What is the difference between boarding and check-in? (2024)

What is the difference between boarding and check-in?

Boarding is the next step after completing your check-in. Passengers get into the aircraft after completing their check-in through websites, counters or kiosks. The difference between boarding and check-in is boarding is done vis-a-vis while check-in can be done through mobile phones.

Is checking in the same as a boarding pass?

Not technically. Your boarding pass is your “ticket” to board the plane, but technically your ticket is generated as an “e-ticket,” or an electronic ticket, when you book your flight. Your boarding pass will be generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter.

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

During online check-in, passengers can select their seats, receive their boarding passes electronically, and sometimes even pay for any checked baggage in advance. Online check-in can save time at the airport and may offer the convenience of choosing preferred seating options.

Do I need to check-in before boarding?

If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

Do you need boarding pass before check-in?

You will receive it only after check-in. Normally, you will receive your boarding pass at the check-in counter after handing in your flight ticket. If you use online check-in, you can download your boarding pass up to 24 to 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline and flight.

What happens if you don't check-in online for a flight?

You won't be “on the plane”. You have to check in either online or at the airport before your flight and show your boarding pass to the agent before you will be allowed to board. It can either be a paper boarding pass or it can be on your phone, but if you don't check in, you don't fly.

What happens when you check-in online for a flight?

Passengers can choose seats and meal preferences. Boarding passes can be printed or saved on mobile devices. Baggage drop-off may still be required at the airport. Some airports have separate security lanes for online check-in.

How long should I check-in online before a flight?

Check-in times

You can check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 for international). To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes.

Does online check-in give boarding pass?

Your boarding pass is sent to your email after check-in. You can print it or use the mobile boarding barcode (QR code) by downloading it to your mobile phone.

Is it better to print your boarding pass at home or at the airport?

While printing your boarding pass at the airport can be a convenient option, it's important to keep in mind that there may be long lines at the airline counters and self-service kiosks. Many travelers opt for online check-in to skip the queues and save time.

Can I go straight to security if I have checked in online?

What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

What is the point of online check-in?

Online check-in can save time and hassle at the airport. Check-in timeframes vary by airline and departure airport. Passengers can choose seats and meal preferences. Boarding passes can be printed or saved on mobile devices.

What should you not do before boarding a flight?

Which comes first check-in or boarding pass?

Checking in

The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if hasn't happened already and is allowed by airline), and check in luggage onto a plane, if desired.

Can I use my phone as a boarding pass?

Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.

Do I print my boarding pass?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding which type of boarding pass is right for you — both work just fine. But when it comes to air travel, we like to play it safe, which is why we recommend printing out your boarding pass, too.

What happens if you don t check in online 24 hours before your flight?

If you don't check in 24 hours before your flight, you may risk losing your seat and could face delays or even cancellation. Checking in on time is essential to secure your spot on the plane.

Should I check in online even if I have luggage?

Yes, you can use Online check-in even you have check-in baggage. Please drop your baggage at the baggage counter or the check-in counter no later than 60 minutes (International flight) prior or 30 minutes (Domestic flight) prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight. Please refer to Online Check-in Procedure.

How do I know if I'm checked in for my flight?

How do I know if I am checked in for my flight? If you check in at the airport the agent will give you a paper boarding pass with your flight number, seat (except for Southwest Airlines in the USA), and gate on it.

What happens if you don t check in 2 hours before your flight?

First, check-in closes an hour or two before flight departure; if you're not checked in by then, either through the app, online, or in person at the airport, you may not be able to get a boarding pass to get through security and will likely miss your flight.

How do I get my boarding pass online?

Get your boarding pass online

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.

What happens if I don't check in?

If you don't check in online for your holiday, most airlines will still have the option for you to do this when you get to the airport. They'll just have to allocate your seats from those remaining. But it's important to know that some airlines will also apply a charge for airport check-in.

Is it necessary to print flight ticket?

There is no need to print tickets thanks to e-tickets. In other words, e-ticket or online flight tickets have replaced the print ones. Passengers and airline company makes a contract through e-tickets. Passengers' ticket details are secured in the company's database through encryptions such as PNR.

Is a screenshot of a boarding pass good enough?

If you don't have a paper boarding pass and are relying on your cell phone as boarding pass, having a screenshot of it will assure you will still have it even if there is any problem such as bad signal at the gate or security checkpoint that would prevent use of the airline app that generates the boarding pass.

Why do they scan your boarding pass when you buy something at the airport?

Companies use it as a way to legally avoid paying the 20% value-added tax (VAT) applied to the sale of goods for travelers going outside the EU. As a consumer, if you are purchasing the items on the way to a country outside the EU, you are therefore not liable to pay VAT.