Iberia Check-in: Essential Tips for a Smooth Flight Registration

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: August 28, 2024

In 2023, Cirium found that 84.38% of Iberia flights arrived on-time. While factors like weather, air traffic control restrictions, and countless other factors contribute to punctuality, one often overlooked component is an airline’s efficient and easy check-in process.

In recent years, Ibera has made a concerted effort to improve their check-in process so that passengers can get to their flights on time as smoothly as possible. So, if you’re new to flying or if you’re a new Iberia passenger, read on as we explain Iberia’s check-in options and how to use them.

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Why Checking-in for Your Flight is Important

So, what’s the point of checking-in for your Iberia flight? While it might seem redundant, checking-in is important because it confirms that you will be taking the flight as planned. 

This information matters to Iberia, as well as other airlines, because it helps them plan and operate more efficiently. The check-in procedure also confirms your identity with your passport or other travel documents, allows you to check your suitcases, and get your boarding pass. 

Iberia Check-in: The Basics

1. In order to go through the process without any problems, you’ll need to have a valid reservation with the airline.
2. If you booked your trip with an agency, then your check-in will be taken care of by the agency as well. 
3. You’ll need the following travel documents to complete the process:
   • Proof of Identity
   • Passport
   • Your ticket with the booking reference number and your full name
   • Visa documents
4. You can check-in for your flight 4 different ways:
   • Via Iberia’s website
   • Iberia mobile app
   • At the airport with a kiosk, or
   • At the airport check-in counter

When To Check-in for Your Flight

Good question! The answer is: As early as possible, and with Iberia, early means 24 hours prior to departure if you plan to do this online. This check-in method closes an hour before most flights.

If you plan to check-in at the airport either with a kiosk or at the counter, you can do this roughly 2-3 hours before your flight. 

The Iberia check-in desks typically close:

• 45-60 minutes before departure on short and medium-haul flights and
• 60-90 minutes before long-haul flights.

Flights to and from the US: You can check-in at the counter 4 hours before your flight.

These time frames can be different depending on your departure airport, so be sure to double check before you leave to go. The following table will give you more check-in information for Iberia’s most frequented destinations.  

Check-in Times for Iberia’s Most Popular Airports

How to Check-in on Iberia’s Website

Many passengers seem to enjoy the ease of checking-in on the airline’s site. One passenger, Ian M. wrote about his experience on Tripadvisor saying,

I liked that I could check-in online easily and select my seat. It saved a lot of time at the airport since I could head straight to security with my boarding pass.

Steps for Checking-in on the Website

1. Go to Iberia.com
2. Hover over the YOUR FLIGHTS tab on the top menu
3. Select CHECK-IN ONLINE
4. Enter your last name (surname) and booking code or ticket number. You can also log in with your password.
5. Then, select your flight and select your seat. You can also let the system select one for you.
6. You can also add or change your checked baggage selection
7. Finally, you can have your boarding pass printed, sent to your email, or simply use the mobile boarding pass on your device. 

When you check-in online, remember that you still have to go to a counter or to a kiosk to get your bag tags if you’re checking luggage. After that, just deliver your belongings to a bag drop and you’re all set to go.

Check-in with Iberia’s Mobile App

Downloading the airline app is one of the best bits of advice you could get. You can check-in for your flight, but you can also quickly find out if your Iberia flight has been delayed or cancelled.

Chris E., said the following in a review he left on iFly about the Iberia app.

The Iberia app was super convenient. I managed my whole trip through it, checked-in quickly, and had my boarding pass on my phone. No paper, no hassle.

So, the first step is downloading the app. After that, here are the steps for check-in.

1. Log in to your Iberia account or check-in as a guest
2. Tap the CHECK-IN option
3. Follow the prompts and add your PNR and last name.
4. Choose the correct flight
5. Select your seat and add baggage
6. Review your information and confirm that everything is correct
7. Now your mobile boarding pass will be ready for you to save to your phone, but you can also just use it in the app.

Passengers travelling from some locations including Egypt, Albania, Maldives, or Morocco will still have to make a stop at the check-in counter even if they check-in online.

Go to the airport and get your bag tags at a kiosk or at the check-in desk, drop off your luggage, and proceed to the security check. 

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Self-Service Kiosk Check-in

One benefit of the self-service kiosks is that you can check-in at the airport without having to queue, as noted by Julio F. in his review on iFly.

The self-service kiosk worked perfectly for me. I didn’t have to wait in line and could print my boarding pass and baggage tags myself in a few minutes.

First, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours prior to your flight so you’ll have plenty of time to get to the gate, then locate an Ibera kiosk.  

1. Touch the screen and choose your language
2. Follow the prompts like scanning your passport, entering your frequent flyer information, last name and booking number.
3. Choose the correct flight
4. Choose or confirm your seat
5. Add luggage preferences and pay for any fees
6. Print your boarding pass and bag tags
7. Attach the bag tags to your luggage
8. Leave your baggage at the designated drop-off area.

Iberia Check-in Counter

While wait times can be exasperating, Iberia check-in counters can provide huge benefits to passengers, especially if they’re new to flying or need additional help. Some passengers might be required to check-in through the Iberia counter particularly if they have problems with their travel documents, are minors travelling without an adult, or are travelling with pets. 

The counter is also vital if you have any problems with the other methods of checking-in - say for example you have trouble with the website or app functionality. But given the long wait times associated with in-person check-in, you’ll have to get to the airport early, meaning at least a few hours before your scheduled departure.

What Time to Arrive at the Airport?

Smart passengers will not cut corners here. It’s always smart and safe to get to the airport early, but early can mean different things depending on where you’ll be going.

• Domestic and European flights: Arrive 2 hours prior to your flight time
• International flights outside Europe: Arrive 3 hours before your flight
• Flights to the USA: Arrive 4 hours before departure because of the more stringent security measures and extra documentation required.

Also, the bigger and busier the airport, the earlier you should arrive. As well, allow more time for yourself if you need special assistance of any kind.

How to Change or Add to Your Iberia Booking

You can always make changes to your booking on Iberia’s website and app. To do this, look for YOUR FLIGHTS in the menu, hover over it and choose MANAGE YOUR BOOKING. From there you’ll be prompted to log in, and from there you can make any changes to seating, baggage and more. 

The process is similar on the app. Simply open the app and look for the TRIPS section and MANAGE YOUR BOOKING. From there, you’ll be prompted through the following options:

• Add extra services
• Cancel or request refunds
• Check flight details
• Change your flight
• Upgrade
• Download boarding pass 

Expert Tips for Iberia Check-in

1. Download the Iberia App
2. Check-in early 
3. Save time by using the kiosks to print bag tags
4. Download your mobile boarding pass to your phone’s wallet
5. Pack all your travel documents together and keep them close to hand in a special bag or pocket of your carry-on or hand baggage.
6. Make copies or take photos of your boarding pass and other travel documents as a backup
7. Get to the airport early! 

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Frequently Asked Questions