Clicking ‘online check-in’ can be very tempting when you receive the email prompting you to do so. It offers a multitude of benefits such as saving time at the airport and possibly picking your own seat. It even saves paper by not printing a physical boarding pass.
The process does streamline the airport experience a little, especially if you don’t have luggage to check in. Online check-in certainly isn’t without perks.
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But waiting an extra 30 minutes in a queue certainly doesn’t deter me from checking in in person. There’s a potential perk that far outweighs the cons. A perk that can only come from talking and checking in with a real person at the counter.
Speaking face to face with the ground staff gives you a much higher chance of receiving an upgrade. It may be a slim chance, but what are an extra few minutes in line compared to a long flight in business instead of economy?
If you think about it from the perspective of the airport staff, people getting ready to fly are often stressed out and want to get on the plane as quickly as possible. Sometimes a sincere smile and a friendly greeting can mean a lot and can make a difference.
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Sometimes, airlines won’t allow you to reserve seats in the exit aisle online. The staff need to see you to be sure that you’re able and willing to help in the event of an emergency. So speaking with the ground staff can enable you to be allocated a seat with that luxurious extra legroom.
You can also inquire about how full the flight is, to gauge the possibility of an upgrade. Take a chance and ask politely if there’s any chance at a free upgrade. If not, and you have a healthy points balance, ask how many points it would cost to upgrade. Sometimes airlines will even offer discounted upgrades paying cash, these can be a bit of a bargain so it’s always worth asking.
I once got upgraded on a flight from London Heathrow to Minneapolis, just from being in the right place at the right time, I think. If I’d have checked in online, I likely would have just chosen a seat in economy and not thought twice about it.
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The other consideration these days is COVID. If you check in before receiving a negative test result, it could be tricky to get a refund if you are then unlucky enough to test positive.
There have been instances where airlines and third parties have refused to refund a seat for COVID positive passengers after they have already checked in online.
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FAQs
One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.
Is it okay not to check in online for a flight? ›
If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.
Is it better to check in online or in person? ›
For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.
Is there any point in checking in online if you have hold luggage? ›
If you are checking luggage online check in will only save you a little bit of time. It's like confirming a reservation so the airline knows that you still plan on flying. Checking in ahead of time helps the airline know possible head counts especially if the flight is overbooked.
Do I need to print my boarding pass? ›
Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.
What is the difference between online check-in and automatic check-in? ›
Automatic Check-in can be accepted once your reservation and ticket are confirmed until 24 hours prior to the departure flight, and passenger information must be registered. Online boarding pass will be delivered via email 24 hours prior to the departure flight.
What is the point of checking in online? ›
Is Online Check-in Mandatory? It is not a mandatory process but it is the best option to save time. Especially passengers without baggage or with hand luggage only can head straight to the aircraft after showing their boarding pass at the control. Online check-in helps passengers to save time.
Why do people still check in at the airport? ›
Checking in
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.
Why do airlines want you to check-in early? ›
Once you've checked in, the airline knows you're definitely coming aboard and will make sure you're aware if there are any changes. Essentially, when you check in early it “reconfirms” your flight and puts you in the perfect position to get any last minute updates.
What is the difference between online check in and a boarding pass? ›
Boarding passes are provided at check-in, either online (online check-in is usually available 24 hours prior to the flight) or in person at a kiosk or at the check-in counter.
For instance, if you aren't checking a bag, you can skip the lines at the check-in counter and proceed directly to airport security with your carry-on bag and an electronic ticket. A carry-on bag is just one more item that security personnel may need to search.
How early should I get to the airport with hand luggage only? ›
If you've checked in online and are only travelling with hand luggage, Jet2 says you can speed through the process in just 90 minutes. The airport itself generally recommends that you allow two hours to go through security after check in, but following your airline's guidelines here will see you through safely.
How do I get my boarding pass after a web check-in? ›
No, it's not necessary to print your boarding pass after web check-in. You can choose to download your boarding pass on your smartphone and display it at the airport security checkpoint and boarding gate. However, if you prefer to have a paper copy, you can print it out as well.
What is the advantage of checking in early for a flight? ›
Once you've checked in, the airline knows you're definitely coming aboard and will make sure you're aware if there are any changes. Essentially, when you check in early it “reconfirms” your flight and puts you in the perfect position to get any last minute updates.
What is online checking for? ›
Online check-in is the process in which passengers confirm their presence on a flight via the Internet and typically print their own boarding passes. Depending on the carrier and the specific flight, passengers may also enter details such as meal options and baggage quantities and select their preferred seating.
