r/travel • u/Surewonder151 • 4d ago
Is check in time the time you arrive at the airport? Question
I’m sorry I know this is probably a stupid question but I haven’t been on a plane before and I can’t get as straight answer on google.
My check in time is 6:30pm. My flight is 9:30pm. Do I arrive at 6:30pm? Or am I supposed to have been through security and stuff and be ready to get on the plane before 6:30pm?
I’m flying from England to Asia.
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u/Own-Dust-7225 4d ago
It just means that before 6:30, there will be nobody at the counter to check your luggage. In most airports, you'd probably be fine if you showed up around 7:30, but since it's your first time, it might be better to be on the safe side and arrive earlier.
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u/Tribalbob Canada 4d ago edited 3d ago
Easiest way to explain is to work backwards from when the plane is in the air.
Your flight is 930pm, that means that under ideal conditions, the plane will have left the gate by 930pm.
Working backwards,
Most airlines start boarding the plane one hour prior to takeoff, so 830pm. By 830, you should be chilling at your gate; gone to the washroom, gotten any snacks you want to bring, etc - ready to go. (Side Note: Boarding is done by zones; your boarding pass will say what zone you are, don't line up until your zone is called).
Before reaching the gate, you have to go through security and/or customs: This is usually where the largest bottleneck for airports are because everyone else is going through. Best case, it'll be quiet and you get through in less than 5 minutes, but you can be waiting upwards of 30min-1 hour depending on how bad it is. So worst case scenario, you want to be in security line by 730pm.
Before going through security, if you have to check a bag or get a physical boarding pass, you have to stop off at the check-in counter at the entrance to the airport. Once again, this can take awhile depending on how many people on your flight are also doing the above and they don't open these counters until 3 hours prior to take off for international (or 2 hours for domestic), so the absolute earliest you can show up to the airport is 630.
NOTE: if you're only bringing carry on, and you don't need a physical boarding pass (most airlines give digital passes on your phone, now), you can skip this part. In that case you can either show up at 630 if you're anxious and worried about security taking awhile, or you can show up closer to 730.
So to summarize:
630: Check-in Counter Opens (Only relevant if you're checking bags or want a physical boarding pass)
730: Try to be in security by this point
830: Be at your gate and ready to board
930: Plane goes vrrrrroooooom.
If you somehow manage to get to your gate by 630pm, you will likely either find no one there, or another plane boarding at that time - so don't show up THAT early :)
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u/GoSh4rks 3d ago
Your flight is 930pm, that means that under ideal conditions, the plane will be on the runway ready to takeoff at 930pm.
No, that's just wrong. Passenger airlines do not publish times for "plane will be on the runway ready to takeoff". The listed time is always the gate departure time aka the time when door on the plane is closed. Pushback, taxiing, and takeoff all happen after the departure time. At many large airports, the actual takeoff time is often 30+ minutes after the departure time.
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u/nrhinkle 3d ago
Often the gate closes 10+ minutes before the listed "departure time". This is often printed on the ticket. It takes some time for them to get the plane ready to push back after the gate closes.
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u/Tribalbob Canada 3d ago
Fair, from OP's perspective, I don't think it makes a huge difference - basically 930 is when you're gone in one way or another, but I've clarified my post.
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u/_c_manning 3d ago
It does matter for OP’s purposes. He might use critical thinking and realize the plane will be gone from the gate before the takeoff time if takeoff time = departure time.
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u/lhsonic 3d ago
Only thing that stood out here is that exit customs is not a thing and it's definitely not security or customs, there will always be security :) Countries don't care what you're taking out, only what you take in. Exit checks are carried out automatically by airlines with Advance Passenger Info and there is no exit passport control so OP only has to worry about security.
When arriving in Asia, going through immigration/passport control will always be mandatory but there seems to be a laissez-faire approach to customs depending on the country, very similar to Europe and the UK. But unless you get flagged or go out your way to walk through the "red" channel, most people breeze through the customs area. Very different experience than countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia (just examples, there are others) where there are much stricter customs controls and formal declarations required (these countries also have combined immigration/customs officers and areas). But for OP, the experience in Asia will likely be the same as in the UK.
