
Checking in at the airport can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. There are several ways to check in, including online, via an app, or at the airport itself. If you choose to check in at the airport, you can either use a self-service kiosk or go to the check-in desk. Checking in at the airport allows you to confirm your flight, obtain a boarding pass, select your seat, and check in your luggage. It's important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, especially if you're travelling internationally or have special requirements.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Confirm flight, obtain boarding pass, select seat, check in luggage |
What you need | Boarding pass (paper or electronic), possibly a laptop |
Before you go | Check your pockets, remove any liquids or gels |
When you arrive | Find your airline, go to the correct terminal |
What You'll Learn
- Kiosk check-in: self-service machines to avoid long lines
- Counter check-in: the traditional method, often needed for international travel
- Locating your airline: airports are divided into terminals for different airlines
- Security: remove excess clothing and items like laptops from your bag
- Boarding passes: a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving permission to board
Kiosk check-in: self-service machines to avoid long lines
Checking in at the airport can be a long and tedious process, but self-service machines are now available at many airports to make the experience quicker and easier. These machines are known as self-check-in kiosks and are usually located near the entrance to an airline's ticketing area or where you drop off your bags.
Self-check-in kiosks allow you to perform the same processes as you would at a TSA check-in counter, but without having to interact with any staff. This includes bag checks, printing your boarding pass, capturing your face or fingerprint, and verifying your ID. You can also use the machines to check your itinerary and transact in multiple languages.
Before using a self-check-in kiosk, you will first need to locate your airline. Airports are divided into terminals, with different airlines housed in different terminals. You can find out what terminal your airline is in by looking online, calling the airport, or asking an employee.
Once you have located your airline, you can use the self-check-in kiosk to confirm your identity, register and pay for checked bags, and choose your seat. You can then proceed through security and on to your gate.
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Counter check-in: the traditional method, often needed for international travel
Checking in at the airport is a process that enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, select their seat (if they haven't already and if allowed by the airline), and check in luggage. A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in that gives a passenger permission to board the plane for a particular flight. It identifies the passenger, the flight number, and the date and time of departure.
Counter check-in is the traditional method of checking in at the airport. This process often needs to be done for international travel. To check in at the counter, you must first locate your airline. Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. There are also different terminals for arrivals and departures. You will need to go to the departure terminal for your airline. You can find out what terminal your airline is in by looking online, calling the airport, or asking one of the employees. Once you have located your airline, you will need to check your bags. Most airlines will allow you one carry-on bag, in addition to one hand-held bag (like a laptop case or a purse). Depending on what you have packed, you may need to check one or two bags. If you are travelling with a laptop, you will need to take it out of your packed bag and place it on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Smaller electronic items, like phones, Kindles, or small gaming systems, will not have to be removed from your bag to be scanned. Make sure to check your pockets to ensure you have not accidentally left any items inside. Remove any liquids or gels. Once you have cleared security, you can get dressed and move to a designated seating area to compose yourself.
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Locating your airline: airports are divided into terminals for different airlines
When you arrive at the airport, the first thing you need to do is locate your airline. Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. There are also different terminals for arrivals and departures. You will need to go to the departure terminal for your airline. You can find out what terminal your airline is in by looking online, calling the airport, or asking one of the employees at the airport. If you are taking mass transportation or having someone drop you off at the airport, make sure you let them know what airline you are flying so they drop you at the correct building.
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Security: remove excess clothing and items like laptops from your bag
When going through security at the airport, it's important to remove excess clothing and items like laptops from your bag. This is because these items will need to be scanned separately. Most airports will have a designated area for you to get dressed after you've cleared security, so you don't need to worry about holding up the line.
If you are travelling with a laptop, you will need to take it out of your bag and place it on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Smaller electronic items, like phones, Kindles or small gaming systems, can usually stay in your bag and will still be scanned. If you are part of TSA Pre-Check, you do not need to remove your laptop from your bag.
It's also a good idea to check your pockets to make sure you haven't accidentally left any small items like cellphones or iPods inside. These items should also be scanned separately.
Most airlines will allow you one carry-on bag, in addition to one hand-held bag (like a laptop case or a purse). So, if you're travelling with a lot of luggage, it's a good idea to check with your airline beforehand to see what their specific policies are.
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Boarding passes: a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving permission to board
Checking in at the airport is a straightforward process. First, you need to locate your airline. Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. Once you have found the correct terminal, you can check in.
The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be boarding the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if they haven't already and if the airline allows it), and check in luggage onto the plane if they want to. A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board the plane for a particular flight. It will identify the passenger, the flight number, and the date and scheduled time for departure. Boarding passes are always required to board a flight. Most airlines will allow you one carry-on bag, in addition to one hand-held bag (like a laptop case or a purse). Often, airlines accept either paper or electronic boarding passes (on a phone or tablet).
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Frequently asked questions
You can check in online, via an app, or at the airport. If you choose to check in at the airport, you can visit a self-service kiosk or an airport check-in desk.
You will need your booking reference or passport, and any luggage you want to check in.
Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. You can find out what terminal your airline is in by looking online, calling the airport, or asking an employee when you arrive.