How can I check in for my Qantas Airways flight?
You can check in for your Qantas Airways flight using:
- Online check-in
- Mobile app check-in
- Auto check-in
- Kiosk check-in
- Airport counter check-in
Qantas Airways Check-in Times
By when should I have checked in for my Qantas Airways flight?
To avoid last-minute delays, you should check in well before the check-in counters for your flight close. Basis your itinerary, you should reach the airport so that you’re able to complete your check-in formalities at least 15 – 30 minutes before the closing check-in time.
Remember
- Most check-in counters close:
- 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights, so you should check in at least 45 minutes before departure.
- 90 minutes prior to departure for international flights so you should check in at least 2 hours before departure.
- You must be at the boarding gate:
- At least 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- At least 40 minutes before departure for international flights.
The check-in times will depend on your flight route and airport terminal, as follows.
Online Check-in Time/Mobile App Check-in Time
- Domestic flights. Starting 24 hours prior to departure till:
- 30 minutes prior to departure – QF400 and above
– Jetstar operated codeshare flights (QF5000-QF5999) - 45 minutes prior to departure – Any domestic flight connecting to an international flight (QF400 and above)
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Any domestic flight departing from an international terminal in Australia (QF1-QF399)
– All group check-ins for domestic flights (QF400 and above)
- 30 minutes prior to departure – QF400 and above
- International flights. Starting 24 hours prior to departure till:
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Business/First Class passengers
– All Qantas flights departing from an international Australian airport (QF1-QF399)
– Jetstar operated codeshare flights departing from an international airport in Australia - 90 minutes prior to departure – Economy/Premium Economy Class passengers
– All Qantas flights departing from an Australian international airport (QF1-QF399)
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Business/First Class passengers
Auto Check-in Time
If you don’t check in online or with the Qantas mobile app, you will receive an SMS inviting you to check in for your flight.
Kiosk Check-in Time
- Domestic flights. You must complete your check in at least:
- 30 minutes prior to departure – QF400 and above
– Jetstar operated codeshare flights (QF5000-QF5999) - 45 minutes prior to departure – Any domestic flight connecting to an international flight (QF400 and above)
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Any domestic flight departing from an international terminal in Australia (QF1-QF399)
– All group check-ins for domestic flights (QF400 and above)
- 30 minutes prior to departure – QF400 and above
- International flights. You must complete your check in at least:
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Business/First Class passengers
– All Qantas flights departing from an international Australian airport (QF1-QF399)
– Jetstar operated codeshare flights departing from an international airport in Australia - 90 minutes prior to departure – Economy/Premium Economy Class passengers
– All Qantas flights departing from an Australian international airport (QF1-QF399)
- 60 minutes prior to departure – Business/First Class passengers
Airport Counter Check-in Time
Qantas Airways’ airport counters at most airports close:
- 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights
- 90 minutes prior to departure for international flights
It is recommended that you should complete your check-in formalities (incl. baggage check-in):
- At least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- At least 2 hours before departure for international flights.
Qantas Online Check-in
How do I web check in for a Qantas flight?
To check in online for your Qantas flight:
- Visit the homepage, Qantas.com
- Click on the Check-in tab
- Retrieve your flight booking by entering your:
- 6-character booking reference number
- Last name
…and hit the search button.
- Follow the prompts to check in
You will receive a copy of your boarding pass by email and/or you’ll have the option to download and print it. You must use the boarding pass you receive to board your flight.
When checking in online, you can also:
- Select which passengers will be checking in
(all passengers aren’t required to check in together) - Check in for a same-day return flight
- Select or change your seat
- Provide Advance Passenger Information (if required)
- Declare whatever dangerous goods you may be carrying
- Download and print your boarding pass (A4-sized sheets only)
Note
- If additional checks are required, such as for exit row seats, you will receive a confirmation page in place of a boarding pass. You will need to present this along with the required travel documents at the Qantas online counter.
- After checking in online (international flights), you will need to show your travel documents and a printed copy of your boarding pass to a Qantas representative. If you’re travelling without any checked bags, you can head directly to security and then to your boarding gate.
- If you’re travelling with checked baggage, you must drop off your luggage:
- At the Bag Drop Counter no less than 30 minutes prior to departure for a domestic flight.
- At the check-in desk/counter no less than 90 minutes prior to departure for an international flight.
Exceptions
You must check in at the airport if:
- You’re travelling as an Unaccompanied Minor
- You require mobility assistance
- You require special assistance
- You’re travelling with a pet
- You’re travelling with a firearm
Qantas Mobile App Check-in
You can use Qantas Airways mobile app to check in for your flight with just a few simple taps.
- Be among the first to know when check-in opens.
- Retrieve your flight with your travel details.
- Check in for your flight with a few simple taps.
- Enter your mobile number for receiving an SMS* with your 2D boarding pass.
