Yesterday I booked a flight in May for my husband & son to visit me during a work trip (booking was Christchurch to Wellington return). It allowed me to check them both in at the time of booking, which I did so I knew where they were seated. I then arranged with my work travel co-ordinator to get my seat allocated as the 3rd one in their row. Enabled me to make sure we were seated together, so I was happy, but I think it is ridiculous to be able to check in that early. Seat allocation: yes; check in: no. Should be a maximum of 48 hours in my opinion.