Flying with EVA Air offers a comfortable and premium experience, and understanding how early you can check in is essential to ensuring your journey begins smoothly. Whether you're flying internationally with EVA Air or UNI Air, knowing your check in window helps minimize stress and avoid last minute issues. EVA Air provides a range of check in options online, automated, kiosk, and airport counter catering to the varying needs of travelers. Below is a comprehensive look at each method, when it opens, when it closes, who it suits best, and what to expect based on your travel type and destination.
1. Online and Mobile Check In: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
When does it open?
Online and mobile check in opens exactly 48 hours before your scheduled departure and remains available until 60 minutes prior to takeoff.
Who can use it?
Most passengers on EVA Air and UNI Air international flights are eligible for online or mobile check in. This option is perfect for tech savvy travelers who prefer to avoid airport lines. Once you've checked in, you can either download a mobile boarding pass or print it out from home. If you're not checking any bags, you can proceed straight to the security checkpoint upon arrival at the airport.
Who can't use it?
There are some restrictions. You will not be able to check in online if:
Your ticket is a paper ticket
You're part of a group booking with 10 or more people
Your itinerary includes code share or chartered flight segments
You're traveling with an infant or are an unaccompanied minor
You require special assistance at the airport (e.g., medical needs or wheelchair support)
In such cases, it's mandatory to use airport counter check in.
Benefits of online check in:
Save time at the airport
Choose or confirm your seat
Avoid long lines at check in counters
Proceed directly to security (if you have no checked baggage)
2. EVA Air’s Automated Check In: For Ultimate Convenience
EVA Air also offers an automated check in feature, an excellent option for frequent travelers and business passengers who prefer a more streamlined process.
How it works:
If you have signed up for this service and are eligible, you will be automatically checked in 48 hours before departure. Your boarding pass will be sent via email or made available on the EVA Air mobile app.
Ideal for:
Business travelers with simple itineraries
Passengers on direct EVA Air international flights
EVA Infinity MileageLands members
Limitations:
Not available for passengers with special service requests
Ineligible for travelers with group bookings, infants, or complex itineraries
3. Self Service Kiosks: Efficient On Site Check In
EVA Air provides self service check in kiosks at major airports including Taipei Taoyuan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and others. These kiosks are useful for travelers who couldn’t check in online or who prefer to do it at the airport themselves.
Availability:
Opens: Around 3 hours before departure
Closes: 60 minutes before departure
Operating Hours: Varies by airport, but at Taipei Taoyuan, kiosks open at 5:00 AM
Services available at kiosks:
Check in
Change or select seats
Print boarding passes
Print baggage tags (if applicable)
Limitations:
Not suitable for those needing special services
Not available for passengers with infants, large groups, or paper tickets
Pro tip: Kiosks are especially helpful if you've checked in online but need to print a physical boarding pass or baggage tag.
4. Airport Counter Check In: Traditional and Reliable
EVA Air’s airport counters are staffed by airline agents and are recommended for travelers who:
Need special assistance
Are traveling with pets or infants
Have a complex itinerary or connecting flights
Need to check in manually due to system or eligibility limitations
Check in counter timing:
Opens: Typically 3 to 4 hours before departure
Closes: 60 minutes before departure (may be 40 minutes at smaller regional airports)
Important:
EVA Air strongly advises arriving at the airport 3 hours in advance for international flights, especially during peak times or holidays. Even if you checked in online, if you're checking baggage or require additional assistance, you must adhere to this timeline.
5. Baggage Drop for Online/Kiosk Check In Passengers
If you’ve already checked in using the online or kiosk option but have checked baggage, you must still drop it off at the designated bag drop counters.
Bag drop timings:
Opens: Around 3 hours before departure
Closes: 60 minutes before departure
At some airports like Taipei Taoyuan, the staff will not accept bags earlier than the official 3 hour mark. However, some travelers have reported success checking in bags up to 4 hours before their flight, depending on airport and staff availability this is not guaranteed and should not be relied on.
Summary of Check In Options and Timings
Method Opens Closes Notes
Online / Mobile 48 hours before departure 60 minutes before flight Not for group bookings, infants, or special assistance
Automated Check In 48 hours before departure N/A Sends boarding pass automatically to email/mobile
Self Service Kiosk 3 hours before departure 60 minutes before flight Best for eligible travelers without special needs
Airport Counters 3–4 hours before departure 60 minutes before flight 40 minutes at smaller airports
Bag Drop Counters 3 hours before departure 60 minutes before flight For those who checked in online or at kiosks
Airport Guidelines and Local Variations
While EVA Air provides general check in guidelines, certain airport specific rules may apply. For instance:
At Taipei Taoyuan, staff may strictly enforce timing, and early check in may not be allowed before the 3 hour mark.
At smaller or partner airports, the check in window may be shorter counters may open only 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes prior.
Always check your departure airport’s local EVA Air guidelines in advance.
Tips for a Smooth Check In with EVA Air
Here are some additional insights to enhance your travel experience:
Use the 48 Hour Window Wisely:
Set a reminder to check in as soon as the window opens. This increases your chances of securing your preferred seat and reduces airport wait times.
Download the EVA Air Mobile App:
The app is user friendly and allows easy access to mobile boarding passes, flight status, lounge access (for eligible members), and more.
Arrive Early:
Even if you’ve checked in, it’s wise to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance, particularly for international flights or peak periods like holidays.
Prepare Documents:
Ensure your passport, visa (if needed), ticket, and health documents (such as vaccination records) are in order, especially for countries with strict entry requirements.
Avoid Baggage Surprises:
Familiarize yourself with EVA Air’s baggage policies to avoid excess fees. Online check in does not override baggage rules.
Group Travelers:
If you’re part of a group booking (10+ passengers), go directly to the airport counter for check in. Online and kiosk options aren’t available.
Be Gate Ready:
After clearing security, proceed to your departure gate early. Boarding gates typically close 30 minutes before flight time, and late arrivals may be denied boarding even if already checked in
Final Thoughts
EVA Air ensures flexibility and convenience when it comes to check in, offering a range of options that accommodate every kind of traveler. Whether you prefer managing your trip digitally from the comfort of your home or appreciate traditional airport service, EVA’s systems are designed to enhance efficiency and comfort. Still, timing is crucial so plan accordingly, use online tools, and follow airport guidelines to enjoy a seamless start to your journey.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for online or kiosk check in, or if you need personalized support, EVA Air’s customer service is available 24/7 at 1 866 551 1186 (for U.S. travelers) or via the airline’s official website.