Posted on 19th Oct, 2023 by Heena Ganotra , Updated 11 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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