A Seamless Guide To Airport Check-Ins

Checking in at the airport is a process that enables passengers to confirm their intention to travel on a particular flight. It is usually the first procedure for a passenger when arriving at an airport, and airline regulations require passengers to check in within a certain time frame before departure. During check-in, passengers can obtain a boarding pass, confirm their seat, and check in their luggage. Passengers usually hand over any baggage that they do not wish to or are not allowed to carry into the aircraft cabin. They may also be required to present valid documents, such as tickets, passports, and visas. Checking in can be done in person at a staffed counter or through self-service kiosks, and some airlines also offer online or mobile check-in options.

Check-in methods: in-person, self-service kiosk, or online

Checking in at the airport is the process of getting approved by an airline to board a flight. There are several ways to check in at an airport: in-person, self-service kiosk, or online.

In-Person Check-In

In-person check-in is the traditional way of checking in for a flight. Passengers check in at the airline's service counter at the airport. This is usually handled by the airline itself or a handling agent working on their behalf. Passengers hand over any baggage that they do not wish to or are not allowed to carry in the aircraft cabin and receive a boarding pass. The check-in counter agent will also verify the passenger's documents, such as their ticket, passport, visa, and other valid identification documents.

Self-Service Kiosk Check-In

Self-service kiosks are now available at most airports. These kiosks are freestanding computer screens with a touch screen interface. Passengers use these kiosks to check themselves in for their flight and print their own boarding passes. The kiosks prompt passengers to identify themselves by inserting a credit card, scanning their passport or ID, typing in their flight confirmation code, or entering their frequent flyer number. The kiosks also allow passengers to review and change their seat assignment and indicate whether they will be checking any bags.

Online Check-In

Online check-in allows passengers to check in for their flight in advance using the airline's website or mobile app. This can be done from the comfort of the passenger's home and saves time at the airport. Online check-in is also beneficial for airlines as it reduces costs by requiring less paper, staff, and time compared to in-person check-in. Some airlines have even made online check-in mandatory and may charge a fee for checking in at the airport instead. During the online check-in process, passengers can select their seat, add additional luggage, and enter details such as meal options and baggage quantities. After completing online check-in, passengers can download their boarding pass or e-ticket to their phone or print it out at home.

What to bring: passport, ticket, confirmation number, credit card

Checking in at the airport is the process of confirming your arrival for your flight. This is usually the first procedure for a passenger when arriving at an airport. During check-in, passengers will need to present various documents, which may include:

• A passport (required for international travel)
• A paper ticket (though these are becoming less common)
• An e-ticket with a confirmation number (usually sent via email if the ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency)
• The credit card used for payment

If you are checking in at a kiosk, you will need to bring one of the following:

• A confirmation number
• The credit card used for payment

Passengers will also need to provide any baggage they wish to check in, and they will receive a boarding pass. It is important to keep your boarding pass out and easily accessible as you proceed through security and towards your gate.

Boarding passes: what they are, how to get one, and why they're needed

A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during airport check-in. It gives a passenger permission to enter the restricted area of an airport (the airside portion) and to board the plane for a particular flight. It will include the passenger's name, the flight number, the date, and the scheduled time of departure. It may also indicate details of any perks the passenger is entitled to, such as lounge access or priority boarding.

Passengers need to check in to receive a boarding pass. This can be done online or at the airport check-in counter. Checking in online is generally faster and easier, and can be done up to 30 days in advance, depending on the airline. Passengers will then receive a mobile or email boarding pass, or they can print their pass at home. Checking in at the airport can involve long queues, and passengers must arrive at the airport early enough to allow for this.

Passengers must present their boarding pass at the gate so that it can be scanned. This updates the airline's database to show that the passenger has boarded and that their checked baggage can be loaded. The boarding pass will also be scanned during security screenings to authenticate the passenger.

