What do I do with my bags if I check-in online?

Often you can print your boarding pass at home and just do a “bag drop” at the airport or - at the airport - you can print your boarding pass, get a bag tag, attach it and drop your bags. Other times you check-in (with a human being), get your boarding pass issued and check your bags at the same time.



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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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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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Typically, airlines allow checked bags that weigh up to 50 pounds and whose dimensions (length + width + height) are 62 inches or less. Airlines allow overweight bags (up to 70 pounds), but you may have to pay extra for heavier baggage unless you're flying in a premium cabin or have elite status.

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If you checked a bag, you'll have to collect it from baggage claim from the international flight. You'll need to clear customs and immigration.

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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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So, if you check-in for your flight, even five or 10 minutes after that 24-hour mark, you're going to likely get put into the B or C-section groups, which means your odds of sitting together as a group or getting an aisle or window seat are not great. Especially if it's a packed flight.

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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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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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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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Save the boarding pass to your device for easy access at security and when you board. Make sure the entire barcode is visible on the screen when you show it at security.

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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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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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Online Check-in It's usually in the same document as your boarding pass. Normally, you will need to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time if you have baggage to check for an international flight.

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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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When you get your bag tags, make sure that before you board your flight, stop at the gate and ask the agent if he or she can make sure your bags were scanned. It takes seconds but you'll then know right away if your bags have been loaded onto your flight. And do that again at your connecting airport.

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In most cases, you'll receive your boarding pass for your connecting flight already when you check in for your first flight. This means you don't have to check in again for your next flight. If you haven't received it, you can go to the transfer desk or kiosk of the airline you're flying with to collect it.

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Do You Have To Go Through Customs During A Layover? Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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