How to Check In for a Flight: Online, App, and Airport Options

Check-in confirms you're taking the flight and issues your boarding pass. How and when you do it can actually affect your experience, not just save time.

When check-in opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure, though a few open earlier for long-haul international flights. Checking in the moment it opens matters most if you didn't pre-select a seat — remaining seats (and any complimentary upgrades or exit-row openings) tend to go quickly.

Online check-in

1. Go to the airline's website and enter your confirmation code and last name.
2. Confirm or select your seat if one isn't already assigned.
3. Add any bags you're checking (many airlines let you pay bag fees online for a small discount vs. paying at the airport).
4. Download or print your boarding pass.

Mobile app check-in

Functionally similar to online check-in, but keeps your boarding pass in the app for easy access and often pushes real-time gate and delay notifications — worth doing even if you also print a paper copy as backup.

Airport kiosk and counter check-in

Still available for travelers who didn't check in online, need to check bags, or have an itinerary the app can't handle (like an infant added at the airport). Kiosk check-in is usually faster than the counter, but if you have questions about documents or a complex itinerary, the counter agent can actually help — the kiosk can't.

What to have ready

• Your confirmation code or reservation number
• A government-issued ID (and passport for international travel)
• Payment method if you still need to pay for a checked bag

A note on international flights

Some international routes require in-person document verification even if you checked in online, so you may still need to visit a counter before security. Check your airline's specific policy for the destination rather than assuming online check-in is the final step.