Online Check-In for Flights - How to Do & Airline Rules

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by Bethy

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What is Online Check-In?

Online check-in lets you confirm your flight and get your boarding pass using the airline’s website or app before going to the airport. You skip the main check-in line and head straight to security (if you have no bags to check) or the bag drop.

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Who Can Use Online Check-In?

Almost everyone can use online check-in, but often except:

  • Infants without a seat
  • Passengers needing special assistance (e.g., wheelchair users) who didn’t request it in advance
  • Group bookings (8+ people)
  • Flights requiring extra document checks (like visas for certain destinations)

When Should You Check-In Online?

When Should You Check-In Online?

Credit: Unsplash

Check in online exactly 24 hours (usually) before departure. Why?

  • Best seats go fast.
  • Avoid last-minute stress.
  • Some airlines (like Southwest) assign boarding order by check-in time.

Check-in online opening/closing times:

Airline TypeOpens…Closes…
Most Airlines24 hours before60-90 mins before
Budget (e.g., Spirit)24 hours before60 mins before
Emirates/Qatar48 hours before90 mins before
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How to Check In Online on Airlines

Key info you need: Booking code (6 characters) + Last name. I'v listed some of the top airline info about Online Check-In as of 2025 July (when I wrote this):

RegionAirlineHow & WhereCheck-in Opens/ClosesKey Notes
North AmericaDeltaFly Delta app / delta.com → "Check In"Opens: 24h beforeCloses: 45min before*Seat fees apply for exit rows
UnitedUnited app → "Check-in" tabOpens: 24h beforeCloses: 45min beforeFree if booked with miles
SouthwestSouthwest app → "Check-in"Opens: Exactly 24h beforeCloses: 30min beforeBoarding group (A,B,C) based on check-in time
Air CanadaAir Canada app → "Check-in"Opens: 24h beforeCloses: 45min beforeSkip bag drop with app BP
EuropeLufthansaApp / lufthansa.com → "Online Check-in"Opens: 23h beforeCloses: 60min beforeWorks for Austrian/Swiss flights
British AirwaysBA app → "Manage Booking"Opens: 24h beforeCloses: 60min beforeDownload BP within 24h
KLMKLM app → "Check in"Opens: 24h beforeCloses: 60min beforeBP available offline after download
Middle East/AsiaEmiratesEmirates app → "Manage Booking"Opens: 48h beforeCloses: 90min beforeBP QR code expires after 72h
Qatar AirwaysQatar app → "Manage Booking"Opens: 48h beforeCloses: 90min beforeSeat map shows free/paid options
Cathay PacificCathay app → "Check-in Online"Opens: 24h beforeCloses: 90min beforeNo online check-in for unaccompanied minors

Check-in online closing times vary by airline, airport, and route type (domestic/international). Always verify exact times via airline websites or Trip.com Flight Status before travel. Special baggage/situations may require earlier check-in.

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How to Check In Online on Trip.com

How to Check In Online on Trip.com
How to Check In Online on Trip.com

Do this 24 hours before your flight:

  1. Open the Trip.com app → Tap "Upcoming" → Select your flight.
  2. Tap "Check-in & Seats" → Hit "Add" next to your name.
  3. Pick a seat → Tap "Confirm".
  4. Your mobile boarding pass will appear. Screenshot it or save to your phone.
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Can I Check In Online for Connecting Flights?

Can I Check In Online for Connecting Flights?

Credit: Unsplash

It depends entirely on how your flights were booked:

YES – You can check in for ALL legs online if

  • Flights are on one ticket (same booking reference).
  • Operated by the same airline or partner airlines (e.g., Delta + Air France, Lufthansa + Swiss).
  • No visa/security flags for your route (e.g., US/UK/AU-bound flights often require document checks).

You’ll get boarding passes for ALL flights upfront.

NO – You CANNOT check in online for all legs if

  • Flights are on separate tickets (different booking codes).
  • Airlines aren’t partners (e.g., Spirit → Emirates).
  • Baggage isn’t through-checked (common on split tickets).
  • You’re entering a visa-required country mid-journey (e.g., flying India → Germany → USA; Germany requires passport control before connecting).

You must check in for later flights at the transfer airport.

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Can I Use Online Check-In If I Have Baggage?

Yes, but you still have to drop bags at the airport. And also note deadline: Bags must be dropped 60+ mins before departure (varies by airline).

  1. Check in online → Get boarding pass.
  2. Go to "Bag Drop" counter (not check-in).
  3. Show ID → Drop bags.

⚠️ Baggage Tips - Check In online for Connecting Flights

ScenarioCan You Online Check-In?Baggage Handling
One ticket + same airlineYESBags checked through to final destination. Drop once at departure.
One ticket + partner airlinesYESBags usually checked through. Verify at bag drop!
Separate ticketsNO (for later flights)Collect bags + re-check during layover. Leave 3+ hours for transfer.
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Online Check In - What to Do at the Transfer Airport

Online Check In - What to Do at the Transfer Airport

Credit: Unsplash

If you have ALL boarding passes

    • Proceed to security/gates (no bag drop needed).