- Scan the boarding pass:
- At the Bag Drop to drop off your checked baggage.
- At the gate to receive the boarding receipt you must present to the cabin crew.
*If you don’t receive an SMS from Qantas, you must print your boarding pass at the airport kiosk or counter.
You can also use the mobile app to:
- Book flights/hotels
- Track your status credits
- View the next trips
- Select or change your seat
- Claim missing status credits
- Know about the movies and TV shows on your flight
- Receive personalized alerts on:
- When check-in opens
- When to proceed to the departure gate
- Boarding time
- Baggage carousel
- And more…
- Download your boarding pass
- Find the fastest route to the airport
- View which lounges you can access
- Learn about the weather at your destination
- Book other travel products, such as hotels, cars, travel insurance, etc.
Remember
- You can check in only 1 passenger at a time with the mobile app.
- You cannot use the mobile app to check in:
- 10 or more passengers
- Unaccompanied Minors
- Passengers who require special assistance
Qantas Auto Check-in
What is Qantas’ auto check-in service?
If you don’t check in for your flight online or with the mobile app, you will receive an SMS* asking you to check in for your flight with the auto check-in service. This means that you can check in for your flight without having to go through the traditional check-in process at the airport. All you need to do is provide the required information (such as your contact information and passport details), check in for your flight online, and then print out your boarding pass.
*To avail of the auto check-in service, you should have registered your mobile phone number at the time of booking your ticket.
Kiosk Check-in
Qantas Airways offers kiosk check-in at many airports. This service allows you to check in for your flight without having to wait in line at the ticket counter. Kiosk check-in is available for flights within Australia, as well as most flights to and from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
To check in at a kiosk, you must have your government-issued ID and booking reference number ready. Once you have these, checking in at a kiosk is a simple process.
- Start by scanning your valid ID at the kiosk.
- You will then be prompted to enter your booking reference number and last name.
- After you enter this information, the kiosk will print out your boarding pass.
Kiosk check-in can save you a lot of time. However, it is not available for all flights. So always check with Qantas Airways before arriving at the airport.
You can also use the kiosk to:
- Change to an earlier flight if your fare conditions permit.
- Check in for a same-day return flight if:
- It is within 12 hours.
- You’re not carrying any checked baggage.
- Check your flight details.
- Print bag tags.
- Upgrade with Frequent Flyer points.
- Check in a group of passengers.
Note. If you’re travelling on an international flight, you must have your travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) checked by a Qantas agent, regardless of your destination or nationality.
Airport Counter Check-in
| Closing Check-in Time for Domestic Flights | Closing Check-in Time for International Flights |
| 30 minutes before departure 1. QF400 and above 2. Jetstar operated codeshare flights (QF5000-QF5999) | 60 minutes before departure 1. Business/First Class passengers 2. All Qantas flights departing from an international Australian airport (QF1-QF399) 3. Jetstar operated codeshare flights departing from an Australian international airport |
| 45 minutes before departure 1. Domestic flights connecting to international flights (QF400 and above) | 90 minutes before departure 1. Economy/Premium Economy Class passengers 2. All Qantas flights departing from an Australian international airport (QF1-QF399) |
| 60 minutes before departure 1. Domestic flights departing from an an international terminal in Australia (QF1-QF399) 2. All group check-ins for flights within Australia (QF400 and above) |
Checking in at the airport is quick and easy, but can be a little time-consuming at busy airports. Simply approach the counter, and present your passport, ticket, and other required travel documents to receive your boarding pass.
Note
- On domestic flights, Business Class ticketholders, Qantas Club members, and Frequent Flyers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) can check in and drop off baggage at Premium Service Desks, as well as receive assistance with journey changes, international connections, etc.
- On international flights
- Frequent Flyers (Platinum), First Class passengers, and oneworld (Emerald) members can check in at the exclusive First Check-in Suite and receive expedited Immigration services at select airports.
- Premium Economy/Business Class passengers, oneworld Ruby members, and Frequent Flyers (Silver, Gold) can check in at Premium Service Desks at all international airports.
Frequently Asked Questions on Qantas Airways Check-in
A. Yes, you can check in online and print your boarding pass at home but you’ll have to drop off your luggage in the Qantas Bag Drop area at the airport before closing time.
A. Yes, you can select or change your seat when you’re checking in online.
A. If you are traveling domestically within Australia, you should have checked in for your flight (with luggage) no less than 30 minutes before your flight’s departure. However, the recommended check-in time by Qantas is at least 45 minutes before departure.
If you’re travelling on an international flight departing from Australia, you should have checked in for your flight (with luggage) at least 90 minutes before departure. However, Qantas recommends that you should have checked in at least 2 hours before departure.
Joni Farrington says:
What happens if I arrive early to check in , but the queue is so long that by the time i am at the front, the check in time has passed?