Hey so I always thought for international flights you need to physically check in at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. However technology has seriously changed since the last time I flew internationally so I'm just wondering how this online check in thing works? And exactly how long prior to my flight I need to be at the airport. I tried calling west jet to ask but apparently no one can hear me talking on my phone

CHECKIN 24 hours before
Arrive at airport two hours before especially if you're checking a bag

Yes, online check in opens 24 hrs before departure and works a treat, they know you're coming so when you arrive you just have to do bag drop from a kiosk.
Bag drop tends to close 60-90 min before departure so 2 hrs pre departure is still a good idea to get your bag on the plane and make sure you have time to clear security and maybe customs depending on where you go.

2 hours is usually good , depends on the amount of people at customs also. It can be a lengthy process if both checking bags and customs are swamped( take note if you're going to a place where they have had security issues ex: Paris ,London etc..

Are you traveling to the USA or a different country?
For USA travel, a min of 2 1/2 hours prior.
Mexico/Europe/Asia
2 hours is plenty.
For all flights International & uS, check in closed 60mins before departure. 45mins for domestic flights.
I work at the airport!

Set a reminder to check in on line 24 hrs before your flight. It's super easy and might save you time at the airport. The airlines have been very strict about cutoff times so give yourself plenty of time to get through security and arrive at your gate. Have a great trip!

Online check in opens 24hr prior to departure. At that time you are able to assign yourself a seat (free of charge minus upgrading to plus) and you can pay for any bag fees that may be set due to the fare you book. However if you are checking in a bag, you still must drop your bag off a minimum of 1 hour prior to departure even if you are already checked in for the flight. I would recommend being at the airport no later than 1.5hrs prior to departure but technically it is 1hr prior to departure at the latest!

Be at the airport minimum two hours before your international flight. You can check in on line 24 hrs prior but still need the two hours to get your bag checked in, security, customs and find your gate.

still the same.

And if you plan on wanting a meal and your flying say london/Dublin etc make sure you’ve ordered your meal well before that 48 hour mark.

Thank you for all your help!