In recent years, many travelers have appreciated the benefits of online check-in for flights — from choosing seats to saving time at the airport.
What is online check-in?
Online check-in, offered by almost all major airlines, allows you to check in for your flight in advance without leaving your home, office, or hotel room. Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure.
Usually, you need to provide your name and booking confirmation number, although sometimes you can check in using your frequent flyer number or credit card number.
If you booked your flight through an agency rather than directly with the airline, make sure to use the airline’s own booking reference code instead of the contractor’s internal booking number for check-in.
Features of airline online check-in
The online check-in process differs slightly between airlines, but usually you can choose your seat, pay any additional baggage fees, and explore extra options (such as upgrading to premium class or purchasing additional services).
After completing online check-in, you can print your boarding pass, send it to your email address (to show it at the airport on your phone), or access it through a mobile app. If you do not have access to a printer or smartphone, you can print your boarding pass at a kiosk upon arrival at the airport. This will not save time in the queue, but it will allow you to choose your seat earlier instead of waiting several hours before the flight.
Why check in online?
Airlines value online check-in because it reduces costs related to printing documents and staffing. The main advantage for travelers is the ability to avoid queues and unnecessary hassle at the airport. If you do not have checked baggage, you can skip the check-in desk completely and go directly to security control and your boarding gate. Your identification document and boarding pass (printed or on your phone) will allow you to proceed directly to your gate.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of online check-in is the ability to choose your seat in advance. You have a better chance of getting your preferred seat and being included in the first boarding group.
Why can’t I check in online?
Online check-in is convenient for everyone, but it is not available for all passengers on every route. Here are some reasons why you may need to check in at the airport:
- You are traveling in a large group
- Your first flight is operated not by the airline itself, but by a codeshare partner
- You require a special service (for example, a wheelchair or assistance for a child traveling alone)
- You have been selected for additional TSA screening
- The airline does not have your passport details for an international flight
Please note: even if online check-in is available, mobile boarding passes are not accepted at all airports. In some cases, you will need to print your boarding pass in the traditional way.
Don’t miss your flight
Online check-in can save time at the airport, but it does not guarantee that you can complete all procedures 10 minutes before departure. Even if you have checked in online, you must arrive at the boarding gate before the airline’s deadline (usually between 15 minutes and one hour before departure). There is also a deadline for checking in your baggage.
To allow enough time for security procedures and baggage drop-off, we recommend arriving at the airport no later than two hours before departure, even if you have already checked in online. For more information, read our article “Why should you arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure?”
For booking airline tickets and VIP airport lounges, contact the aviation manager of the business travel agency All Travel Group. With us, your journey will be easy and as comfortable as possible.
Call us at +38 (098) 443-78-02 or send your request to [info@altg.com.ua](mailto:info@altg.com.ua)