any extras like checked baggage if necessary. Once finished, you can download your boarding pass to your phone, print it at home, or receive it by email or SMS. If you are traveling only with hand luggage, this allows you to go straight to security and then to your gate without stopping at check-in counters at the airport.
If you have checked luggage to drop off, you must visit the bag drop counter at the airport. These counters generally open about two to three hours before departure for short and medium-haul flights, and up to four hours before long-haul flights. The counters usually close 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time, though the exact timing can vary by airport and destination. Arriving early enough to complete this step comfortably is important to avoid missing your flight.
Many airports also offer self-service kiosks for check-in, which open a few hours before the flight and close roughly 45 to 60 minutes before departure. At these kiosks, you can check in, print your boarding pass, choose or change seats, and print baggage tags if you have checked bags. This option is helpful if you did not check in online or need to get a printed boarding pass at the airport.
For passengers who prefer personal assistance or require special services such as traveling with pets, unaccompanied minors, or those needing wheelchair assistance, airport check-in counters staffed by Iberia employees are available. These counters typically open about three hours before departure and close about 45 to 60 minutes before the flight, though some destinations may require earlier closure. For flights to certain countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Maldives, or Albania, passengers must collect their boarding pass at the airport regardless of whether they checked in online.
If you are flying on a codeshare flight operated by another airline, you should verify the check-in procedures directly with the operating carrier, as policies and timing can differ. Iberia recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before international flights and four hours before flights to the United States to allow enough time for check-in, baggage drop, security, and immigration procedures.
Once you have your boarding pass—whether online, at a kiosk, or the check-in counter—you should proceed through security with your documents and then head to the boarding gate. Boarding gates typically close 20 minutes before departure, so make sure to be at the gate well before this time to avoid being denied boarding. Missing check-in deadlines or arriving late at the gate can result in losing your seat and your ticket.
In summary, Iberia offers flexible check-in options including online, kiosk, and airport counter check-in. Plan your arrival time accordingly, especially if you have checked baggage or require special assistance, to ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your trip.