Do I need to check in at the airport if I already checked in online?
In most cases, you will only need to go to check-in when you have checked-in online if you need to drop off an item of hold baggage. Please ensure that you are aware of the hand baggage requirements for your specific airline before you travel.
There might be minor differences between airlines but if you have checked in online and printed your boarding pass then you just need to go to the bag drop desk (most airlines have separate bag drop desks) to hand over your bags. There is a place called bag drop which basically looks the same as the old checkin desks.
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.
Can I go straight to security after checking in online? If you have additional baggage besides hand luggage, you must first go to the baggage check. If, on the other hand, you are only carrying hand luggage, you can go directly to the security check.
In case you have luggage, contact the baggage drop counter, drop the luggage and collect the registered tags. Go Air web check in: Customers can check in online within 72 hours till 2 hours before the flight departure. After web-check in you must report to the airport 45 minutes before departure.
You'll need to bring your boarding pass or confirmation of check-in document and your passport to show before you board the plane. For most airlines, this can be either a pass on your phone or printed.
Sometimes, airlines won't allow you to reserve seats in the exit aisle online. The staff need to see you to be sure that you're able and willing to help in the event of an emergency. So speaking with the ground staff can enable you to be allocated a seat with that luxurious extra legroom.
Depending on the airline and flight, online check-in is possible up to 24 to 48 hours before departure. After you have entered all the details, you will receive a mobile boarding pass within a few minutes, which you can save on your smartphone or print out.
If you do not check in 24 hours before your flight, you may not be able to select your seat. This can be especially inconvenient if you have specific seating requirements, such as needing an aisle seat or a window seat. You may have to pay a late check-in fee.
Prepaying for your bag online and checking in online will save you time at the airport with bag drop shortcut.
Can I go straight to security if I have my boarding pass on my phone?
Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.
Beyond ensuring you can get on the plane, Keyes also notes there are other goodies to be had by checking in as early as you can on an airline's website or app. "Sometimes airlines allow seat selection after check-in or at least have first pick compared to folks who check-in later," he says.
Here's why. After the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently revealed that there are many complaints about airlines showing every seat as paid despite free mandatory web check-in, Indigo Airlines clarified that it's not a mandatory requirement.
Saving time on the long airport check-in lines. Allowing you the option to choose your seats before even reaching the airport. The possibility of paying a lower fee checked baggage than you would if you paid in-person at the time of airport check-in.
Generally, for domestic flights, you can typically check-in online 48 hours before the scheduled departure time and close it 2 hours before takeoff. However, web check-in for international flights usually starts 24 hours before the departure time and closes 60 minutes before takeoff.
Check in online and save time at the airport
You can check‑in online 48 hours ahead of your flight.
Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.
The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.
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).
Always follow your airline's guidance on how early you need to be at the airport before your flight. As a general guide, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least 2 hours before your flight departure time.
Should I check my carry-on?
Is it better to check luggage or carry on? Checking luggage means you do not have to carry it through the airport but there is always the risk of it being lost or damaged. It is cheaper to carry-on luggage and you can access your travel essentials during the flight or in the event of a lengthy layover.
What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.
Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds and must not exceed 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide and 24 inches high. Bags must fit in the overhead bins. Checked bags must be no longer than 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and must weigh under 40 pounds.
Overall, if you're the type of person who wants to save money by refraining from paying for a seat assignment, early check-in is your best bet for a not-awful seat. Otherwise, certain airlines (namely, Southwest) reward early birds. With other airlines, however, it may not matter too much either way.
Arrive early for check-in
Arriving early for check-in could be the perfect strategy for you to elevate your flying experience to the next level. You increase your chances of being upgraded to First Class by showing up at the airport well before your scheduled departure time.
