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How do I check in for my flight online?

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

After online check‑in is complete, your boarding pass will be sent to your email. You’ll need to show your boarding pass at the airport.
Some airlines and airports allow digital boarding passes, meaning you can save it to your phone instead of printing it out.
In some cases, you need to get a paper boarding pass at the airport. If you’re flying without baggage, you won’t have to go to the check‑in desk. Just print out your ticket at the self‑check‑in terminals. They look like ATM machines.
Sometimes online check‑in saves you not only time, but also money. Some airlines charge fines for not checking in online or forgetting to print out the boarding pass.

Do I have to print my ticket?

In short – no.
The receipt itinerary 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 didn’t arrive in your email inbox, check the Spam folder. Often emails find their way there.
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