You can check in for a Lufthansa flight starting 23 hours before the scheduled departure time. This applies whether you are using the Lufthansa website, the mobile app, or self-service kiosks at the airport. Early check-in allows you to select your seat, provide necessary travel information, and receive your boarding pass, either digitally or printed. For passengers with only carry-on baggage, early check-in means you can skip the check-in counter entirely and proceed directly to security. Lufthansa also offers late-night check-in services at selected airports, allowing you to check in and drop off your baggage the evening before your flight. This is available beginning 23 hours before departure and is especially helpful for early morning flights.

At the airport, Lufthansa provides self-service kiosks and staffed check-in counters. The kiosks usually open 23 hours before departure and remain available until around one hour before the flight leaves. These kiosks let you check in, print your boarding pass, and get baggage tags for your checked luggage. If you prefer personal assistance, Lufthansa's check-in counters generally open 2 to 3 hours before departure for short-haul flights and 3 to 4 hours before departure for long-haul flights. These counters usually close between 45 to 60 minutes before the flight, depending on the airport and destination.

For passengers who are frequent flyers or members of Lufthansa’s loyalty program, automated check-in is also an option. If you are flying within the Schengen area, you may automatically receive your boarding pass by email or text message about 23 hours before departure. This is a convenient feature for regular travelers and helps save time. Passengers flying in Business or First Class, or those with elite status, often benefit from priority check-in counters and faster service at security.

It is important to note that for certain destinations, online check-in and kiosk check-in may not be available, and you will need to complete the process at the check-in counter. This is typically the case for some countries that require additional document checks. Always check your booking information to see which check-in options are available for your specific flight.

Completing your check-in early not only gives you more choice in seating but also helps reduce wait times at the airport. It is advisable to arrive at the airport with enough time to complete baggage drop, security screening, and boarding procedures. Lufthansa recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours before departure for long-haul flights.

In summary, Lufthansa allows check-in as early as 23 hours before departure through multiple channels. You can check in online, via mobile app, at a self-service kiosk, or at the airport counter. Early check-in helps secure your preferred seat and simplifies your journey through the airport. Being aware of the check-in window and arriving on time ensures a smooth start to your flight with Lufthansa.