At Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the standard window for online check-in begins 30 hours before your flight for Air France and most European carriers, or 24 hours before for U.S.-based airlines like Delta. For those checking in physically at the airport, ticket counters typically open 3 to 4 hours prior to scheduled departure. In 2026, airport authorities and airlines strongly recommend arriving at least 3 hours before an international flight to account for potential bottlenecks at passport control and security. If you are flying in a premium cabin or have elite status, some "Priority" counters may offer slightly more flexibility, but the "bag drop" deadlines remain strict—usually closing 60 minutes before departure. Arriving early is particularly crucial at CDG due to the vast distances between terminals and the variable wait times for the CDGVAL shuttle train.