Check‑in usually opens 24 hours and closes 40 minutes before the flight.
The airline will email you a link to check in online. If you haven’t received an email from them, just go to the airline’s website, find the ‘Online check‑in’ section, and follow the instructions.
The following details may be required at check‑in:
- passenger’s first and last name;
- booking code (or PNR, a six-digit code) or e-ticket number. You’ll find it in your itinerary receipt (ticket) which was sent to your email address after booking;
- the email address specified in the booking;
- departure airport;
- sometimes: date and time of departure, flight number.
When checking in you can select a seat. Sometimes this is free, but in recent years many airlines have started to charge extra. If you don’t select a seat, one will be allocated to you.
Boarding pass
You can get your boarding pass after online check‑in or regular check‑in at the airport. Keep in mind that not all airlines support both types of check‑in or do it for free – check the rules with the carrier.
Sometimes online check‑in saves not only time but also money. Some airlines charge fines for not checking in online or forgetting to print your boarding pass.
Some airlines and airports allow you to use a digital boarding pass, which means you can save it on your phone and not print it out.
In some cases, you will have to get a paper boarding pass at the airport. If you’re flying without baggage, you don’t have to go to the check‑in counter. Just print your ticket at self‑check‑in terminals. They look like ATM machines. Be aware that these machines are not available at every airport, so check whether your airport has them in advance. Printing from a regular printer will also work.
Do I have to print my ticket?
In short – no.
The itinerary receipt that is sent to your email address after payment serves as proof of purchase. You don’t have to show it to anyone at the airport, as all your details are stored in the airline’s database, so your travel document is all you’ll need to check in.
To board the plane, you need a boarding pass, which you can get at the check‑in desk at the airport, at a self‑check‑in terminal or by checking in online. In the last case you’ll receive your boarding pass by email for you to save to your phone or print out.
This is roughly what an itinerary receipt (ticket) looks like.
If your ticket hasn’t arrived in your email inbox, check the Spam folder. If it’s not there either, contact the seller you booked through to get your ticket.