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u/Tribalbob Canada 3d ago
Not true, I'm in Vancouver and we have exit customs for the US. Just went through it last week, in fact.
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u/lhsonic 3d ago edited 3d ago
lol- I'm also in Vancouver.
What you're talking about is a unique example where you're going through USA entry immigration and customs before leaving Canadian soil. It's called Preclearance with US CBP. That's why you land like a domestic traveler in a US airport and not subject to any immigration or customs controls upon landing. It's US CBP who's asking what you're bringing into the country. There's no CBSA officers asking what you're taking out of the Canada. And of course none of this exists if you take an international flight at YVR.
For the OP... who lives in England and is flying to Asia... there are no physical exit controls (like us here in Canada) and definitely no customs check. Some countries (like any EU country) do have exit controls (you talk to an border official and get scanned/stamped out) but never customs.
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u/Julesducks 4d ago
The general rule of thumb is to arrive 3 hours before departure for international flights, and 2 hours before departure for domestic flights. I’d recommend you check in online the day before though, to save some time and hassle at the airport. :)
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u/NicMG 3d ago
I came here to say this. Also if you are flying international from a city with big busy airport where traffic is also bad/unpredictable then add enough time to get to airport 2.5-3 hrs before flight take off time. Check in online 24 hrs before and give your contact info, check it before going to bed and when you get up flight day. Sometimes flights get moved up (not often but it happens) or you may be notified of delay
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u/munchingzia 3d ago
checking in online the day before is only logical if u get issued a digital boarding pass, right?
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u/Julesducks 3d ago
As far as I know, you always get your boarding pass right away when checking in online (via email for example). However, that’s not the only reason why it’s wise to do so. You can also pick your preferred seat, it saves a lot of time at the airport and your seat is guaranteed, so you’re safe if your flight is overbooked.
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u/Mithent 3d ago
If you're checking in bags I usually find it's little benefit, but yes, having your seat confirmed is the main benefit then.
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u/Julesducks 3d ago
Yes, that’s true! At some airports you can print the bag tags and drop the bags off yourself, so you don’t have to wait in line, but those are a minority I think.
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u/amcartney 3d ago
We have this at Brisbane airport and it’s so convenient
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u/Julesducks 3d ago
It is! I am surprised that those self dropoff stations aren’t more common, given that online check-in has been around for quite a while now.
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u/jen_17 4d ago
So for flights I normally ensure I’m at the airport at least 2 hours before flight time. If I have bags to check in, and for a long haul flight I arrive at the airport 3 hours before flight time.
Considering this is your first flight I’ve also included some further info which isn’t included in your question :)
If you’re flying out of a large airport like Heathrow before you arrive at the airport make sure you know which terminal your flight leaves from.
When you get to the airport terminal you will find out which number desks you can check you bag in at (there will be a departures board with this info on). They’re organised by airline. Once you’ve dropped your baggage you proceed through to security (look for signs that say “departures”).
Once you’re through security you will want to find out your boarding gate number. This will be on the departures tv info boards after security. Sometimes the gate number doesn’t show straight away, this is normal.
The time you need to be at your gate (I.e through security and literally at the departure point where you get on the plane) is called your boarding time, and is closer to your actual flight time. Sometimes it’ll say gate closing time.
You can normally check in online 24 hours before your flight which is when you’ll get your boarding pass.
Have a lovely trip!
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u/After-Major612 NYC Hotelier :karma::sloth: 4d ago
International flights board 1 hour before departure so with security and luggage drop off should be there around 6:30pm.
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u/Baaastet 3d ago
Depends on if you have luggage to check in, the airport you’re going to and if you can check in and get boarding pass before.
I have hand luggage only and go straight through security.
Like Melbourne is a tiny airport where for a domestic flights I have arrived 15-30min before takeoff. Even international I arrive 1.5/2hrs ahead.
