Does online check in allow seat selection?

Check in online before arriving to airport Benefits of online check-in: Avoid potential check-in lines at airport. Print boarding pass at home (can also wait or reprint at self-service kiosk at the airport) Select seat assignment(s) before others (if applicable)



Yes, online check-in almost always allows for seat selection, but the level of choice and cost depends heavily on your airline and fare class. Most major carriers (like Delta, Emirates, or Lufthansa) open web check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure, at which point you can view the seat map and select from the remaining available seats. For many "Basic Economy" or low-cost tickets, this may be your first opportunity to choose a seat for free, although airlines often "auto-assign" a seat and charge a fee if you wish to change it. On the other hand, full-service airlines often provide a wider range of complimentary choices during the check-in window. In 2026, some airlines have introduced "Priority Check-in" windows for elite members that allow them to snag premium "Economy Plus" or "Exit Row" seats that were previously blocked. If you have a specific preference (like a window or aisle), it is highly recommended to log in exactly when the check-in window opens, as seat availability diminishes rapidly within the first few minutes.

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Emphatically, no. You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat. You just might get stuck with a suboptimal one if you choose to skip it.

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It is always a good idea to check into your flight early, as it can help you avoid any potential delays or issues. Checking in online 24 hours before your flight leaves gives you the opportunity to select your seat and print out boarding passes ahead of time.

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Checking in online is far more convenient than checking in at the airport. However, if you have to check in special luggage such as bulky goods or a pet, you should rather use the classic method.

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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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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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Every airline handles seat selection differently, but you should be able to view your options by managing your booking on the airline's website. Depending on your airline's policies for your fare, your airline could offer: Advanced seat selection. Seat selection at check-in.

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In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

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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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Checking in for a flight early or late comes down to more personal preference than anything else. As long as you check in before the window closes, you'll (most likely) get a seat on the aircraft. But, being strategic, one way or the other, might bag you a better one.

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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.

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On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one. Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during checkout.

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After you finish booking your flight (or during the process, depending on the airline), you should click to view the seat map and make your pick. If you book your flight with friends or family members on the same reservation, they will likely be assigned seats nearby automatically.

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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.

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There are several ways to get a boarding pass. You can get it on the airline's website and print it on paper. Or pull it up on your phone in the airline's app. You can also print it at the airport.

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Even if you have bags to check in, the bag drop process is much faster if you have already checked in online. If you are running late, say arriving at the airport only 30 min before departure, the airport check-in counter may be closed. Checking in online helps you beat the counter close time.

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Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:
  • Being selected for secondary screening by TSA.
  • Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you're traveling with.
  • Traveling in a large group.


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Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

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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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