Technically what does "Checking In" really do?
Sep 26, 2018 | 7:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Technically what does "Checking In" really do?
It seems so basic. To "check in" for a flight. But what does this actually do on the American side? By initiating this action, does this limit any other types of actions? For instance, I want to standby for an earlier flight. I requested the standby but do I still "check in" for the original flight? By initiating check in what does this guarantee?
Sep 26, 2018 | 10:12 pm
#5
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The only real reason you need to check in is to get a boarding pass, if you don't want to stop at the kiosk at the airport.
It doesn't foreclose anything else.
Well, I guess that just before they close the door, they might call your name in the boarding area if you show as checked in.
It doesn't foreclose anything else.
Well, I guess that just before they close the door, they might call your name in the boarding area if you show as checked in.
Sep 26, 2018 | 11:48 pm
#6
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Generally speaking it's a good idea to check in online if you think there's any chance you might run late (but still make it to the gate in time to board).
Sep 27, 2018 | 8:11 am
#7
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I can't think of any disadvantage to checking in. You can still do things like same-day change and seat change after you have checked in.
On the other hand, if you do NOT check in by the appropriate check-in deadline, you will not be able to board. Your seat will be given to a standby passenger.
On the other hand, if you do NOT check in by the appropriate check-in deadline, you will not be able to board. Your seat will be given to a standby passenger.
Sep 27, 2018 | 8:30 am
#8
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For a standard domestic flight, check-in by T-45 as required assures AA that a passenger is likely to show up at the gate no later than T-15 when the passenger is subject to off-loading if he does not show.
There is no passenger downside to checking in as soon after T-24 as possible. The fact the changes may require a reissue is of no passenger consequence.
There is no passenger downside to checking in as soon after T-24 as possible. The fact the changes may require a reissue is of no passenger consequence.
Sep 27, 2018 | 9:40 am
#9
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Interesting. I thought after you check in that same day change is not longer available online, and have to call in to uncheck in before you could change flights?
Sep 27, 2018 | 10:23 am
#10
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Someone can correct me please, but I was under the assumption that when the airline has to offload a passenger, check in time is used to determine who will be selected.
Sep 27, 2018 | 10:26 am
#11
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It depends on the policy set out by each airline. But yes some, if not all airlines, do use time of check in when determining which passenger to offload in an oversell situation.
Sep 27, 2018 | 10:39 am
#12
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Although I think there are some other considerations. For example a family traveling together where they won't off load a parent. Its probably why sole travelers get the toss (as in the Doctor on UA Express.)
Sep 27, 2018 | 10:40 am
#13
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I seem to recall that when travelling on a Gov ticket, up to the point I checked in, CWTSato could cancel/change/refund etc... but after that I'd have to work through the airline unless I un-checked in. Minor point, but makes a difference if my operations change.
Sep 27, 2018 | 10:41 am
#14
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US law requires that each carrier publish its IDB policy. Check-in time is certainly a valid choice, but class of service, elite status, fare basis and time of booking, are also factors. Often, status is the first criterion.
Sep 27, 2018 | 11:53 am
#15
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To a certain extent, it seems outdated and with a purpose that has passed. Delta automatically checks people in ...