Originally Posted by
Pinky
The first time you use a new passport, you should make sure you swipe it at a Kiosk so that it is in CO's system. Then you can use OLCI for international tickets and proceed directly to the gate (if you have no checked baggage. Incidentally, you don't even have to show up 2+ hrs. ahead of time if you do it this way since you are already checked in.)
If you can use OLCI, then your passport is in the system - otherwise you would not be able to use OLCI for an international flight . So no worries and don't bother going to the counter (or showing up really early, unless you prefer to). CO always requires you to board with your passport in hand, and that is only the verification I am ever put through (in the US).
I believe you can still do OLCI even if your passport is not in the system. When you do OLCI, you will be asked questions regarding how your name appears on the passport, Passport #, date of birth, etc. The print out will require you to have your passport verified at the gate.