If you don’t check in, you won’t receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.
What's the advantage of online check-in?
Online check-in is advantageous for several reasons. The sooner you check in, the sooner you’re able to pick your seat, if you haven’t already.
If you’re flying on a basic economy ticket, this will be the first opportunity for you to select a seat. Seat selection is first-come, first-served, so it’s important to check in as soon as it’s allowed.
You’re also able to pay for an upgrade at this point—again, this is based on availability, so it’s in your best interest to check in sooner rather than later if you’re hoping to pay for an upgrade to a premium class.
If a flight is oversold, those who checked in last might have a higher risk of being bumped from the flight (though this varies by airline and fare, and involuntary bumps are rare; the airline will start by offering vouchers to volunteers.)
If you're not checking luggage, you can skip the check-in desk at the airport and head right to security.
Additionally, it’s important to check in online—as close to the 24-hour mark as possible—when flying on Southwest, as Southwest has open seating and boarding order is determined by check-in order (though there is an option to pay more for automatic early check-in).
At check-in, Southwest passengers are assigned a letter, starting with A, and a number 1-60. Group A boards first (with A1 the first passenger within the group), followed by Group B, etc. The longer you wait to check in for your flight, the farther back you’ll be in this boarding line. If you’re one of the last people to board, you’re choice of seats will be very limited.
How early can you check in for a flight online?
Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours prior to the flight. Some have a slightly longer window, up to 36 hours before the flight. Be sure to confirm the exact time with your airline.
Do I need to check in for each flight in my itinerary?
Typically you only need to check in once for your outbound itinerary and once for the return, particularly when all your flights are booked together. Sometimes when flying multiple airlines on an itinerary, you will need to wait until you arrive in your connecting airport to get the onward boarding pass, but you’ll have been considered checked in already.
Is it better to check in for a flight online or at the airport?
It’s typically better to check in online, since you can do so much sooner than you would be able to in person at the airport. As mentioned above, it’s especially important to check in early for a Southwest flight, since boarding order is determined by check-in order.
If you can't check in online—some airlines require you in-person check in for certain flights, especially when flying internationally—make sure you get to the airport with adequate time before your flight, as you might need to wait in a long line.
Each airline also has a cut-off time for check-in: it’s usually about 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights, but the exact times vary by airline.
Can I check in for a flight online if I'm checking bags?
Yes, you can check in online for a flight even if you plan to check bags. You’ll still have to tag your bags and drop them off in the departures hall at the airport, but in some cases, checking in online might be able to save you time, as some airlines have specific bag drop lines for passengers who have already checked-in (and paid any applicable fees for checked bags) online.
You may need to use a self-service kiosk at the airport to print luggage tags before depositing your bags on the conveyor belt, or you might have to see a desk agent.
How early do you have to be at the airport if you have checked in online?
If you’ve checked in online, it’s typically recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international ones.
There are many variables at play, such as how busy the airport is, whether or not you’re checking luggage (every airline has its own cut-off time after which no more checked luggage will be accepted), and whether or not you have access to an expedited security line through programs like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. Priority passengers, like those with business class tickets or frequent-flyer status, might also have access to expedited lines.
We recommend confirming timing with your airline or checking the recommendation issues by the specific airport.
What happens in you don't check in for your flight?
If you don't check in for your flight by the cut-off time, you may be denied boarding. The airline may bump you to the next available flight.
If you are a no-show, you'll likely lose the value of your ticket.
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FAQs
The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if hasn't happened already and is allowed by airline), and check in luggage onto a plane, if desired.
What does flight check-in mean? ›
The check-in process enables passengers to confirm they will be on the respective flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if hasn't happened already or allowed by airline), and check-in luggage onto a plane, if desired.
Is it better to check-in online or at the airport? ›
For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.
What happens when you check-in for a flight online? ›
What is Online Check-in? Passengers confirm their presence on a flight by making a seat selection through online check-in. Passengers can select their seats or purchase additional services. You can drop off your baggage at a counter separated for you.
What is the difference between check-in and boarding at the airport? ›
The difference between boarding and check-in is boarding is done vis-a-vis while check-in can be done through mobile phones. If you miss the boarding time, you should be aware that your ticket will be invalid.
What happens if you don't check-in online for a flight? ›
If you don't check in online for your holiday, most airlines will still let you do it when you get to the airport. They'll just have to allocate your seats from what's left. It's important to know that some airlines apply a charge for airport check-in, though.
What's the point of online check-in? ›
Key Points about “Online check-in”
Online check-in can save time and hassle at the airport. Check-in timeframes vary by airline and departure airport. Passengers can choose seats and meal preferences. Boarding passes can be printed or saved on mobile devices.
What happens if you don't check in 24 hours before your flight? ›
If you don't meet your check-in time limits, we have the right to deny service. We may cancel your reservations, deny boarding, or refuse to check your bags.
Do I go straight to TSA if I checked in online? ›
I have checked in online and have no hold baggage, do I need to go to check-in? If you have checked in and have a printed or mobile boarding pass and are not checking in any hold luggage you can go straight to security and through to the departure lounge.
Do I go straight to security after checking in online? ›
Are you travelling with hand luggage only? If you are, you may be able to check in online for free and print off your boarding pass, so all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is go straight through security.
Generally speaking, we like to err on the side of caution and suggest you print out your boarding pass, even if you already checked in online and have a mobile version on your phone.
Do I need to go to the counter if I checked in online? ›
You can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. If checking luggage, you will need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station once you arrive at the airport. Benefits of online check-in: Avoid potential check-in lines at airport.
What are the disadvantages of online check-in? ›
If you check in before receiving a negative test result, it could be tricky to get a refund if you are then unlucky enough to test positive. There have been instances where airlines and third parties have refused to refund a seat for COVID positive passengers after they have already checked in online.
Do you only get your boarding pass after check-in? ›
You will receive it only after check-in. Normally, you will receive your boarding pass at the check-in counter after handing in your flight ticket. If you use online check-in, you can download your boarding pass up to 24 to 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline and flight.
Should you check-in online if you have luggage? ›
Yes, you should. On airlines that offer seat assignment, checking-in and printing your own boarding pass secures that assignment. Also, many airlines at many airports have separate bag drop-off lines that are separate from the regular check-in lines.
How early can you check-in for a flight? ›
You can check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 for international). To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes.
What's the point of checking in early for a flight? ›
The sooner you check in, the sooner you're able to pick your seat, if you haven't already. If you're flying on a basic economy ticket, this will be the first opportunity for you to select a seat. Seat selection is first-come, first-served, so it's important to check in as soon as it's allowed.
When should you check-in for a flight? ›
When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).
What happens if you don't check-in 24 hours before your flight? ›
If you don't meet your check-in time limits, we have the right to deny service. We may cancel your reservations, deny boarding, or refuse to check your bags.
