What is the point of curbside check-in?

They'll get your bags squared away and can print out a boarding pass if needed—and for most major airlines there's not even any extra fees. You simply tip a few bucks per bag—a small price to pay for the convenience of unloading your bags before even entering the terminal.



The primary point of curbside check-in is convenience and time-saving, specifically for passengers who want to avoid dragging heavy luggage through a crowded airport terminal. Located right at the departures drop-off zone, these stations allow you to check your bags, verify your ID, and receive a printed boarding pass before you even enter the building. In 2026, this service has become a high-tech "concierge" experience; many airlines now use biometric scanners at the curb to instantly verify your identity. It is particularly valuable for families with small children, travelers with oversized sports equipment, or those running close to their departure time. While many airlines offer this service for free, some charge a small convenience fee (typically $3–$5 per bag), which many find a small price to pay to bypass the long, snaking lines at the main indoor ticket counters. By offloading your bags at the curb, you can head straight to the security checkpoint with nothing but your carry-on, significantly reducing "airport friction" and stress during peak travel periods.

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If you are checking luggage online check in will only save you a little bit of time. It's like confirming a reservation so the airline knows that you still plan on flying. Checking in ahead of time helps the airline know possible head counts especially if the flight is overbooked.

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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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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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You then go thru a slightly shorter check in queue at most airports. Also, when you get to London, you'll find that checking-in on-line or on smartphones is actually compulsory on many flights within Europe. So I always try to check in online--with or without checked bags.

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By tradition, skycaps are tipped for their services. Generally tips are offered per piece of luggage or item; in the United States, tips of $3-5 US per item are common, with higher tips being offered for extra services such as checking overweight or excess bags or getting passengers in front of long lines.

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Not only will you need to part with your bag, but you'll need to figure out where to pick it up after you land. In most cases, gate checked bags will be sent to the baggage claim along with all the paid, checked luggage. Meaning you'll have to say goodbye to that speedy exit at your destination.

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If you're strategically waiting to check in for your flight, do it at least a few hours before your flight leaves to save your flight reservation. Overall, if you're the type of person who wants to save money by refraining from paying for a seat assignment, early check-in is your best bet for a not-awful seat.

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When overhead bins fill up, travelers with carry-ons that don't fit under the seat will be asked to gate check their bag. Gate checking is always free of charge, and basically means your carry-on will be put into the cargo hold with all the other checked luggage.

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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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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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Many airlines establish an upgrade wait list based on check-in times, with priority given to those who checked in first. The option to check-in online is usually available at least 24 hours before departure for most airlines, so the earlier you can get yourself checked in, the better.

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For rides that cost more than $33, a tip of 20 percent to 30 percent is considered appropriate. Generally, if you are going to the airport, the practice is to give a higher tip, particularly if the driver has assisted you with your luggage or gotten you to the terminal during an especially busy time of day.

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Add a few extra dollars for luggage. PORTER If you are storing bags with the hotel porters before or after your stay, tip a few dollars per bag when you leave them and when you retrieve them, to thank everyone who helped you.

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I want nice people to be pushing the wheelchair, so the nicer they are, the better I tip. Minimum, $5, but a lot depends on how long the distance is. Help them by marking your luggage so it can be spotted at a distance.

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Unlike some countries you do not have to tip in the UK. However, there are some unsaid social rules about leaving a tip. For example, if you take a taxi it is normal practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound.

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Aim to leave 5 to 10% of your bill as a tip, even when ordering takeout. If you can leave more, your servers and favorite restaurants will be grateful. Hungry?

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The amount is up to you — and, no, a handful of change is not an insult, or shouldn't be — but if you're a regular somewhere and want to keep getting especially good service, it's probably not a bad idea to throw something in the can.

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