Definitions

Checking in

Checking in for a flight is the process whereby a person announces their arrival at the airport. The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if hasn’t happened already and is allowed by airline), and check in luggage onto a plane, if desired.

Boarding pass

A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger, the flight number, and the date and scheduled time for departure. Boarding passes are always required to board a flight. Often, airlines accept either paper or electronic boarding passes (on phone or tablet).

Three Ways to Check In

In-person at a staffed check-in counter at airport 

Items needed for check-in counter:

1. Passport (when traveling internationally)
2. Flight information
   • Paper ticket (less and less common), OR
   • E-ticket with a confirmation number—usually sent via email if ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency, OR
   • Printed itinerary with a confirmation number

In-person at airport using a self check-in kiosk 

If using a kiosk, you can select a seat (if hasn’t happened already or allowed by airline), enter the number of bags to be checked (if desired), and print boarding passes. You will then need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station. Airline staff will need to check your passport either at the time of check-in or at your gate.

To check in at a kiosk you will need one of the following:

• Confirmation number (usually sent via email if ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency)
• Credit card used for payment of the ticket
• Passport

Check in online before arriving to airport

You can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. If checking luggage, you will need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station once you arrive at the airport.

Benefits of online check-in:

• Avoid potential check-in lines at airport
• Print boarding pass at home (can also wait or reprint at self-service kiosk at the airport)
• Select seat assignment(s) before others (if applicable)
• Choose to get updates of possible changes to departure times leading up to flight

Check-In & Boarding Timelines

Most airlines list their specific check-in policies and timelines, so visit your airline’s website for details.

Most airlines list their specific check-in policies and timelines, so visit your airline’s website for details.