Flying for vacation or business can be the fastest way to get to your destination, but often the long waits in the check-in lines at the airport can leave you frustrated. Fortunately, most airlines these days allow you to check-in for your flight in advance right from the comfort of your home. Airlines generally open up their online check-in 24-hours before departure and earlier for their preferred customers. Let's look at the steps involved with checking-in online.
Once you book your flight ticket, the airline will send you an email with a Passenger Name Record (PNR), and a clickable link for online check-in.
The airline's systems will require your surname and PNR/Booking Reference number to initiate your check-in
The system allows you to select the names of the passengers that you'd like to check-in. This list includes all passengers booked on the same PNR or single booking.
Depending on your airport of origin when flying into the U.S., you may be required to provide additional information. This information, known as Advance Passenger Information (API), includes details about you from your passport as well as your basic flight information.
You now have the option to select your seating and meal preferences. If you have not yet presented your frequent flyer program membership number, you can provide it at this stage. While some airlines allow you to choose your seat for free, others charge a nominal amount for window seats or seats with extra legroom.
When you have completed the process, the system generates a boarding pass that you must print or save to your device. The system also emails you a copy of the boarding card for your reference. While some airlines allow digital boarding cards on mobile devices, others still require you to have a printed copy. If you are unable to print your boarding pass, the staff at the airline's check-in desk can print one for you.
Knowing how online check-in works can save you a lot of time and bring you peace of mind when traveling by air.
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