So, should you check in online or at the airport? And why do most people prefer to check in online?
Nowadays, airlines aim to make the travel process automated and easy. Online ticket booking and check-in save both time and money.
When booking online, you can easily compare prices across multiple airlines to find affordable air tickets.
Additionally, online flight booking offers multiple payment options, making the process even more convenient.
But what about checking in for your flight? Is it better to check in online or at the airport?
Online check-in is generally better than checking in at the airport, offering numerous advantages. You can download your boarding pass 24 hours before your flight, modify your luggage, and select your seat. Plus, if you don’t have a checked bag, you can skip the check-in lines at the airport.
However, online check-in is accessible on most flights, some passengers still prefer checking in at the airport, which seems more convenient for them.
Below, we’ll explain the difference between checking in online and at the airport and why you should check in online.
We’ll also walk through examples of how online check-in works using the United website this process is similar for other airlines.
What Is Check-In?
If you’re a frequent traveler, you are likely familiar with terms like check-in, boarding, baggage allowance, and carry on baggage.
Understanding these will help you navigate airline websites more efficiently.
Let’s dive into what check-in is.
Check-in refers to the process where passengers register their presence, typically at an airport or via an airline website.
Online Check-In: This is the process where passengers confirm their presence on a flight via the internet and typically print their own boarding passes. Depending on the airline and specific flight, passengers may also enter details like meal preferences, baggage quantities, and select their seats.
Airport Check-In: This is the process where passengers check in at the airport, typically at the airline’s service counters or a handling agent working on the airline’s behalf. Passengers usually hand over any checked baggage and receive their boarding pass.
Is It Better To Check In Online Or At The Airport?
Most airlines have different ways to check in for your flight:
- Mobile check-in via the airline mobile app
- Via the airline website
- At the airport check-in counter
- At the airport self service kiosk
When you check in online, you can choose your seat, save time at the airport, pay for any applicable checked baggage fees (usually cheaper online), and receive your boarding pass in minutes.
There are even times when you may get upgraded to premium economy.
Keep in mind, some airlines may not offer online check-in for certain destinations.
Do You Get Your Boarding Pass When You Check In Online?
Yes, once you check in online, you will receive your boarding pass via email. You can either print it out or store it on your mobile device.
If you don’t have access to a printer or a smartphone, you can still print your boarding pass at the airport.
Printing it at the airport doesn’t save time.
If you forget to print your boarding pass or your phone dies, airport security will not let you proceed until you show a valid ticket or boarding pass.
When To Check In For a Flight?
Most major airlines recommend checking in 24 hours before departure.
Arriving at the airport early is also a good idea to allow ample time to clear security, whether or not you have bags to check.
For example:
- American Airlines: Check in online or via the app 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before departure (90 minutes for international flights).
- United Airlines: Check in 24 hours before departure through the website or app.
Go to united.com check in
- Enter your confirmation or eTicket number and last name
OR
- Log in using your MileagePlus® account information
- or 2. Open the United app, click the Check-in box and enter your confirmation or eTicket number and last name in the designated fields.
Select Your Seat When Check-In
Most airlines allow you to choose your seat when you book your flight online.
If not, you can select your seat when you check in. Sometimes, airlines reserve certain seats for the day of departure to accommodate passengers’ needs.
If you can’t select a seat when booking, you can often do so during check-in.
Seats may also become available closer to your departure date.
Why Can’t I Check In Online?
There are several reasons why online check-in might not be available:
- Your first flight isn’t operated by your main airline.
- You’re traveling with a pet, weapon, or firearm.
- You’re an unaccompanied minor.
- You haven’t reached the allowed check-in time for your airline.
Final Thoughts
One of the main benefits of checking in online is getting your boarding pass and saving time at the airport.
If you check in online, you can avoid waiting in line at the check-in counter.
If you’re traveling with only carry-on luggage and don’t need to check any bags, you can head straight to the security checkpoint.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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