A Smooth Journey: Checking In At Kolkata Airport

Checking in at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) involves several steps. The airport has 128 check-in counters divided into eight portals, each with 16 counters. After joining the queue at the reporting table, passengers must prepare their travel documents, including tickets, identity cards or passports, and any necessary visas. All luggage must be checked through the x-ray machine, and passengers must pass through a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD). Passengers can also use the self-check-in facility (14 in total) available in the Departure Hall of the Terminal. After checking in, passengers must submit their boarding passes to the attendant for scanning or tapping.

Check-in: Prepare your documents and luggage, then head to the check-in counters or use the self-check-in kiosks

Checking in at Kolkata Airport involves several steps. Firstly, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours before departure for long-haul flights. Once you have arrived at the airport, you will need to prepare your travel documents, which include your ticket with the corresponding date, your identity card or passport, and any other necessary identification. It is important to note that you should report to the check-in counter at least two to three hours before your flight's departure time.

After you have prepared your documents, you can proceed to the check-in counters or use the self-check-in kiosks. Kolkata Airport has 128 check-in counters divided into eight portals, with 16 counters each. Additionally, there are 14 self-check-in kiosks available in the departure hall of the terminal. At the check-in counter, you will need to present your travel documents and report your luggage weight. Each passenger is allowed to carry only one piece of luggage weighing less than 7 kg into the aircraft cabin for flight safety reasons.

If you are checking in at the counter, you will need to queue up at the reporting table corresponding to your airline. After checking in, you can proceed to the baggage drop-off counter to drop off your checked luggage. On the other hand, if you are using the self-check-in kiosks, you can select your seat and print your boarding pass. Once you have your boarding pass, simply drop off your checked luggage at the baggage drop counter of your respective airline.

Security Inspection: All passengers must undergo security checks, including metal detectors

All passengers must undergo security checks at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. This includes a security inspection to enter the departure terminal, where passengers must prepare their travel documents, including their ticket, identity card, and passport. All luggage must be checked through an X-ray machine, and passengers must pass through a walk-through metal detector.

To facilitate the inspection process, passengers should place all metal objects, such as mobile phones, keys, and coins, into their bags. If necessary, passengers and their luggage may be manually checked by an airport security officer. Passengers using pacemakers or carrying firearms must report to the security officer.

Sharp and dangerous items, such as knives, penknives, nail clippers, cutters, lighters, and matches, are not allowed. Passengers should also be aware of the prohibited items that are banned from carriage on flights departing from Kolkata Airport. This includes items such as scissors, knives, razor blades, drills, saws, and realistic replicas of weapons and explosives.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at Kolkata Airport at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours before departure for long-haul flights. This will allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop-off, and security inspections.

Boarding Pass: Submit your boarding pass for scanning or tapping

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU, ICAO: VECC) is located approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) from the city centre of Kolkata. It is one of the oldest airports in India, having opened in 1924, and is the primary aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India.

When checking in at Kolkata Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time for short-haul flights and three hours before departure for long-haul flights. This will give you ample time to navigate the check-in process, drop off any bags, and collect your boarding pass.

Once you have your boarding pass, you will need to submit it for scanning or tapping. This process involves using a boarding pass scanner, a specialised device that reads and validates the information on your pass. These scanners use optical and digital technologies to decode data from paper or mobile boarding passes. They are essential for ensuring aviation safety and enhancing the efficiency of the boarding process.

At the Kolkata Airport gate, you will find fixed barcode scanners installed at convenient locations, connected to computers via data cables. Simply bring your boarding pass close to the scanner, and a beep will confirm that the scanning is complete. Airport staff will then verify the ticket information on their computers.

The scanners can swiftly and accurately recognise a range of boarding passes, from paper tickets to mobile passes on smartphones and tablets, ensuring a smooth and seamless verification process. This step is crucial as it helps prevent unauthorised boarding, ensuring only legitimate passengers can board the aircraft.

Additionally, ground staff may use handheld devices at the aircraft door to re-verify the information on your boarding pass, providing an extra layer of security. These devices are lightweight, portable, and efficient, ensuring that passenger information can be accessed and verified quickly.

By following these steps and submitting your boarding pass for scanning or tapping, you can ensure a safe and efficient boarding process at Kolkata Airport.

Departure Lounge: After check-in, proceed to the departure lounge and wait for your flight

After checking in at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, you can proceed to the departure lounge to wait for your flight. The airport, locally known as Kolkata Airport, is located approximately 15 km from the city centre. It is one of the oldest airports in India, having opened in 1924.

The general guidance is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight. Even if you have checked in online, it is recommended that you allow plenty of time for dropping off bags and collecting boarding passes.

The airport has a range of lounges with luxurious facilities to relax in before your flight. These include:

Travel Club Lounge

This lounge is located in Terminal 1, Domestic Departures, and is open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. It offers comfortable seating, snacks, and refreshing beverages. To get to the lounge, go through security, then take a sharp left to the mezzanine level.

Travel Club Lounge Annex

The Travel Club Lounge Annex is located in Terminal 1, Domestic Departures, and is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. It offers free Wi-Fi, a modern and comfortable setting, and a range of services. To get to the lounge, go through security, then turn left to the mezzanine level.

Travel Club Lounge (International)

The Travel Club Lounge in Terminal 2, International Departures, is open 24 hours. It offers chic, contemporary décor, fine dining options, and first-rate service. To get to the lounge, go through security, turn right, and take lift number 31 up to the mezzanine level. The lounge is located above the Bishwa Bangla shop.

Travel Club Lounge (International)

There is another Travel Club Lounge in Terminal 2, International Departures, which is open 24 hours. It offers excellent service, a selection of snacks and drinks, and comfortable seating. The lounge is located inside security, opposite Gate 10.

Transit Information: Follow signs to the transit counter for self-reporting and document checking

When you arrive at the arrival terminal of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, follow the "Arrival" signs to the transit counter for self-reporting and document checking. The airport is located approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) from the city centre of Kolkata.

The airport has 128 check-in counters, divided into eight portals with 16 counters each. These counters are located in the Domestic and International Departure Levels. In addition to the airline check-in counters, there is also a self-check-in facility available in the Departure Hall of the Terminal. Here, you can select your seat and print your boarding pass. After that, simply drop off your checked-in baggage at the baggage drop counter of your respective airline.

If you are a transit or transfer passenger, you do not need to exit the terminal to go through security inspection unless necessary. After the inspection, you can proceed directly to the departure lounge to wait for your boarding time.

For all passengers, it is important to prepare your travel documents, which include your ticket with the corresponding dates, identity card or passport, and any other necessary visas or confirmations. All luggage must be checked through the x-ray machine, and passengers must pass through a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD).

The general recommendation is to arrive at the Kolkata airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.

Frequently asked questions