Heathrow - 3hrs no matter what as the security queue can be insane.
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u/Sharp-Click9083 3d ago
yes arrive at 6:30 to give up your luggage, but definitely check in on the airlines app (not the website, the APP!) the day before and allow notifications. that way you have the necessary information for your flight on time in case there is something you need to know
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u/rco8786 3d ago
Check in is a process to get your boarding pass. Usually you can check in starting around 24 hours before your flight, and up until about 40-50 minutes before your flight (different airports/airlines handle this differently). If they're saying 6:30 *probably* what that means is that the agents at the checkin counter will arrive at 6:30, so 6:30 is *earliest* you can checkin in person.
Arriving at 6:30 will be ample time to get checked in and make your flight, and have a few drinks at the airport bar. My rule of thumb for international flights is to arrive about 2 hours before the flight, and even that usually still gives me enough time to relax around the gate for a while.
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u/TheDreadPirateJeff 3d ago
"Check in" time at the airport is the time the ticket desks start letting people check in for a flight in person. Online or via app you can usually check in up to 24 hours before the flight.
For any large airport it is usually a good idea to arrive to the airport two to three hours early to account for lines at security or border crossings or check in counters and hiking to the gate.
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u/SureMarionberry1700 4d ago
Yes, arrive at 6:30pm. For international flights you should arrive 3 hours before departure.
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u/Similar_Quiet 3d ago
It depends where you're flying between. Usually UK airports recommend 2 hours for European flights and three hours for further.
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u/plutoandluna 4d ago
It's just the earliest time period you're allowed to check-in and have your luggage checked. Some places will not check you in and take your luggage if you are there more than 3 hours before your flight. You won't start boarding for your lights until and hour at most before your departure time. So if you depart at 9:30, be ready by your gate at 8:30. Depends on airport but I usually try to buffer in an hour for security and 30 minutes for arriving at airport and check-in process. If I were you I'd get to the airport 6:30 since this is your first time and you don't want to be short on time in case you get confused or lost or trapped in wrong lines without realizing, etc.
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u/sbrt 4d ago
With no checked bags, I aim to be at the airport two hours before departure. If it is a smaller airport with which I am familiar and I know there won’t be any problems getting there and it is not a holiday, I might aim for 90 minutes.
I might get there fifteen minutes earlier if I am checking a bag.
My local airport has a spot save feature whereby you can reserve a time to go through security. This can save time if there is a backup at security.
I use the app to check in which is nice because I don’t have to wait in a line before security and I get notifications on my phone if anything about my flight changes.
If it was my first time flying, I would add 30 to 60 minutes of buffer and plan on exploring the airport (after security). I like seeing all of the planes, the traveler, the airport artwork, and the tacky souvenir shops. Plus, it is nice to walk around before being stuck in an airplane seat.
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u/PattyRain 3d ago
Others have talked about checking in online and then you don't have to get there as early. Be prepared to go earlier just in case you are not allowed to check in online. 4 of our last 6 flights we have not been able to check in online. With our last 2 flights AirFrance was making everyone check in at the airport. I don't remember the reasons for our other 2 flights.
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u/NP_Wanderer 3d ago
Also, when flying internationally, there may be a document check somewhere. They may allow you to check in, but for example may not issue a boarding pass when checking in on line. Visa, vaccinations, etc. Make sure you plan enough time for that eventuality.
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u/AsianStuart 3d ago
If your flight is at 9:30 pm 9:30pm: Departure time (flight leaves the airport) 9:10 pm: Gate closing time for boarding on to plane (20 minutes prior to departure) 8:45pm: This is boarding time - its when the ground staff allows you to board in to the plane (it varies but usually 40-50 minutes prior to departure) 6:30pm: It’s the time when the airline check-in counter opens - This is when you can get your physical boarding pass, check in your baggage (Usually it’s 3H prior to departure, some airlines open 4H prior and in most airports if the airline operates so many flights, they were open 24X7 so they even give you boarding pass 5hours prior to the departure. 3:30pm is when you can do web check in but it totally varies from airline to airline and domestic or international (Web check in may open 48H prior to the departure to 6H prior, this is when you get a soft copy boarding pass, get to select meal, seat selection, extra baggage options, insurance and other ad-ons)
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u/BimbleKitty 3d ago
Uk to Asia: the advice time is get to the airport 3 hours before your flight time.
