Domestic Airport Check-In: A Quick Guide To Know-How

Checking in at the airport can be a stressful experience, especially for first-time flyers. To make your journey as smooth as possible, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight's scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off any baggage, go through security, and make it to your gate. You can also check in online or via an airline's app, which can save time, but you'll still need to arrive early enough to drop off any bags and pass through security. Most airlines recommend checking in at the airport at least 45 minutes before your flight, and you should always be at your gate and ready to board at least 20-25 minutes before departure.

Check-in times: arrive at least 2 hours before departure

Checking in for a domestic flight can be a stressful experience, but arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare can help to ease the pressure. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. This will give you ample time to check in, drop off your bags, pass through security, and make your way to the gate.

Checking in at least two hours before departure is particularly important if you have bags to check in. Checking bags can be time-consuming, as you will need to visit a kiosk, tag your bags, and drop them off with an agent. Some airlines will not accept checked bags more than six hours before the scheduled departure time, so be sure to check the specific policies of your chosen airline.

If you are travelling with only a carry-on bag, you may be able to save some time by checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home. Alternatively, you can use the airline's mobile app to access your digital boarding pass. However, even if you are travelling light, it is still a good idea to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance to allow for potential delays.

Once you have checked in and dropped off your bags, you will need to pass through security. This process can take longer at larger airports, so it is important to factor this into your arrival time. Security measures may include removing certain items from your carry-on luggage, as well as removing jackets and shoes. You may also need to pass through scanners.

After passing through security, you will need to make your way to the gate. At larger airports, this may involve taking a tram or intra-airport rail to the correct concourse. Again, this can add to the amount of time required, so it is important to plan accordingly.

In summary, by arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time, you will allow yourself enough time to check in, drop off bags, pass through security, and make your way to the gate. This will help to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when checking in for your domestic flight.

Online check-in: available 24 hours before, up until 45 minutes before

Checking in online is a convenient and straightforward process. It is available 24 hours before your flight and up to 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights. For international flights, online check-in is available until 90 minutes before departure. This option allows you to check in from the comfort of your home or office. You can select your seat and print your boarding pass, or even use a mobile boarding pass in some cases.

To check in online, you will need internet access and your booking or reservation details. You can log in to your airline's website or use their mobile app, if available. Some airlines also offer virtual assistant services through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms to guide you through the online check-in process. This can be particularly useful if you have any questions or need assistance.

It is important to note that online check-in deadlines may vary slightly between airlines, so it is always a good idea to confirm the specific timings with your chosen airline. Additionally, if you have checked baggage, you will need to allow sufficient time to deposit your bags at the airport before the check-in closure. Each airline and airport may have different requirements, so it is recommended to review their guidelines in advance.

Online check-in is a great way to save time and streamline your travel experience. By checking in online, you can avoid potential queues at the airport and ensure that you are ready for your flight well in advance. This option offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to choose your preferred seat and have your boarding pass ready before you even arrive at the airport.

Boarding passes: print at the airport or via the airline app

There are several ways to obtain your boarding pass. You can either get it printed at the airport or download it via the airline's app. Here is a detailed description of both methods:

Printing at the Airport

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, 2 hours is usually enough to check in and pass through security. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight.

Find your airline's check-in counter and get in line. Most airlines have different lines for different types of travellers, such as members of rewards programs and first-class flyers. Make sure you are in the correct line for your booking.

Provide the check-in agent with your identification and flight information. Depending on your airline and destination, you may need to provide your flight number or booking number. If you booked your flight online, it is a good idea to print out your confirmation email.

Receive your boarding pass and drop off any bags you are checking. The airline staff will usually check your bags and print your boarding pass at the same time. Make sure to take the baggage tag receipt so that you can collect your bags at your destination.

Using the Airline's App

Check-in on your airline's app or website. Many airlines now allow you to obtain a digital boarding pass and check-in for your flight without having to wait in line at the airport. Usually, the airline will send you an email 24 hours before your flight to let you know that you can check in.

Download the boarding pass to your phone's wallet. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the mobile boarding pass. Save it to your wallet so that you can easily access it when needed.

If you have trouble downloading the boarding pass, taking a screenshot will also work. Just make sure that the QR or barcode is completely visible and that you screenshot the entire pass.

Scan the QR code at security and when boarding the plane. When passing through security and boarding the plane, hold your phone over the scanner so that your mobile boarding pass can be scanned. Make sure that your entire barcode or QR code is visible.

