Do you always have to check-in online?

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.



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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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However, if a passenger does not have an internet-capable device, it is usually possible to check in at a special machine in the airport. A big advantage of checking-in in advance is that you can choose your seat. Whether this reservation is associated with additional costs depends on the airline.

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If you're traveling with just a carry-on bag, you can head to the security check as soon as you arrive at the airport, rather than making a first stop at the check-in desk, since you already have your printed boarding pass, or, better yet, you e-ticket.

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The biggest benefit of checking in online is bypassing the lines at the airport. You can skip waiting in line to check in, then possibly–if the airline allows it for your flight–skip waiting in a second line to check your luggage, and instead head straight to security.

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Generally, all you need to do is to show your boarding pass to airline and airport staff when asked by opening up whichever app you have it stored in on your smartphone. Depending on your airline, your boarding pass may even display automatically on your smartphone's screen when you arrive at the airport.

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Just display your boarding pass barcode on the screen of your device at the security checkpoint and when boarding your flight, and you're on your way. Check-in is available starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure.

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If you're only traveling with carry-on baggage and have checked in online, you can go straight to the security control and the gate. If the online check-in option is not available, you will need to check in at the airport.

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Online check-in: advantages and tips
  • 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.
  • Baggage drop-off may still be required at the airport.


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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 print your boarding pass online, at the airport using a self-service kiosk, or from the ticket counter on the day of departure, prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.

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Once you locate your airline's check-in counter, you can either have the staff print your boarding pass or save time by using one of the convenient self check-in kiosks.

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There have been multiple cases where mobile scanners go down, cell reception doesn't work, or you just have technical phone difficulties at TSA or the boarding gate (the two times when you have to flash your boarding pass). Smart travelers print their boarding pass at the airport.

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Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? 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.

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Boarding Pass Passengers are requested to carry a print out of their boarding card once they have completed their mobile Check-in. The boarding pass can also be obtained from one of the IndiGo counters at the airport. However, it is recommended to take the print in advance to skip the queue.

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Once you get your boarding pass, just scan the barcode on the screen at airport security checkpoints and at the gate during boarding for American flights.

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The top is information for the TSA agent: airline, airports/route, flight number, passenger name. Then comes information for the airline staff: name, date. Underneath that, information for the passenger before boarding: gate, boarding time, flight number.

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If you check in at the airport, you may print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk near check-in, or an airline representative can print one for you at the check-in counter. If you lose your pre-printed boarding pass or misplace the link, you can reprint your boarding pass when you get to the airport.

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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.

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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 airline holds onto the good seats for as long as possible in the hopes of selling them, so those loathsome middle seats are often allocated first. If you don't want to pay, you have a better chance of getting a seat with extra legroom if you check in later.

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If you are not checking bags or flying domestically, you must arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure.

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