How to Check-in With Air Berlin

Air Berlin‘s semi-low-cost flight network serves over 100 cities in 36 countries and as of 2015 is Germany’s second biggest airline after industry heavyweight Lufthansa.

Their check-in procedures are pretty much industry standard but it’s advisable to know the rules before you fly to avoid getting yourself into any hot water.

Online Check-In

This check-in option saves time and gives the traveller maximum flexibility – the service is available for any electronic ticket whether it was booked online, at travel agent, or at an Air Berlin ticket office.

For most flights online check-in opens 30 hours before departure. For flights to The United States and Cuba online-check in opens 24 hours before departure and is possible up to three hours before departure.

To check in online all you need is your flight number and surname. Passengers can check in up to 10 other people who are travelling with them and can choose the seat of their preference using Air Berlin’s interactive seating plan.

You can choose to receive your boarding pass through the following mediums:

• PDF download via email
• Apple Wallet
• SMS
• Mobile boarding pass via email or MMS (a simple barcode with no need to print it out)
• Collecting boarding pass at the airport

Mobile Check-In

Air Berlin’s smartphone app allows you to check in and download boarding passes within the same time restraints previously mentioned.

The app is available for all Iphones running iOS 8.0 or higher and all Android smartphones running Android 4.1 or higher.

Due to lack of scanning devices or airport regulations mobile boarding cards are not accepted at the following airports: Abu Dhabi (AUH), Antalya (AYT), Billund (BLL), Catania (CTA), Curacao (CUR), Faro (FAO), Hurghada (HRG), Keflavik (Reykjavik) (KEF), Luxor (LXR), Mahon (Menorca) (MAH), Marsa Alam (RMF), Moskow (DME), Palermo (PMO), Phuket (HKT), Sharm el Sheikh (SSH), Sofia (SOF), St. Petersburg (LED), and Tel Aviv (TLV).

Checking Your Luggage

You can still check in your baggage online and simply drop it off at their designated baggage drop off desk or any check in desk.

Airport Check-In

Check in desks open 120 minutes before scheduled departure time.

For departures to the USA and Canada check in desks open 180 minutes before scheduled departure time and departures from the USA and Canada can check in up to 240 minutes beforehand.

Check in counters close 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes before scheduled departure depending on the outbound airport.

Passengers are unable to check in after this deadline and lose their entitlement to take the flight or receive reimbursement of any kind. This applies even if your flight is delayed.

The online check in has no bearing on this: your baggage must be checked in and you must be in possession of your boarding card before the counter closes.

Check In Deadlines

Remember: for long-haul flights you must be in possession of your boarding card 90 minutes before departure regardless of your outbound airport.

Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to write us in the comments below.