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When should I check-in online for a flight?

How early can you check in for a flight online? Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours prior to the flight. Some have a slightly longer window, up to 36 hours before the flight. Be sure to confirm the exact time with your airline.



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When Should I Check-in for My Flight Online? Most airlines allow online check-in beginning 24 hours before the flight's scheduled departure time. Some international airlines open check-in 48 hours before the flight, so always check with your airline.

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It's typically better to check in online, since you can do so much sooner than you would be able to in person at the airport. As mentioned above, it's especially important to check in early for a Southwest flight, since boarding order is determined by check-in order.

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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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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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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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Checking in online can ensure that you have better seating. Also, some airlines have boarding policies that benefit those who check in early. For example, if you're flying Southwest then you definitely want to check in at least 24 hours prior to your departure.

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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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Once you've completed the check-in process online, you can either print your boarding pass, access it in a mobile app, or have it emailed to you for you to pull up on your mobile device to at the airport. You can also print your boarding pass at the airport if you don't have access to a smartphone or printer.

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Boarding passes are provided directly by the airline after checking in for your flight. If the airline you're flying with offers online check-in 24 hours before departure time, you can usually print your boarding passes directly from the website or have them sent directly to your phone!

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In most cases, you will only need to go to check-in when you have checked-in online if you need to drop off an item of hold baggage. Please ensure that you are aware of the hand baggage requirements for your specific airline before you travel.

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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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Yes, you can use Online check-in even you have check-in baggage. Please drop your baggage at the baggage counter or the check-in counter no later than 60 minutes (International flight) prior or 30 minutes (Domestic flight) prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight. Please refer to Online Check-in Procedure.

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When to arrive. We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally, or two hours if you're travelling domestically or to Europe.

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A mobile boarding pass is an electronic document on a personal mobile device that allows you to go through security and board your flight. It's generated and provided using our mobile channels on iOS, Android, and our mobile website.

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You click the link in the email to retrieve your QR code. Anytime you need to present your boarding pass – at security checkpoints or at the gate – you hold up your QR code to a scanner, which reads the information. The QR code acts as a unique link to all of your flight information.

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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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You can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. If checking luggage, you will need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station once you arrive at the airport. Benefits of online check-in: Avoid potential check-in lines at airport.

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What are the best seats on a plane?
  • Best seat for a smooth ride: A seat over the wing.
  • Best seat for sleepers: A window seat near the front.
  • Best seat for maximum legroom: An aisle seat in the second exit row.


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