Top 10 Airlines Web Check In Policy: All You Need To Know

Posted on 19th Oct, 2023 by Heena Ganotra , Updated 7 months ago

Until the late 1970s, you could only fly on a specific flight if you had a paper ticket issued by an airline or its agent. You had to show up at the airport to check in with your ticket and obtain a boarding pass for that flight. 

But thanks to technology, airlines began using automated machines for checking in passengers and issuing boarding passes. The travellers no longer need to show up at the airport early enough to check in. You could just show up at any time within 24 hours of your scheduled departure or less than an hour works too. So let’s swoop in the technicalities and know in detail what airport and web check-ins are. Also do not forget to check the web check-in policy of the top 10 airlines below. 

What is an Airport Check-In?

Airport check-in includes the process through which a passenger confirms his/her intention to be on board and receives a boarding pass for a specific flight. Also, check-in is the administrative procedure of recording passengers’ arrival at an airport while preparing their travel documents so that they may obtain their boarding passes and proceed to the departure gate. 

Now, airlines use various methods such as online, mobile apps, self-service kiosks, web check-in counters, and ticket agents to carry out this process. Passengers can also get last-minute tickets at discounted rates by checking in just before the takeoff of the plane. 

What is Web Check-In?

Web check-in is an online, self-service option to print boarding passes before you arrive at the airport. When checking in for a flight online, you can choose a seat and enter frequent flyer information. Web check-in may speed up the time it takes to get through both security and customs when arriving at your destination airport. 

You must register for this service on the carrier’s website before you attempt to use it at the airport. In most cases, you can check in up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. This service is usually free and it is available right up until the time you must be at the boarding gate. The agent will print a bar-coded boarding pass for you when you check in. Keep in mind that web check-in time limits vary from airline to airline so always double-check their respective rules and regulations.

Top 10 Airlines Web Check-In Requirements

Web check-in saves both time and paper as you don’t need to visit the airport, queue at a check-in desk or transfer your luggage to hold off the aircraft anymore. However, the check-in procedure for each airline varies. Here is a list of the top 10 airlines with their web check facilities and requirements. 

• Air India: To complete the Air India web check-in procedure, just go through the user-friendly guide by Air India and follow easy steps to save yourself from long queues. 
• SpiceJet – Avail of the Spice Jet web check-in facility by visiting the official site of the airline. All you need to do is fill up some details including the confirmation number, PNR, or email. 
• Go Air – Look here for the complete guide for Go Air Web Check-in and complete the required formalities by sitting comfortably at your home. But, do not forget to report 45 minutes before the flight takes off. 
• Indigo – Beat the lengthy queues by availing of web check-in Indigo and avail of easy check-in facilities before you jet off for your holidays. Indigo’s web check-in process starts from 48 hours to 2 hours before your scheduled departure. 
• Air Asia – Make your travel to your favourite destination hassle-free with Air Asia web check-in. Air Asia India flights allow you to web check-in anytime from 14 days to 1 hour before the scheduled departure. 
• Vistara – Cut down on waiting time with Vistara web check-in and stay updated on flight changes or delays. With Vistara, you can check-in anytime from 96 hours to 2 hours before the scheduled departure for international flights. 
• Malaysia Airlines – Access the easy Malaysia Airlines web check-in facility and keep your travel plans flexible. The web check-in facility is available from 48 hours to 90 minutes before the scheduled departure.
• Emirates – Save yourself some time at the airport by availing Emirates web check-in facility. Emirates asks the passengers to get through the airport at least 3 hours before the departure time. 
• Qatar Airways – Check the detailed Qatar Airways web check-in policy and travel according to your convenience. The web check-in at Qatar Airways starts from 48 hours and ends 2 hours before the departure time. 
• Star Air – Save the formalities time at the airport by using the Star Air web check-in facility and go through the process without any hassle. The online check-in at Star Air is available 24 hours before the scheduled flight. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: What is a mobile check-in and how is it done?

Answer: Mobile check-in is a newer way of checking/boarding without going through the traditional method of going to an airline’s counter or using a kiosk. You can access this facility by downloading an airline’s application from either Apple Store or Google Play Store. Once you have downloaded and opened your airline mobile app, click on the ‘Check In’ button on the home screen of the app for further details.

Que: Which was the first airline to start the online check-in process?

Answer: Alaska Airlines started the first check-in process on a limited basis in 1999. The airlines kept the check-in facility only for selected flights. But, slowly and steadily, more airlines introduced the check-in process and the concept of self-service kiosks started emerging.

Que: When did airline check-in begin?

Answer: The check-in counter made its debut with TWA Airlines across the nation in 1926, although this service was optional at first. However, the airline finally made it mandatory for passengers to arrive an hour ahead of their departure time in 1962 after which the concept of self-service kiosks started emerging.

Que: Is web check-in mandatory?

Answer: As per the new guidelines, some airlines have made web check-in mandatory for domestic flights in India. Some airlines may also charge a fine in case you miss the web check-in procedure.

Que: Why should I use a web check-in service?

Answer: By checking in online, passengers cut down on wait times both inside and outside of security checkpoints. Hence, it shortens your overall travel time by over an hour, especially if you have carry-on bags that need to be stowed or tagged.

Que: What are the things required for web check-in?

Answer: The booking ID of flight, place of departure and landing, and email ID where you have received the booking confirmation are the required details for web check-in.

While the information mentioned above is true to our knowledge, it is advisable to visit the official website of airlines for more information. At MyIndiaFlight, you can even get in touch with our travel professionals via call or live chat for quick check-in solutions and requirements. Our team can guide you through the latest USA to India flights and Australia to India tickets for a hassle-free journey. So ring a bell and grab the first booking discount with us.  

About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness like herpes. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)