Passengers can obtain a boarding pass from a self-service kiosk at the airport, or from an agent at the check-in counter. To use a self-service kiosk, passengers will need to enter a code or scan a document to identify themselves. This could be a record locator, frequent flyer ID number, confirmation code, passport, or the credit/debit card used to book the flight. The kiosk will then display the passenger's flight itinerary for confirmation, and the passenger can approve or change their seat. The kiosk will also allow the passenger to pay for checked baggage, and print off a boarding pass.

Passengers who check in with an agent at the check-in counter will need to provide photo identification. The agent will then look up the passenger's name in the system and confirm their travel details. The agent will also tag and process any checked baggage, and provide the passenger with a printed boarding pass.

Some airlines also offer mobile boarding passes, which can be accessed via an airline app or emailed as a PDF. These are completely machine-readable and can be scanned directly from a passenger's phone at the gate.

Check-in deadlines: when to arrive at the airport

Check-in deadlines vary depending on the airport and the airline. It is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in and clear security before your flight's scheduled departure. Most airlines list their specific check-in policies and timelines on their websites, so it is a good idea to check this before travelling to the airport.

For domestic flights within the US, it is generally recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For flights outside the US, it is recommended that passengers arrive at least 3 hours before departure. However, some airlines and airports may have different requirements. For example, American Airlines recommends passengers arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for flights within the US, and 60 minutes for flights to or from destinations outside the US.

Check-in deadlines are usually between 30 and 60 minutes before boarding, and you are often not able to check in after these times. It is important to plan extra time for the walk from check-in to the boarding gate, especially during busy periods or if you have special baggage requirements. Some airlines and airports may also have different check-in and baggage drop-off times. For example, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) recommends that passengers check in at least 60 minutes before departure for SAS Business or SAS Plus flights, and 90 minutes before departure for SAS Go flights.

To speed up the check-in process, many airlines offer online check-in or self-service kiosks at the airport. Online check-in is usually available starting 24 hours before departure and can be a convenient way to avoid potential lines at the airport. However, it is important to keep in mind that some airlines may still require passengers to proceed to a check-in counter for document verification, even if they have checked in online.

Luggage: what to pack, weight and size limits, and checking in bags

When preparing for a flight, it's important to know what to pack, how much to pack, and how to check in your bags. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these aspects of your travel preparations.

What to Pack

When packing for air travel, it's crucial to consider the type of items you'll need and whether they should go in your carry-on or checked luggage. Your carry-on bag is ideal for essential items you'll need during the flight and immediately upon arrival. This includes a spare change of clothes, toiletries (in travel-sized containers), medications, and any fragile or valuable items such as electronics, sunglasses, or souvenirs. If you're travelling to a cold destination, it's best to carry a coat in your carry-on rather than checking it in. Additionally, keep important documents like your passport, boarding pass, wallet, and ID with you at all times.

On the other hand, your checked luggage is suitable for the bulk of your clothes and shoes, especially for longer trips. Take advantage of the more generous weight and size limits to pack heavy and bulky items like boots, coats, or sports equipment. Checked luggage is also the appropriate place for large toiletries and any liquids that exceed the carry-on limits. Remember, checked bags are stored in the aircraft's cargo area, so don't pack anything you'll need immediate access to during the flight.

Weight and Size Limits

Each airline has its own weight and size restrictions for checked baggage, so it's crucial to check their specific guidelines. However, a standard size limit for checked luggage is a total of 62 linear inches, meaning the sum of the length, width, and depth should not exceed this value. In terms of weight, the limit is typically around 50 lbs, and exceeding this limit can result in overweight baggage fees. These fees can be substantial, so it's important to weigh your luggage in advance to avoid unexpected costs.

Checking In Bags

Checking in your bags is typically the first procedure when you arrive at the airport. You can opt for self-service bag drop, where you attach the baggage tag and drop off your bag at a designated point. Alternatively, you can use the traditional check-in counter, where an agent will handle the process. During check-in, you may be required to present valid documents, such as your passport, visa, and tickets. It's also common for agents to verify the original credit card used for payment. Remember to allow sufficient time for check-in, as airlines have specific time frames that can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours before departure.

Frequently asked questions