Do I need to check in online for my flight? (2024)

FAQs

Is it necessary to check-in online for a flight? ›

Is Online Check-in Mandatory? It is not a mandatory process but it is the best option to save time. Especially passengers without baggage or with hand luggage only can head straight to the aircraft after showing their boarding pass at the control. Online check-in helps passengers to save time.

If you don't check in online for your holiday, most airlines will still let you do it when you get to the airport. They'll just have to allocate your seats from what's left. It's important to know that some airlines apply a charge for airport check-in, though.

For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.

I have checked in online and have no hold baggage, do I need to go to check-in? If you have checked in and have a printed or mobile boarding pass and are not checking in any hold luggage you can go straight to security and through to the departure lounge.

In-person at airport using a self check-in kiosk

If using a kiosk, you can select a seat (if hasn't happened already or allowed by airline), enter the number of bags to be checked (if desired), and print boarding passes. You will then need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station.

If you check in before receiving a negative test result, it could be tricky to get a refund if you are then unlucky enough to test positive. There have been instances where airlines and third parties have refused to refund a seat for COVID positive passengers after they have already checked in online.

It is always a good idea to check into your flight early, as it can help you avoid any potential delays or issues. Checking in online 24 hours before your flight leaves gives you the opportunity to select your seat and print out boarding passes ahead of time.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), IndiGo wrote, “Web check-in is not a mandatory requirement, however, for a hassle-free flight experience, we recommend our customers to web check-in in advance. Web check-in allows customers to have a smooth experience at the airport."

Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

Online boarding pass will be delivered via email 24 hours prior to the departure flight. Online check-in is available for itineraries between 24 hours and 1 hour prior to your departure flight.

Why do airlines want you to check-in early? ›

Once you've checked in, the airline knows you're definitely coming aboard and will make sure you're aware if there are any changes. Essentially, when you check in early it “reconfirms” your flight and puts you in the perfect position to get any last minute updates.

Are you travelling with hand luggage only? If you are, you may be able to check in online for free and print off your boarding pass, so all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is go straight through security.

If you check in to your flight online, the airline will generate your boarding pass and share it with you via email. Most airlines will send you an email 24 hours before departure prompting you to check in online. To confirm whether your airline offers online check in, visit their website.

Can I go straight to security with mobile boarding pass? If you're not checking any bags, you can proceed straight to security with your ID and mobile boarding pass.