Air India Web Check-in 2026 — Timing, Seats, Smart Fares

Air India (AI) web check-in for 2026 — when it opens and closes, seat selection under Smart Fares, boarding pass and DigiYatra. Verify timings on airindia.com.

Air India Web Check-in — Timing & Steps

Quick answer: Air India web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and is available on airindia.com or the Air India app for both domestic and international flights. It generally closes about 60 minutes before domestic departures and around 2 hours before international ones. You can choose seats, get a boarding pass and then simply drop your bags. Exact cut-off times vary by airport, so confirm on airindia.com before you travel.

Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · summarised from the official Air India policy and DGCA passenger-rights rules. Fees and rules change — always confirm on airindia.com before booking.

When check-in opens

Air India web check-in typically opens 48 hours before the scheduled departure time for both domestic and international flights. Logging in early via airindia.com or the mobile app gives you the widest choice of available seats and time to complete formalities without queuing. For international journeys you may be asked to enter passport and travel-document details. Because the opening window can differ on some routes or codeshares, confirm your flight's check-in timing on airindia.com.

When check-in closes

Online check-in usually closes about 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and around 2 hours before departure for international flights. If you miss the online window you must check in at the airport counter, which has its own earlier cut-off. Closing times can vary by airport and destination, so it is safest to complete web check-in well ahead of these limits and verify the exact cut-off for your sector on airindia.com.

How to check in online

Go to the Check-in section on airindia.com or open the Air India app, then enter your booking reference (PNR) or ticket number with the passenger's last name. Select your flight, review passenger and document details, choose or change your seat, and confirm. You can then download or print the boarding pass, or save the mobile version. The process usually takes only a few minutes; see the step-by-step guidance on airindia.com.

Boarding pass and bag drop

After web check-in, domestic travellers generally receive a printable or mobile boarding card, while international guests may get a confirmation that is finalised at the airport. If you have only cabin baggage you can often head straight to security; if you have bags to check, use the dedicated bag-drop counters before the counter cut-off. Carry a valid photo ID (and passport for international travel). Confirm bag-drop deadlines for your airport on airindia.com.

Seat selection at check-in

During web check-in you can view the seat map and pick or change seats subject to availability and your fare. Flex and premium fares typically include complimentary seat selection, while entry-level Value fares may charge for advance or preferred seats; some seats are released free closer to departure. Emergency-exit rows carry eligibility conditions. For the current seat-selection rules and any charges tied to your fare, check airindia.com.

When you cannot use web check-in

Certain passengers may be unable to complete check-in online and should use the airport counter instead, for example unaccompanied minors, travellers needing special assistance or stretcher service, some passengers with infants, and certain group or codeshare bookings. Document verification may also require counter check-in on some international routes. If the online system blocks your check-in, arrive early and use the staffed counter; details are on airindia.com.

Air India web check in — FAQ

When can I do web check-in with Air India?

Web check-in normally opens 48 hours before your scheduled departure for both domestic and international flights, via airindia.com or the Air India app. Some routes may differ, so confirm the opening time for your specific flight on airindia.com.

What time does Air India online check-in close?

Online check-in usually closes about 60 minutes before domestic departures and around 2 hours before international ones. Cut-offs vary by airport, so complete check-in early and verify the exact closing time for your flight on airindia.com.

Can I select my seat during web check-in?

Yes. You can choose or change seats from the seat map during web check-in, subject to availability. Flex and premium fares often include free selection, while Value fares may charge for advance seats. Check seat rules for your fare on airindia.com.

Do I still need to go to the airport counter after web check-in?

If you only have cabin baggage you can usually go straight to security with your boarding pass. If you have bags to check, use the bag-drop counters before the cut-off. International travellers may also need document verification; see airindia.com.

Can I do web check-in if I am travelling with an infant or need assistance?

Some passengers, such as those needing special assistance, unaccompanied minors, stretcher cases and certain infant or group bookings, may have to check in at the airport counter. If online check-in is blocked, arrive early; details are on airindia.com.

How do I get my Air India boarding pass after checking in online?

After completing web check-in you can download, print or save a mobile boarding pass from airindia.com or the app. Domestic travellers usually get a ready boarding card, while some international boarding passes are finalised at the airport. See airindia.com for specifics.

More Air India guides

Search Air India flights with FlightGPT

FlightGPT compares live Air India fares against every other airline and travel agent in one AI search — ask in plain English and book with the provider. No markups, no surprise fees.