No more waiting in line at the airport check-in desk! wikimedia commons
Checking in for a flight used to mean turning up at the airport and standing in line for a member of airline personnel to carry out check-in procedures; although this option is still available, there are a number of other ways in which an airline passenger can now check in for a flight. It is now possible to check in on line, through self service at the airport or even on the way to the airport.
Check-In Times for Flights and Airport Security Checks
Check-in times for flights vary from airline to airline and are also dependent on whether it is an international or domestic flight. If checking in at the airport, check the airline’s check in policy and allow extra time for increased security checks. Security checks, in general, now include additional baggage checks and body screening, even after checking in, which means it takes longer to reach the flight departure gate.
On Line Check-In for Flights
In recent years, on line check has become popular; check to see if the airline offers this feature and how far in advance it is possible to check-in. For example, British Airways and American Airlines allow on line check in 24 hours in advance of the flight time. However, be aware that some countries, such as the U.S., still require a visit to the check-in desk at the airport to complete security checks.
The advantages of on line check in include:
- greater seat selection; it is possible to look at a plan of the aircraft and work out where seats are on the plane in order to choose a seat preference
- printing an on line boarding pass; reduce stress by printing out a boarding pass before getting to the airport
- check in can be done at home, the office or a hotel.
Mobile Check-In for Flights
Some airlines, such as British Airways, allow check-in on the way to the airport by visiting a specific web site portal on a cell phone. It is possible to check-in on a cell phone and:
- request pick up of a boarding pass at the airport at a check-in desk or self-service machine
- print a boarding pass from a printer connected to a P.C. at a later time
- e-mail a boarding pass to print out later
- send the boarding pass to a fax machine for printing.
Check-In for Flights at an Airport Kiosk
In addition to the traditional check-in desk at the airport, passengers can now check-in through a self-service machine or kiosk at the airport. Self-service machines are quick and easy to use and often there is an airline representative present if advice is needed. Self-service machines and kiosks allow passengers to choose seats, print boarding passes and, in some cases, check-in baggage.
Self-service machines are usually available in a number of languages, depending on the airport location. Remember to take the booking reference or personal identification and the flight number in order to use the self-service machine for check-in. Some exclusions apply with certain airlines for self-service check-in so be aware of them in advance.
Checking In Baggage for Flights
There are several methods to check-in baggage, apart from the traditional check-in desk at the airport. American Airlines offers Curbside Check-In for people in a hurry; Curbside Check-In allows several bags to be checked in and the issue of a boarding pass before entering the airport. British Airways offers Fast Bag Drops inside the airport. Check with individual airlines for further information.
Flight Tracking Technology
Increased flight tracking technology means that a lot of airlines have the capability of notifying passengers of departure gates, baggage claim and flight times through web site feeds. Web sites, such as Flight Stats, track live flights, informing passengers or people meeting flights of possible flight delays before leaving home. Notifications of flight status can also be sent to e-mails or cell phones.
Check-in options at airports have expanded a long way from the traditional check-in desk at the airport, giving busy people many options for arriving for a flight on time, whether flying to Paris, Las Vegas, San Diego or anywhere else in the world!
References:
British Airways web site, accessed March 10, 2010
American Airlines web site, accessed March 10, 2010
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