Check-in and boarding: what to expect

Check-in times, fees and boarding rules vary by airline and airport. Use this as a general guide and follow your airline’s instructions.

Check-in confirms you are traveling and gives you a boarding pass. Since you book with an airline or travel site, check-in is always done with the airline that operates your flight, not with Cheaplyfly.

Online check-in

Most airlines let you check in online, on their website or app, some time before departure. The window and rules differ between airlines.

1. Find your airline’s booking reference in your confirmation. If you booked through a travel site, the airline’s reference may be different from the travel site’s.
2. Go to the airline’s website or app and choose check-in.
3. Enter your reference and last name.
4. Add passport details if asked, and choose seats if your fare allows.
5. Download or print your boarding pass.

Some low-cost airlines charge for check-in at the airport, so online check-in can save money.

At the airport

1. Arrive with plenty of time. Airlines and airports publish recommended times, which are longer for international flights and busy periods.
2. Drop checked bags at the bag drop or check-in desk before it closes.
3. Go through security with liquids and electronics ready as the airport asks.
4. For international flights, go through passport control.
5. Find your gate and be there before boarding closes.

Boarding passes

• Mobile boarding passes work at many airports, but not all. Some airlines or airports require paper.
• Keep a screenshot or printed copy in case your phone battery runs low.
• Check the gate and boarding time on the pass and on airport screens. Gates can change.

Connections

On a single booking, your bags are usually checked through and you may receive all boarding passes at once. On separate tickets, you may need to collect bags and check in again. Our guide to how long a layover should be explains what to plan for.

If this, then that

• If online check-in doesn’t work, check your name and reference, then try the airline’s app or check in at the airport.
• If you can’t check in because of documents, the airline may need to see your passport or visa at the desk.
• If your flight time changed, look for an email from the airline or travel site and confirm the new time.
• If you miss check-in or boarding, contact the airline straight away. Options depend on your fare.

Read what low-cost airlines include for check-in and bag rules on budget fares, and long-haul flight comfort for tips once you are on board.

Still stuck? For questions about your booking, contact the airline or travel site you booked with. For questions about Cheaplyfly, contact us.