If MISSING a boarding pass

    • Find the transfer desk or airline counter.
    • Show passport + first flight BP → Get next boarding pass.

If RE-CHECKING Bags

    • Exit immigration → Collect bagsRe-check at departures → Security again.
Pro Tip: Book connecting flights on one ticket. Saves hours of stress. If forced to book separate tickets, minimum 4-hour layover
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Why Can’t I Check In Online?

Here are some common reasons:

  • Document issues: Visa/Passport needs verification.
  • Airport check-in required: Common for flights to the US, UK, Australia.
  • Flight changes: Equipment swap or schedule shift.
  • Security flags: Random checks or SSSS on boarding pass.
    Fix it: Go to the check-in counter early.

Online Check-in - Boarding Pass Tips

Your boarding pass is your golden ticket. Screw this up, and you’re stuck at security. Follow these tips to avoid headaches:

IssueSolutionWhy It Matters
Phone dies?Screenshot + print backup at hotel/hostel. Or email yourself a PDF.Security/gates need to scan it. No phone = no boarding without backup.
QR code won’t scan?Turn up screen brightness + disable "Night Shift". Hold steady 6" from scanner.Dim/blue-light filters break QR readability.
Expired pass?Emirates/Etihad passes expire in 72hrs. Re-download before airport.Airlines void old passes if flight time/seat changes.
Connecting flight?Save ALL boarding passes offline (screenshot or airline app download).No internet during layovers? You’ll still need the next pass.
"SSSS" on pass?Go to security extra early. You’ll get a manual bag search.Secondary screening required. Common for random security checks.
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Online Check-in - Pros & Cons, When to Avoid

Online Check-in is not perfect for everyone. Here’s the real deal:

ProsCons
Skip check-in lines (save 20-60 mins)Bag drop lines – If checking luggage, you still wait (10-30 mins).
Better seat choice (free/paid)Tech issues – App crashes, website errors, frozen QR codes.
Early boarding groups (Southwest)No help with issues – Visa problems? Overbooked? Go to counter anyway.
Avoid airport check-in fees (Spirit/Frontier)Device-dependent – Dead phone? No pass.
Flight updates pushed to phoneSecurity risks – Lost phone = anyone can access your pass.

When to AVOID online check-in:

  • Flying with infants 🍼
  • Have complex visa/passport questions
  • Need special meals or wheelchair assistance
  • Booked through 3rd party (Expedia, etc.) with ticket issues

Online Check-in - What Do I Need at the Airport?

Online Check-in - What Do I Need at the Airport?

Credit: Unsplash

You’ve checked in online? Great. But don’t walk into the airport empty-handed. Bring these 4 non-negotiables + extras based on your trip:

Online Check-in - 4 Things to Bring at the Airport

What to BringMust Have?Why & Real Talk
1. Mobile Boarding Pass (or printed)✅ YESNo pass = no security or boarding. Screenshot it – apps crash.
2. Passport/Valid ID✅ YESName must match ticket EXACTLY. Middle name missing? Bring proof (e.g., marriage cert).
3. Visa/Entry Docs✅ If requiredSome countries (e.g., Turkey, Egypt) require printed visa approval letters.
4. Checked Luggage✅ If anyTags pre-printed? Still drop at bag counter. No tags? Get them there.
Travel Itinerary⚠️ MaybeBorder agents may ask: "Where are you staying?" Have hotel address ready.
Health Certificates⚠️ Very Rare nowCOVID vax/test docs? Check IATA Travel Centre for your destination.
Credit Card⚠️ MaybePaid for bags online? Some airlines (Ryanair) demand the same card at bag drop.

Online Check-in - Special Things to Bring at the Airport

ScenarioExtra Items NeededTip
Flying with kidsChild’s passport/birth certSolo parent? Bring notarized consent letter.
Medical devicesDoctor’s note for syringes/CPAPSecurity may swab equipment.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheckKnown Traveler Number + Physical CardName on card MUST match passport. Renew early!
Visa on arrivalCash (USD/EUR) + Passport photosThailand: 2,000 THB · Egypt: $25 USD · Turkey: $30-60 USD (e-visa).
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FAQs about Online Check-In

  • What Do I Need at the Airport?

    Boarding pass (digital or printed). Passport/ID (must match booking name). Visa (if required). Checked bags: Drop at bag counter.
  • Can I Cancel After Online Check-In?

    Yes, but: You’ll likely lose refund eligibility. Always cancel via the airline’s website/app before departure to avoid "no-show" fees.
  • Is the Check-In Confirmation a Boarding Pass?

    No. Your boarding pass has: ✓ Flight number ✓ Gate ✓ Seat ✓ Barcode/QR code The check-in confirmation email is NOT a boarding pass.
  • Why Can’t I See My Flight for Check-In?

    Too early: Check-in isn’t open yet (wait for 24-48h mark). Too late: Check-in closed (go to counter). App glitch: Try the airline’s website. Ticket issue: Contact airline or your booking agent (e.g., Trip.com).Pro tip: Always double-check your flight status the day before.
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