China Airlines offers both online and airport check-in options designed to streamline the travel experience. Online check-in opens at 48 hours before scheduled departure (for flights to/from the U.S. or Guam, the window starts 24 hours before) and closes 60 minutes before departure (china-airlines.com). Passengers log in via the website or mobile app using a reservation code and surname, confirm personal and travel details, select or change seats, and download, email, or print their boarding pass. Those traveling light can proceed directly to security, while travelers with checked baggage must drop bags at the airport.

At the airport, self-service kiosks—available at many international terminals—open about 3 hours before departure and close 60 minutes before the flight (deskhelpp.zohodesk.com). Standard check-in counters also open 3 hours before for international flights and generally close 60 minutes before departure; passengers are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before geographic international flights to allow for baggage drop, security, and immigration procedures .

China Airlines enforces the following check-in deadlines: online check-in closes 1 hour before departure; airport counters likely close 60 minutes before scheduled takeoff (china-airlines.com). Boarding gates typically close 15–30 minutes before departure, depending on the airport. At busy or smaller airports, processing may take longer, so arriving early is recommended.

Not all passengers are eligible for online check-in. Those traveling on code-share flights, with paper tickets, requiring visa checks, needing special assistance, traveling with pets or unaccompanied minors, or holding group bookings may be required to check in at the airport counter (osakaairport.com). Some visa-sensitive destinations enforce airport check-in to verify documentation before departure .

China Airlines also provides "Auto Check-in" for eligible passengers, which can automatically check you in within the online window—between 360 and 48 hours before departure (or 24 hours for U.S./Guam flights); the issued boarding pass can then be downloaded or printed (china-airlines.com).

Using the mobile app enhances convenience with features like passport scan, document saving, and travel updates. If online check-in fails technically—a common issue with airline websites—checking in at kiosks or counters is still available, and staff can quickly print boarding passes and resolve seat or documentation issues .

In summary, China Airlines allows online check-in from 48 to 1 hour before departure (or 24 to 1 hour for U.S./Guam flights), with auto check-in available earlier. Airport kiosks and counters open around 3 hours before and close 60 minutes prior. Special circumstances or required documentation may necessitate airport check-in. For a smooth process, passengers should check in early, arrive well ahead of deadlines, and be prepared for possible exceptions based on their itinerary or travel category.