How to Do an Online Check-In
Check-in Online
If you’re looking to save time at the airport, you may want to try doing an online check-in. This is an easy way to skip the long lines and hassle of the check-in counter.
You can check in for an online flight with most major airlines. In most cases, you’ll be able to do it up to 24 hours before your departure. It’s important to make sure you do this early because it can help you get a seat assignment that’s more convenient for your travel style, as well as give you a better chance at getting into an earlier boarding group.
Once you’ve checked in online, you’ll have access to your boarding pass. This can be printed or saved to your mobile device, so you can pull it up at the airport and start the boarding process quickly.
Depending on your airline, you may also be able to change your flight’s itinerary and add or drop your luggage from the online check-in process. This can be especially helpful if you have any last-minute changes that need to be made before your flight.
It’s also important to check the check-in deadlines for your airline, as this will affect how much time you have to spend at the airport and on your flight. If you miss the deadline, you may have to pay an additional fee.
Avoid the Lines
When you’re checking in online, you’ll often be given a separate line to drop off your bags. This allows you to avoid the long, stressful line that awaits you when you arrive at the airport and lets you quickly head straight to the security line.
Remember, however, that you still have to be at the airport by a certain time. You’ll need to be ready to go to the gate and board your flight by that time, too!
Select Your Seat Online
If you’re traveling with kids or want a more comfortable seat, online check-in can be an excellent option. You can see the seating chart and pick a seat based on your preferences, which will make your flight easier and more enjoyable.
In addition, you can use the same online tool to choose your seat for a later flight, if you need to. This will save you time and money as it won’t have to be done at the airport.
Save Your Boarding Pass
Once you’ve completed your online check-in, you’ll receive your boarding pass in a PDF file. This can be printed or saved to your smartphone or other portable device, so you can quickly and easily pull it up at the airport when you need it.
The most common ways to do this are via a mobile app or email, but some airlines have special boarding passes that you can print at the airport, so you don’t have to be at home to make this happen.
Skipping the Line
Using a smartphone or other portable device, you can bypass the check-in counter and head directly to the security line. You’ll then be able to show your ID and the digital boarding pass that you received at the end of the online check-in process to gain entrance to the security checkpoint and onto your flight.
