Jetstar Check-in and Boarding Pass Guide

Jetstar online check-in opens 48 hours before departure on Jetstar Airways (JQ) international flights. According to the airline's published information, the same 48-hour opening applies to domestic flights in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

It's the closing time that varies the most, and it's the one that causes missed flights. On Jetstar Airways (JQ) and Jetstar Japan (GK) international flights, online check-in closes 2 hours before departure. On domestic flights, closing happens considerably later, but the exact time depends on the country and departure airport: check the one shown on your booking and plan to check in well ahead of the deadline.

The airline also notes that not all seats are available for online check-in due to operational reasons, so checking in early improves your chances of getting a good seat.

Gate closing time is separate from check-in closing time: it's communicated by Jetstar via email, SMS, on jetstar.com and on airport screens. A passenger who isn't at the gate on time cannot board and may lose their ticket.

For online check-in, you'll need your booking reference (shown on your itinerary), plus the name or email address used when booking. On international flights, passport details are also required.

Online check-in is available whether you're travelling with cabin baggage only or with checked baggage. With cabin baggage only, you can head straight to the gate on arrival at the airport on flights covered by the Straight to Gate service. With checked baggage, you'll need to go through the Jetstar bag drop counter before it closes.

The Jetstar app offers the same functions. It's actually the only option in one specific case: for Jetstar Japan (GK) international flights, online check-in is currently only available through the app, and only on one-way flights from Tokyo (Narita) to Shanghai (Pudong) and Tokyo (Narita) to Taipei (Taoyuan).

On international flights, online check-in is only open on a selection of routes. If your flight isn't among them, check-in will take place at the counter with ID.

The mobile boarding pass is accepted on all Jetstar Airways (JQ) and Jetstar Japan (GK) domestic flights. It appears in the app or opens from the email received after check-in.

On international flights, the rule depends on the airport and local authorities: according to the airline's published information, a printed or counter issued boarding pass is often still required, and valid ID (passport for international travel) is checked in all cases. So bring a paper version if you don't have confirmation that the mobile format is accepted for your departure.

Before reaching the checkpoint, make sure the name on your boarding pass matches your passport exactly, and that visa or entry requirements for your destination country are met: without them, Jetstar will send you back to the counter.

Even after checking in online, a passenger with checked baggage must drop their bag before the counter closes. When departing from an international terminal, bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure. On domestic flights, check-in and bag drop close at the same cut off time, which is specific to the departure country: refer to the time shown on your itinerary.

A few airport points to know:

• Domestic flight departing from an international terminal: online check-in isn't possible, you'll need to go to the counter to show ID and collect your boarding pass before check-in closes.
• Departing from Singapore Changi, Jetstar states that early check-in up to 12 hours before the flight may be offered depending on passenger eligibility.
• Cabin and checked baggage allowances depend on the fare purchased and which airline within the group operates the flight; excess baggage found at the airport is generally charged at the counter, at a higher rate than when purchased online.

Jetstar excludes several situations from online check-in. You'll need to go to the counter if:

• you're travelling with an infant (except lap infants on JQ domestic flights in Australia and New Zealand and GK in Japan);
• you're travelling to or from the United States;
• the booking was made through Jetstar's group booking service;
• you're travelling with an assistance dog or need an extra seat;
• you're deaf or have low vision (except on domestic flights in Australia, New Zealand and Japan);
• there's an outstanding balance on the booking;
• your domestic flight departs from an international terminal.

Other common blockers: an incorrectly entered passport number or incomplete travel documents for the destination. In these cases, the Jetstar counter remains the solution, which is why arriving early matters. Finally, note that booking changes made directly with the airline through Manage Booking are only possible up until check-in opens; a booking made through a travel agency must be changed with that agency. iBoardingPass can complete your online check-in as soon as it opens and send you your boarding pass by email.