Why do you have to check in so early for a flight?

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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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. Also, they factor in the time it takes to find parking.

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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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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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Flights. Checking in early for flights can be advantageous in certain situations. If you don't check bags, travel with your pet, or need to talk to an agent when you get to the airport, it can save you the 200-or-so seconds it takes to check in at an airport kiosk.

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Advantages of online check in
  • Less waiting time at the airport. If you have already checked in beforehand, you don't have to queue for check-in. ...
  • Less likelihood of overbooking. ...
  • Boarding pass always at hand. ...
  • Seat selection. ...
  • Paying when checking in at the airport.


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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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When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure. Additionally, we recommend being at the gate and ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

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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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You can just say, “Sorry, we can't accommodate your early check-in request with the way we operate. We can provide you with a place to keep your luggage and freshen up. Also, here are some fun activities you can try in the meantime until your room becomes available for check-in.”

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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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The earliest you can check your bags vary based on the airline and airport policies. But in general, the earliest time you can check your bags is 2-4 hours before flight time. Some may allow up to 6 hours, but most international flights won't accept check-in earlier than that.

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This is because international flights can have additional check-in requirements, like passport verification, that need to be completed before you receive your boarding pass. Further, international flights tend to begin their boarding process 15 to 30 minutes earlier than domestic flights due to the larger plane size.

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To check-in and check bags at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes. To or from destinations outside the U.S. – 60 minutes.

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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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