Iberia Airlines allows passengers to check in online or through the mobile app starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Online check-in usually remains open until one hour before the flight departs for most routes. During this period, travelers can select their seat, enter passport and travel document information, and obtain a digital or printable boarding pass. This option is available for most domestic, European, and international flights. For long-haul routes or destinations requiring special documentation, it is recommended to check the check-in window carefully, as it may close earlier in some cases. If you are traveling with checked baggage, you must still visit the bag drop counters at the airport. Bag drop usually opens about two to three hours before departure and closes around 45 to 60 minutes before the flight, depending on the airport and destination.

For those who prefer or need to check in at the airport, Iberia provides staffed check-in desks and self-service kiosks. At most airports, the check-in counters open three to four hours before departure for long-haul international flights and about two hours before for short- and medium-haul routes. These counters typically close between 45 and 60 minutes prior to takeoff. It is important to arrive early enough to complete all necessary steps before the counters close. Boarding usually ends 20 minutes before the flight departs, and passengers who arrive late may not be allowed to board.

Iberia recommends that passengers on international or long-distance flights, especially those flying to the United States or Latin America, arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. For domestic and short-haul flights within Europe, it is advised to arrive two hours before. This time allows for check-in, baggage drop-off, security checks, immigration control, and getting to the boarding gate. At Madrid-Barajas Airport, Iberia sometimes offers early baggage drop services where passengers can check in luggage up to 24 hours before the flight at designated terminals, depending on the route.

Self-service kiosks are available at many airports and are generally open two to three hours before departure. These kiosks allow travelers to print boarding passes and luggage tags before proceeding to the bag drop area. Passengers who have completed online check-in and are traveling with hand baggage only can go directly to the security checkpoint and boarding gate without stopping at the counters. However, those needing assistance or carrying checked bags should allow extra time for airport formalities.

In summary, Iberia allows check-in starting 24 hours before flight departure through its website and mobile app, with airport check-in typically opening two to four hours before the flight. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights to ensure enough time for all procedures. Boarding gates generally close 20 minutes before takeoff, so punctuality is important to avoid delays or denied boarding.