When can you check in online?
With most airlines, online check-in opens approx. 24 to 30 hours before departure; with a few it opens much earlier. An overview:
| Airline | Online check-in opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| KLM | 30 hours before departure (flights to the US: 24 hours) | Desk and bag drop at Schiphol: 40 min (Europe) or 60 min (intercontinental) before departure |
| Transavia | 30 hours before departure | 4 hours or 1 hour before departure, depending on the departure airport |
| easyJet | 30 days before departure | 2 hours before departure |
| Ryanair | Free from 24 hours before departure (60 days with a paid seat) | 2 hours before departure |
| Vueling | 24 hours to 365 days before departure, depending on the fare | 50 min (Schengen) or 70 min (non-Schengen) before departure |
Rules differ by fare and change regularly; always check your airline's website (checked October 2026).
Tip: set a reminder so you check in as soon as you can. That way you get the widest choice of seats.
Good to know
With Ryanair, checking in online is free, but checking in at the desk at the airport costs €55 per person. So with Ryanair always check in online in advance — you can do so up to 2 hours before departure.
How does online check-in work, step by step?
1. Go to your airline's website or app
2. Look up your booking (booking reference + surname)
3. Enter your travel document details (the first time)
4. Choose your seat (free or at extra cost, depending on the airline)
5. Download or save your boarding pass
6. At Schiphol: go to the bag drop desk if you have hold luggage, or straight to security if you only have hand luggage
What do you do at Schiphol after checking in online?
Hand luggage only?
You can go straight to security. You do not need to go to the check-in desk — you scan your boarding pass (digital or printed) at the entrance to security and later at the gate.
With hold luggage?
Go to your airline's bag drop desk. This is quick: on average 2–5 minutes if there is no queue. This is usually faster than the regular check-in desk.
Bag drop usually closes 40–60 minutes before departure (KLM within Europe 40 minutes, easyJet at Schiphol 60 minutes) — be on time.
Advantages of checking in online
- Seat choice: if you check in early you have the most choice — including seats by the emergency exit (extra legroom) or by the window
- Time saving: no queue at the check-in desk
- Certainty: you know your seat is reserved
- Paperless boarding pass: handy via the app, no printing needed
- Savings: with Ryanair you avoid the desk check-in fee of €55 per person
When are you better off not checking in online?
- You are flying with a baby on your lap — you always have to arrange this at the desk
- You have a special request (wheelchair, extra baggage, oxygen on board)
- You have a residence status that requires verification (visa, residence permit)
- You are flying with a non-EU passport to certain destinations — the airline sometimes has to check your documents in person
Coming to Schiphol by taxi? With AMS Taxi Schiphol the driver is at your door at the agreed time — so you are always on time for the bag drop and your flight. Book here.