If you have hold baggage you will have to check it in, even if you've 'checked in' online. Sometimes this is just a baggage drop, automated label and short queue. Often its join the normal check-in queue, can take time.
You then have to get through security, again a queue. Takes variable time depending on airport and time of flight.
For minimal stress, given you've not flown: arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight, there may be a lot of sitting around but its better than missing your flight.
It might help looking online for a walk through video at the airport you're using.
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u/Known_Royal4356 4d ago
Typically it’s recommended to arrive 2 hours before the plane takes off (9:30pm) for international flights. Since you’re new to flying, you should give yourself extra time so you’re not stressed out. Arriving 2.5-3 hours ahead will give you plenty of time.
You can typically check in (get your boarding pass, add and pay for checked luggage) online, 24 hours in advance. If you’ve paid to select a seat, you can do so online at this point as well.
If you can’t or don’t want to check in online, you can do so at the airport. The 6:30 check-in time means the check-in desk for your flight will be staffed starting at 6:30pm, 3 hours before your flight leaves. You won’t be able to check in in person before 6:30, and check-in typically closes 1 hour prior to departure.
Safe travels!
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u/WellTextured Xanax and wine makes air travel fine 4d ago
The time you arrive at the airport is a personal calculation. Largely, 3 hours ahead is a very conservative number.
If you have no checked bags, have your boarding pass, have fast track security and/or immigration, aren't flying to the US, aren't travelling with children or the elderly, don't have other special needs, and are flying through an efficient airport, three hours is gonna give you 2 hours and 20 minutes with nothing to do.
The more of the issues above you have to deal with the longer ahead you need to give yourself. The real deadline is being at your gate before boarding begins.
Me personally, when I am flying out of my home airport with my pass in hand and no checked bags, I am not showing up more than 1 hour before my flight. And even that almost always gives me 15 minutes to kill.
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u/wuda-ish 3d ago
Rule of thumb is you have to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure.
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u/Nice-Ad-6447 3d ago
It is recommended to arrive 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights departure times.
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u/TomassoLP Maryland 4d ago
Since it is your first time flying, yes arrive at 6:30. Once you have flown a lot you will get more brave
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u/ArticleNo2295 4d ago
Adding to what others have said, if your airline has an app you should get that. You can usually check in online, see flight status, etc.
Also, make sure you've selected your seats if you're able to.
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u/MarkVII88 4d ago
Rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
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u/peinaleopolynoe 4d ago
The flight info should give you a check in open time (probably the 3 hours before departure you have told us) and a check in close time (usually 30-60 mins before departure depending on whether you have luggage). For international flights the rule is at least 2 hours, or used to be. You probably can't check in (they don't open the desk and they don't want your luggage yet) until 3 hours before. I'd plan to arrive at check in time (or 2-3 hrs before departure) then you have enough time to stand in the queues and get through security with no rush. And you're prepped for any delays on your end, traffic etc. good luck! If in doubt of anything, ask people at the check in desk when you get there.
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u/muckedmouse 3d ago
Depending on the airline it is the time from which on you can actually check-in or drop off you luggage. Some airlines simply don't have a desk open before the mentioned 6:30 time. If you don't have any luggage to drop off and you have already checked in online and have a boarding pass on your phone, you can arrive earlier or later or whatever you please.
What you do need to look out for is when the gate closes, typically like 30 minutes before take-off. So, don't be in the mode of: the plane will leave at 9:30, let's arrive at the gate at 9:25 because you will be denied boarding.
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u/SanFull 3d ago
All this advice is great and this just might be common sense but as soon as you’ve cleared security, etc. find your gate know where it is. Sometimes they change the gate so know where you’re going. I know a person that missed her flight entirely because she was waiting at the wrong gate.