In some cases, if the airport doesn't have scanners, a TSA agent may scan the code for you.

General Tips

• If you are checking bags, you will need to go to the check-in counter to drop them off, even if you already have a digital boarding pass.
• It is recommended to have a physical copy of your boarding pass as a backup, in case your phone dies or there are any issues with the digital version.
• Always arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Baggage: check allowances and prohibited items

When checking in at a domestic airport, it is important to be aware of the baggage allowances and restrictions on prohibited items. While the specifics may vary depending on the airline and destination, here is a general guide to help you prepare for your travel.

Baggage Allowances:

Most airlines have specific weight and size restrictions for checked baggage and carry-on items. For example, Air India allows a total combined dimension of 158 cm (62 inches) for checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 32 kg (71 lb) per piece. IndiGo, on the other hand, allows a total combined dimension of 158 cm (62 inches) for checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50.7 lb) per piece. It's important to check with your airline for their specific rules, as there may be variations.

In terms of carry-on baggage, most airlines allow one handbag or purse per passenger, with a weight limit of around 7 kg and dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (L+W+H). Additionally, you may be permitted to carry one small personal item, such as a laptop bag or a lady's purse, with a weight limit of around 3 kg.

Prohibited Items:

Airlines have strict regulations regarding prohibited items, which are deemed security hazards or safety risks. Here is a general list of items that are typically prohibited in checked and carry-on baggage:

• Compressed gases: Deeply refrigerated, flammable, non-flammable, and poisonous gases, such as butane, oxygen, liquid nitrogen, aqualung cylinders, and compressed gas cylinders.
• Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury, wet cell batteries, and devices containing mercury.
• Explosives, munitions, fireworks, flares, and ammunition, including blank cartridges, handguns, and pistol caps.
• Flammable liquids and solids: Lighter refills, lighter fuel, matches, paints, thinners, firelighters, and lighters that need inverting before ignition.
• Radioactive materials and other hazardous substances, such as poisons, infectious agents, insecticides, and weed-killers.
• Fish, seafood, animals, birds, and insects, whether alive, dead, frozen, dried, or cooked.
• Offensive or irritating materials, including those with a strong or unpleasant odour.
• Sharp objects: Knives, scissors, Swiss army knives, and other sharp instruments.
• Replica weapons: Toy replicas of firearms, ammunition, whips, nunchakus, batons, and stun guns.
• Unlabelled or unidentified items: Do not accept packages from unknown persons, and always label your baggage with your personal information.
• Electronic devices that cannot be switched off.
• Liquids: Any liquids carried in your hand luggage must be in containers with a maximum volume of 100ml each, and they must fit comfortably into a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of 1 litre or less.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it is always best to check with your specific airline and local laws for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Some items may be allowed under certain conditions, such as alcoholic beverages, which are typically permitted in limited quantities and secure packaging.

ID: carry a valid form of identification

Checking in for a domestic flight can be a straightforward process, but it's always good to be prepared. One of the most important things to remember is to carry a valid form of identification. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on the ID requirements for checking in at a domestic airport:

Firstly, it's important to know that the ID requirements for domestic flights may vary slightly depending on your airline and destination, so it's always a good idea to check with your specific airline beforehand. That being said, typically for adults, a valid government-issued photo ID is required for domestic travel within the United States. This could include a driver's license, a state-issued ID card, or a U.S. passport. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license, ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. You can check with your state department of motor vehicles to confirm if your ID complies with REAL ID requirements.

For minors under the age of 18, the identification requirements may vary by airline. Typically, minors are not required to present identification for domestic U.S. travel, and the responsible adult's identification will be accepted. However, it is always a good idea to check with your airline beforehand, as some airlines may have unique policies or procedures for minors.

It's also worth noting that some airports offer self-service check-in kiosks, where you can check in and obtain your boarding pass. This is a convenient option, especially if you are travelling without checked baggage. However, if you do have baggage to check in, you will need to ensure you arrive at the airport with enough time to deposit your bags and complete the check-in process. Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to allow enough time for check-in and security clearance.

Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that your identification is valid and meets the requirements of your airline and destination. In the event that you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly, but you will have to complete an identity verification process, and you will be subject to additional screening. To avoid any delays or complications, it is always best to be prepared and arrive at the airport with a valid form of identification.

Frequently asked questions