Proof of Visa Blocking Online Check-in
Apr 17, 2009 | 8:59 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 633
Proof of Visa Blocking Online Check-in
Hey folks,
I'm flying SFO-EWR-BOM tomorrow, and I was blocked from checking in online because "Proof of a visa or other eligible documentation needs to be verified by a Continental representative."
Annoying as that is (especially given that I was hoping for a battlefield upgrade), I can understand.
Question: how early should I show up to the airport? It says "Your boarding passes should be printed at least 60 minutes before departure." But I'd rather show up 45 minutes in advance. Will I be alright?
Thanks!
I'm flying SFO-EWR-BOM tomorrow, and I was blocked from checking in online because "Proof of a visa or other eligible documentation needs to be verified by a Continental representative."
Annoying as that is (especially given that I was hoping for a battlefield upgrade), I can understand.
Question: how early should I show up to the airport? It says "Your boarding passes should be printed at least 60 minutes before departure." But I'd rather show up 45 minutes in advance. Will I be alright?
Thanks!
Apr 17, 2009 | 9:47 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 693
If you were starting your journey in EWR then no, but since you're beginning in SFO I'd say you're ok. I'd get there an hour early just to play it safe.
Apr 17, 2009 | 9:52 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: retired from SFO Terminal 3
Posts: 7,437
I wouldn't chance it. The morning ticket counter can get very busy, depending on the time you are leaving. And then you have to deal with the security check point and Southwest customers that also use the same gate area terminal as CO.
If you are leaving at night on one of the red-eyes....no big deal with arriving T-45.
If you are leaving at night on one of the red-eyes....no big deal with arriving T-45.
Apr 17, 2009 | 10:11 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 633
Thanks guys.
sfogate, will it be busy even tomorrow morning (a Saturday), as an Elite?
Is it possible to check in at the President's Club?
sfogate, will it be busy even tomorrow morning (a Saturday), as an Elite?
Is it possible to check in at the President's Club?
Apr 17, 2009 | 10:22 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: retired from SFO Terminal 3
Posts: 7,437
You can always check in at the PClub and Saturdays can be busy. Remember we are still in the last week of Spring Break. I wouldn't chance arriving at the airport 45 minutes before your flight. Hanging out in the Club is always nice and you can check out the security check point when you arrive at the airport to see just how long you should spend in the Club.
Apr 17, 2009 | 10:43 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 633
Thanks sfogate. The fact that I can check in for my flight at the President's Club is great - that should reduce the wait.
I will get to the airport an hour early anyway, just to be safe. It's going to be a long day all the way to Bombay!
To all insult to injury, the Continental system has emailed me and called me telling me I can check in, even though I've already tried and have been rejected
I will get to the airport an hour early anyway, just to be safe. It's going to be a long day all the way to Bombay!
To all insult to injury, the Continental system has emailed me and called me telling me I can check in, even though I've already tried and have been rejected
Apr 18, 2009 | 8:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,657
I have always wondered how this works. Checking in at the P Club.
I know this was common place pre TSA/9/11 , but what exactly do I do?
Walk up to the security line with my printed itinarary?
I know this was common place pre TSA/9/11 , but what exactly do I do?
Walk up to the security line with my printed itinarary?
Apr 18, 2009 | 8:18 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: retired from SFO Terminal 3
Posts: 7,437
You can no longer get thru the TSA security line with a printed itinarary. You need to have a boarding pass or a gate pass. You receive a gate pass if you are going to visit the PClub, when you are not flying.
Apr 18, 2009 | 8:20 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,718
I have always wondered how this works. Checking in at the P Club.
I know this was common place pre TSA/9/11 , but what exactly do I do?
Walk up to the security line with my printed itinarary?
I know this was common place pre TSA/9/11 , but what exactly do I do?
Walk up to the security line with my printed itinarary?
Apr 18, 2009 | 8:20 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: ACT/GRK/DAL/ABI/MIA/FLL
Programs: OMNIArchist, OMNIArchy!, OMNIIDGAS
Posts: 23,478
Depends on the airport some will accept your PClub member's card. Others you need to get a gate pass, and might as well checkin since you waited in line to get that.
Apr 19, 2009 | 7:22 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 633
Yeah, in SFO the PC is outside security. I went in yesterday and the agent checked me in - very pleasant experience and no line! 
Apr 19, 2009 | 8:21 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: IAH
Programs: La Ministreuse de Surréalisme, CO Plat, MR Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 11,358