Originally Posted by
BBSHOPSINGER
I haven't read the entire thread, so pardon me if this is already addressed. I have a flight tomorrow that I need to cancel. I am still watching for some event (weather, delay, etc.) that will give me an opportunity to get cancel and get the full value back. My question is should I check in, or not? Would I lose the ability to change the reservation if I've already checked in?
You must check in or cancel by the check-in deadline (usually 30 minutes for domestic flights).
You also must cancel or board by the boarding deadline (usually 15 minutes for domestic flights).
Give yourself some buffer in case there are technical issues or hold times. I'd cancel or check in by 1 hour and cancel or board by 30-45 minutes (for domestic; double for int'l).
There is no disadvantage to checking in that I am aware of.