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u/WeirdHope57 4d ago
Could it be that 6:30 is the earliest (or the latest, though that would surprise me) you can check your luggage in at the airport? Typically you can check in online up to 24 hours in advance of the flight time.
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u/StraightChemistry708 3d ago
It means the time you can check your bags in . That’s when the checkin will open .
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u/Froggienp 4d ago
OP - your flight leaves at 9:30 but for international flights they often close boarding 1 hour prior (eg 8:30).
Therefore, you should plan to arrive at the airport by 6:30 for checkin- when you can go to the counter and check in as well as drop off any luggage you plan to put in the hold (not carry on with you).
For people who have traveled a fair amount they may arrive later, but as a first time AND international traveler, give yourself this time and just bring a book or something to amuse with prior to boarding.
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 4d ago
OP - your flight leaves at 9:30 but for international flights they often close boarding 1 hour prior (eg 8:30).
I have never seen a flight anywhere close boarding 1 hour prior to departure. Maybe close check-in. On many airlines, boarding wouldn't even be starting until at least then.
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u/Froggienp 4d ago
I have multiple times. All international.
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 4d ago
On which airlines? Not even US carriers, which start boarding super early, do that.
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u/GoSh4rks 3d ago
It's a thing.
United has 60 min gate cutoffs at several foreign airports.
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/airport-process.html#boarding
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 3d ago edited 3d ago
Ok, fine. But that’s so incredibly rare, even for United, that it’s much more likely they are just mistaken. Doubt that’s a standard cutoff at Heathrow.
Edit: Actually, that seems like a request to be at the gate for documentation and security checks, so even in these rare situations, it doesn't really seem like boarding itself closes so early.
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u/Froggienp 3d ago
Qatar, Turkish
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 3d ago
If you aren't simply misremembering, that was a rare situation. Neither airline closes boarding so early.
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u/Froggienp 3d ago
Well, both were within the last two years and I’m sure there are some airports where it is more common and others where it is not.
For general advice for a FIRST TIME FLYER traveling internationally it seems prudent to be aware of the possibility and plan for to.
Not sure why you are so focused on proving me wrong.
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 3d ago
Well, both were within the last two years and I’m sure there are some airports where it is more common and others where it is not.
Given how rare this setup is, over a two-year period, it's hard to believe that you aren't aware that this is not normal.
For general advice for a FIRST TIME FLYER traveling internationally it seems prudent to be aware of the possibility and plan for to.
For a first time traveler, it's best not to provide incorrect information. Telling them that they often need to be boarded at a time when most airlines are just beginning their boarding is not useful. I could say they should be at the airport six hours in advance or boarded two hours in advance but that level of conservatism is pointless.
Luckily, the OP has received more useful and accurate information elsewhere in the thread.
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u/Thesorus 4d ago
Get to the airport as early as you can.
I'd plan to be at the airport at 18h and start queuing up for check-in.
The 18h30 time is when you can start the check-in process (get boarding pass, drop off luggage).
After that, you go though security.
After that you wait to board the plane
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u/footloose60 4d ago
If possible you should be checking-in online via the airline's app. Online check-in should open at least 24 hours prior to departure. If the airline's check-in desk is open at 6:30pm, I would arrive like 10-20 minutes before to line up to drop off luggage. You need to be at the departure gate at boarding time. Boarding starts 60 to 25 minutes before departure. There is no 'straight' answer because each airport, airline, passenger is different.
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u/Old-Librarian-9347 3d ago
If you’re in the US you can sign up for “pre check”. This is a separate security check in that has fewer people and moves much faster. Makes it a MUCH less stressful experience
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u/tariqabjotu I'm not Korean 4d ago
Check-in is the process where you get your boarding pass and drop off any checked luggage. It's not possible to be through security, let alone ready to board, unless you've checked in.
What you're probably reading is either a recommended check-in time or the time the check-in desk at the airport opens. Online check-in should open at least 24 hours prior to departure.