Can you leave airport after checking in?

The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport. Whether or not you should depends on a range of factors, including if you're traveling internationally or domestically and how much time you have between flights.



Yes, you are generally permitted to leave the airport after checking in, provided you have sufficient time to return before your flight departs. Once you have your boarding pass, your "check-in" is recorded in the airline's system. If you have already dropped off your checked luggage, it will remain in the airport's secure baggage handling system. If you choose to leave the terminal—perhaps to visit a nearby city during a long layover or to meet a friend for a meal—you must remember that you will have to clear security (and potentially immigration) all over again upon your return. This means you must factor in the current TSA wait times and the "boarding gate closing" time, which is usually 15 to 30 minutes before the actual departure time. It is a common misconception that "checking in" legally binds you to stay inside the building; however, if you fail to return in time and the plane departs without you, your checked bags will typically be removed from the aircraft for security reasons (the "Positive Passenger Bag Match" rule). Always keep your boarding pass and ID on you, and ensure you are back at the gate well before the "Last Call" to avoid being marked as a "No-Show."

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During domestic layovers, you are free to leave the airport. If your domestic layover is longer than one hour, you should expect to receive two boarding permits. If you want to check out local points of interest, make sure you get your second boarding pass and print it out before you leave.

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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).

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The general guideline on how early to get to the airport for a domestic flight is 2 hours. However, those traveling at a very busy time of year or out of a large airport might want to allow more time.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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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.

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Boarding is the next step after completing your check-in. Passengers get into the aircraft after completing their check-in through websites, counters or kiosks. The difference between boarding and check-in is boarding is done vis-a-vis while check-in can be done through mobile phones.

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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.

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Depending on your destination your check in time may vary. 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.

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One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.

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  • Check-in for your flight.
  • Hand over any luggage that would need to go into the aircraft hold, if you are travelling with luggage.
  • Pass through the airport security gates to the departures hall.
  • Find your boarding gate.
  • Board the plane and fly to your destination.


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Your boarding pass is your “ticket” to board the plane, but technically your ticket is generated as an “e-ticket,” or an electronic ticket, when you book your flight. Your boarding pass will be generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter.

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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.

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You can save your boarding pass(es) to your smart phone in most cases and scan it in at boarding directly from your smart phone screen. You can print out your boarding pass prior to your arrival at the airport at home. You can also go to the airline's website and print out from there.

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Online check-in lets you check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device.

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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.

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Check in 24-hours before departure Regardless, checking in early (up to 24 hours before your flight's planned departure time) can help you score the best boarding group and position after people who paid for early boarding or get it as an elite status perk.

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