Checking In For Your Flight
Checking in is the process whereby a person communicates with the airline that they intend to travel as planned.
Boarding Pass
A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving passengers permission to board the airplane for a particular flight.
Three Ways to Check-In
1. In-person at a staffed check-in counter at the airport
Checking in in person allows you to check in your baggage, at the same time as checking in for your flight.
2. In-person at the airport using a self-check-in kiosk
At this time, passengers can select a seat (if it hasn’t happened already or is allowed by the airline), enter the number of bags to be checked (if desired), and print boarding passes.
3. Check in online before arriving at the airport
Passengers can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. Passengers will need to submit luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage stations if checking luggage at the airport.
(Benefits of online check-in)
Check-in and Boarding Timelines
Check-in deadlines
Many airlines have a deadline for passengers to check in before each flight. Check-in deadlines are usually between 30 to 60 minutes before boarding.
Boarding deadlines
• Boarding times are usually between 30 minutes to an hour before scheduled take-off.
• Your boarding pass will list the time the flight will start boarding.
• Most airlines will list their specific check-in policies and timelines, so visit your airline’s website for details.
Check-in and Boarding Timelines
Check-in deadlines
Many airlines have a deadline for passengers to check in before each flight. Check-in deadlines are usually between 30 to 60 minutes before boarding, and you are often not able to check in after those times (meaning you cannot go on your flight). Check-in deadlines allow airlines to load luggage unto the plane, offer potential unclaimed seats to stand-by passengers, and finalize documentation for take-off.
Boarding deadlines
• Boarding times are usually between 30 minutes to an hour before scheduled take-off.
• Your boarding pass will list the time the flight will start boarding.
• Flights tend to board in shifts–they might call by rows or by groups. Your boarding pass will indicate your row or group.
• Timeline considerations for boarding: be sure to take into account the time it takes to get through the check-in line, to pass security, and then to walk or ride (tram, bus) from the check-in area to your boarding area (your terminal and gate–listed on your boarding pass).
• On international flights, you will need to account for more time to clear immigration and customs.
• For international travel, a good rule is to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure and 2 hours for domestic travel. International flights often start boarding 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to departure time.
• Most airlines will list their specific check-in policies and timelines, so visit your airline’s website for details.
