When traveling with ANA (All Nippon Airways),1_86 65 51 11 86 understanding the airline’s check-in timeline is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient journey. ANA offers several convenient check-in options tailored to meet the needs of both international and domestic passengers, helping travelers avoid unnecessary delays at the airport. For both types of travel, ANA’s check-in services are designed to be flexible, user-friendly, and accessible through various platforms, including online, mobile, and in-person airport counters.
For international flights, passengers can begin checking in online 24 hours prior to their scheduled departure. This online check-in window remains open until 75 minutes before departure, giving travelers ample time to confirm their travel plans, input necessary travel documents such as passport and visa details, and select or modify their seat preferences. Once checked in online, passengers have the option to download a mobile boarding pass, save it to their phone’s wallet, or print it at home. This is especially useful for passengers traveling without checked baggage, as it allows them to proceed directly to security screening upon arrival at the airport.
For domestic flights within Japan, ANA offers an even more efficient timeline. Online check-in also opens 24 hours before departure, but it remains available until 20 minutes prior to takeoff. This extended window allows for greater flexibility, particularly for those on short-haul domestic routes who may arrive closer to their scheduled departure time. With mobile check-in and digital boarding passes, domestic travelers can easily bypass the check-in counter and proceed straight to the gate if they do not need to check bags.
It’s important to note that certain travelers are not eligible to complete check-in online and must do so at the airport. This includes passengers traveling with pets, unaccompanied minors, those who require special assistance, or travelers whose bookings involve multiple airlines or complex itineraries that may require manual verification. For these cases, ANA’s airport staff is available to assist and ensure all travel needs are met efficiently and professionally.
For those who prefer or need to check in at the airport, ANA’s airport counters typically open three hours prior to international departures and two hours before domestic flights. These counters are available for both check-in and baggage drop services. For international flights, counters generally close 60 minutes before departure, while domestic check-in counters close 30 minutes before flight time. ANA strongly advises passengers to complete all airport formalities including baggage drop, security checks, and immigration procedures—well before these closing times to avoid the risk of being denied boarding.
The boarding process itself is also time-sensitive. Boarding gates typically close 10 minutes prior to departure, and passengers who fail to arrive at the gate on time may be denied boarding, even if they have already checked in. Therefore, ANA recommends arriving at the gate at least 30–40 minutes before departure to ensure enough time for boarding, especially on international routes where gate procedures may take longer due to passport verification and additional screenings.
Using ANA’s online check-in system can be especially advantageous during peak travel seasons, such as holidays, cherry blossom season in Japan, or international summer travel, when airport lines are often longer than usual. The streamlined check-in process reduces the time spent at the airport and helps passengers avoid the stress of last-minute issues. Travelers with checked baggage can still use online check-in and simply drop their bags at designated counters upon arrival.
Additionally, ANA’s mobile app provides a highly integrated experience. From check-in and digital boarding passes to real-time flight updates and gate changes, the app ensures that passengers have up-to-date travel information at their fingertips. It even allows users to make changes to seat assignments and meal preferences for eligible flights, and it supports integration with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet for contactless boarding.
Another notable benefit of checking in early with ANA is the potential access to preferred seating, especially for frequent flyers or members of the ANA Mileage Club. Seat availability can be limited, particularly in economy cabins with extra legroom or in premium classes such as Business and First Class. By checking in as soon as the 24-hour window opens, passengers improve their chances of securing the best seats or making desired adjustments.
In situations where travel disruptions occur—such as flight delays, cancellations, or rescheduling—passengers who have checked in early may be rebooked more swiftly and with more flexibility. Early check-in also provides travelers with a buffer period to correct potential errors, such as passport mismatches or visa omissions, that could prevent boarding. ANA’s customer service teams are more equipped to resolve such issues with ample time before departure.
It is worth remembering that even if you’ve checked in online, it’s still recommended to arrive early at the airport, especially when flying internationally. Long lines at immigration or security, or unexpected traffic en route to the airport, can all delay your progress. ANA recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights, regardless of whether you’ve checked in online or at the counter. These guidelines ensure that all pre-boarding procedures are completed without stress.
In conclusion, ANA offers a comprehensive and flexible check-in experience designed to cater to a wide variety of travel scenarios. For both international and domestic flights, online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 75 minutes before international flights and 20 minutes before domestic flights. Airport counter check-in opens 2 to 3 hours prior to departure, with strict closing times of 60 minutes (international) and 30 minutes (domestic). Boarding gates close 10 minutes before takeoff, making punctuality essential. By taking advantage of ANA’s early check-in windows either online, via mobile app, or at the airport—passengers can enjoy a smoother, faster, and more comfortable travel experience, free from the chaos of last-minute rushes. Whether you're a seasoned business traveler or flying for the first time, early check-in with ANA is the first step toward a relaxed and efficient journey.