How to Check-in for Your Flight with LOT Polish Airlines

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 18, 2026

During the process of booking your ticket, you have to provide so much information that it leaves some passengers wondering why checking-in is still required. Well, beyond checking luggage and presenting various travel documents, the process is important for a variety of airline and government related issues. 

Not only that, but LOT needs you to check-in for your flight so they know who is still planning to travel. Sometimes flights are overbooked, so if you don’t check-in, your seat will be given to someone else. Also, LOT needs to get an accurate count of passengers and their bags for weight and balance considerations. 

Learn about your eligibility for compensation in case you are bumped from your flight.

So, in this guide, we’re going to explain all the details about LOT’s check-in options and what you need to know as a passenger to make sure you complete this important step on time.

What You Need to Check-in for a LOT Airlines Flight

1. A valid booking and reference number
2. Your passport or ID card 
3. Visa documents (if this applies to your situation)

If you are flying with one of LOT’s codeshare partners, you must complete the check-in process on that airline's site, counter, or kiosk.

LOT Airlines’ Online Check-in: Website & App

Free, online check-in opens 36 hours before departure and closes 120 min (2 hours) before departure.

Online check-in is the easiest, most convenient way of checking-in for your flight. You can do almost everything online that you would at the airport but without the long wait times.

If you have to check luggage, you just have to drop it at the bag drop-off area unless you need to print bag tags. To print bag tags, you can use the online kiosks or have them do it for you at the counter.

By checking-in on the LOT website or mobile app, you can: 

• Choose seats
• Add or change checked luggage 
• Add upgrades
• Change or add any additional services like wi-fi, etc.

Visit the check-in counter if . . .

1. You are asked to confirm your credit card details or travel documents.
2. You need special assistance, (those with limited mobility, travelling with a pet, minors travelling alone) you will have to visit the check-in counter. I
3. You have any extra large baggage to check

Always check-in for your flight as soon as you’re able to do so. Sometimes the app or site can have functionality issues which will make it necessary for you to check-in at the airport instead. The earlier you check in, the more time you will have to plan for this. Also, the earlier you check-in, the better your seat options.

LOT’s mobile app is particularly helpful for easy check-in but also for getting updates about your flight. You can find out immediately if your gate is changed or if your flight has been cancelled or delayed. 

If you do get a notification that your flight is disrupted, remember that you could be eligible for LOT flight delay compensation or cancelled flight compensation.

Find out how much you could receive! Just enter your flight details below.Check Your Flight

LOT Automated Check-in

LOT also offers an automated check-in option that will handle most of the process for you. To activate this service, you first have to register by contacting the airline at a minimum of 24 hours before your flight - though doing so earlier is better.

Once you’ve registered, the automated system will complete the check-in process for you 36 hours before departure and send your mobile boarding pass to you in either an SMS message or email. If you want to change your seat assignment, upgrade, or add baggage or other services, you can do this by following the link(s) sent to you by the system. 

You do not have to register for LOT Automatic Check-in if you are:

• A LOT Business Class or LOT Premium Economy Class passenger
• A Star Alliance Gold or Silver card holder
• Travelling with children under age 12

LOT Automatic Check-in is not available if you are travelling anywhere passport data is required. This includes non-Schengen area EU member countries as well as:

• Romania
• Israel
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Egypt
• UAE
• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan

LOT Airport Check-In - Free of Charge

If you are planning to check-in for your flight at the airport be sure to arrive early because wait times for kiosks and counters can be long as well as the wait for security screening. Both counter and desk observe the following times for passengers to check-in.

Check-in opens

• 2 hours prior to departure at airports in Poland 
• 3 hours before departure if you’re flying to the US, Canada, or other long-haul destinations.

Check-in closes (for ticket & baggage check-in)

• 30 min before departure for flights within Poland
• 40 min for flights within the Schengen area
• 50 min for short-haul flights outside Schengen area
• 60 min for flights FROM the Middle East
• 70 min for long-haul flights

So, when should you get to the airport?

• Arrive at least 2 hours prior to your flight time for domestic and EU flights
• Arrive 3 hours before your flight’s departure for international flights or those outside the EU
• Arrive 4 hours before departure for flights to the USA.

Using LOT Kiosks 

Not every airport will have kiosks. Verify with your departure airport to see if they are an option.

In most cases, kiosks have shorter wait times than the counters. Plus, they are very easy to use. If you’re travelling from Warsaw Chopin Airport, you can even check your luggage at the kiosks as long as you have a direct flight. If you have layovers, you should go to the counter.

1. To begin, just touch the screen and provide the information. 
2. From there, you can change or choose your seat, print your boarding card or have it sent to you via email, and print your baggage tags. 
3. Once you’ve attached them to your suitcase(s), just drop them off in the designated LOT drop off location.

You will need to use one of the LOT check-in counters if you need any sort of special assistance. So, for example, if you have any mobility considerations, are travelling with pets or a lap baby, or you need to verify your passport and travel documentation. As well, anyone needing to check oversized or special items will need to get in-person assistance at the desk.

Tips to Make LOT Check-in Easier

1. Check-in early and allow for extra time at the airport 
2. Download the LOT mobile app.
3. Download your mobile boarding pass to your phone AND print a copy as a backup.
4. Pack all your travel documents together, and keep them handy in a special bag or pocket of your carry-on or hand baggage.

Did you know you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation for LOT flight disruptions?It’s true! Enter your flight details below and see how much you could claim.Check Your Flight

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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