Is it best 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.



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Check in online before arriving to airport 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) Choose to get updates of possible changes to departure times leading up to flight.

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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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In most cases, you can check-in online (or via a mobile phone app), print a boarding pass (or have it loaded to an app), and walk straight to security. You might also be able to print your boarding pass from a self-automated kiosk at the airport.

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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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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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A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger, the flight number, and the date and scheduled time for departure. Boarding passes are always required to board a flight.

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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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In any event, most airports still recommend getting there at least one hour before your flight departs. I fly quite often, always check in online, and still prefer to be early (60 minutes early is better than 60 seconds late).

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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.

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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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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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Those who go through the check-in process as early as possible have the best selection of seats that are available. If you wait for check-in at the airport, you're stuck with the remaining seats, which are often the least-desirable locations on the plane.

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Not technically. 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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And it's mutually beneficial for the airline and the traveler. The airline saves money on employees and paper, and travelers get to bypass lines and streamline the process of getting to their flights. Check-in usually becomes available twenty-four hours before your flight at the airline's website.

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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.

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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.

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Identify Yourself Walk up to an open kiosk. The kiosk will prompt you to identify yourself by inserting a credit card, typing in your flight confirmation code (locator number) or entering your frequent flyer number. Enter your identifying information using the touch screen.

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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.

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The airline sends your boarding document, with a link to your QR code, directly to your mobile device via e-mail. You click the link in the email to retrieve your QR code.

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The confirmation number for an airline is a 6 character code comprising of letters and numbers. (Example: Airline Confirmation# A1B2C3) You will be able to print a within 24 hours prior to your departure. You can also typically print from airport kiosks at the airport when you arrive on your travel day.

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Your gate is written on your boarding pass and you need to find the section written gate with the codes consisting of letters and numbers. This code is your gate number. To be able to locate your gate, you can follow the signs or screens at the airport.

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Identification
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.


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Add a boarding pass with a screenshot
  1. Open the email, app, or website that has your boarding pass.
  2. Find your boarding pass. ...
  3. For a few seconds, press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons at the same time. ...
  4. On the “Screenshot saved” notification, tap Add to Google Wallet. ...
  5. Tap Save.


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