Checking In Online

I am dating myself with this, but when online check-in first came out few used it and thought it unnecessary. Now, most travelers use online check-in, understand its benefits and realize the systematic change.

What Is Online Check-In?

Online check-in is a process that is offered by most airlines allowing the flyer to check in for your flight in advance of arriving at the airport by desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Prior to online check-in, you’d have to call the airline.

Check-in is typically allowed 24 hours prior to the departure time of your flight and requires you to provide your name and reservation confirmation number. If you have a frequent flyer account, you can log into your account and check in to your reservation.

If you booked your flight through an online travel agent or third-party website such as Expedia or Travelocity rather than directly with the airline, you’ll receive two confirmation codes, one from the OTA and one from the airline. Make sure you use the airline’s reservation code, not the confirmation number from the booking site, to check in. It’s six characters consisting of letters and numbers)

The ability to check in online in advance of arriving at the airport has many benefits. Some airlines or airfares don’t allow seat assignments in advance of checking in, so this is an opportunity to select your seat and not doing so could put you in the middle seat or worse, vulnerable to being bumped. Those without a seat assignment are at risk of being bumped if a flight is oversold. And if you’re flying on Southwest Airlines checking in online assigns you to a boarding group and that is based on a first come, first serve basis so, you’ll want to actually set an alarm or reminder to check in exactly 24 hours prior to your departure time. Southwest Airlines and some others offer a feature for an automatic check-in, at a fee of course. It’s worth it if your flight departs at 5 am, if you know you’ll be on the road and unavailable to check-in on time or your flight is at a peak time. Most of your fellow Southwest Airlines travelers are queued up with their finger on the button to check in.

Once you’ve completed the check-in process online, if possible, print your boarding pass. It’s always best to have proof of your check in and if you are carrying on your luggage you can bypass the check in kiosk and head straight to security and your gate. The other option is to download a mobile boarding pass to scan at the airport.

If you are checking your luggage, you’ll have to visit the kiosk to print your luggage tag.

Why Can’t I Check In Online?

There are a few occasions when you won’t be able to check in online.

They include traveling in a group, you’ve been selected for additional screening by the TSA, your flight is operated by another airline or a codeshare partner, You have a special service request or your passport is required.

Remember, checking in online does not mean you can arrive late to gate. If you are not at the gate by the designated time, your reservation will be canceled and if you are checking a bag, your bag must be checked in by a certain time. These times differ by airport and for domestic and international flights. As a rule, it is recommended you arrive at the airport two hours prior for a domestic flight and 3 hours for an international flight. I know this may sound extreme to some but I’d rather be at the airport twiddling my thumbs, enjoying my coffee or glass of wine verses stressing out and running through the airport hoping to make my flight. Plan for the unexpected!

Thanks for checking in with me!

Yours truly,

Ja’Vonne, aka, The Traveling Culturati