Are there really any Advantages of checking in online?
 

I am flying to Seattle in a couple weeks from Tampa FL for my Brothers wedding. I am flying delta and started to get antsy because it is getting Closer lol. Well I haven't ever really checked in because I don't own a printer and plus I fly out of Tampa (Which I think is the best Airport lol) And so it isn't ever really swamped. So why is it advantageous to check in online?

Welcome to FT. If the flight is oversold and there are not enough passengers to voluntarily (VDB) give up their seats then PAX will be involuntarily denied boarding (IDB). Though it rarely happens, one of the deciding factors can be check in time as well presence at the gate.

With Delta and other airlines they have a phone app that you can send your boarding pass to which also has flight updates. Using your phone also prevents the TSA from writing senseless squiggles - but then again they can record your info.

In the case of some airlines like Delta they give their medallion fliers a free drink coupon for checking in on line and printing their own boarding pass.

Mostly thought it saves the airline some time and money.

If one is not checking a bag, it allows one to arrive at the airport and head straight to security. On DL, you can choose to have your BPs delivered via text, without having to download the app, and can then display them on your phone.

I don't know for sure if you can do this on Delta, but on airlines I fly (mainly US Airways and Southwest), you can check in online, skip printing the boarding pass, then head to the ticket counter or kiosk at the airport before your flight and have them reprint the boarding pass. I've never had any trouble doing this.

Just another option if it helps you.

Saves time at the airport is the major benefit, particularly if you aren't checking a bag. You never know when there will be an unexpected line or something happening that will cause you to be late. Checking in early might help in a situation where the flight is oversold -- as FlyingUnderTheRadar says, if they're going to bump someone from the flight, check-in time is a factor (and you can put your name on the "willing to volunteer list" -- although I don't think there's a benefit to doing this earlier vs. at the airport). Also, you can re-assess your seats earlier -- blocked seats may be available to select via online check-in, but still not available via just viewing your reservation (plus there is always shifting of seats in the 24 hours before a flight as people get upgraded or check-in and change their seat). For elite passengers, check-in time can be a tie-breaker for whether they get an upgrade.

Another advantage, if you ARE checking bags, is that many airlines offer a discount for checking in online and paying the baggage fee up front, rather than paying at the airport on the day of travel. (doesn't appear that DL does this, but I may be wrong)

It also allows you to select seats that may open up due to Silver Medallions vacating regular economy seats for available Economy Comfort seats at check-in.

And I also agree about time savings at the airport, particularly if you're running late for whatever reason (unexpected traffic on the freeway, car trouble, etc.).

Yes, you can do this with DL.

Probably the biggest advantage, it's the tie break to determine who might get what, when. Stop by a hotel ., act like you belong there and use their computer to check in and print the boarding pass. Often there is kiosk in the lobby or, like in a Fairfield Inn, a computer in the lobby, and can print without anyone caring much.

If you have carry-on bags only and are delayed getting to the airport such that you miss the check-in deadline but still have time to go through security and reach the gate, you can do so if you have already checked in. But if you had waited to check in at the airport, you won't be getting on the flight.

On-line check-in might also allow you a better choice of seat changes that are offered during check-in.

I am checking a bag as is my girlfriend probably lol. Thanks all you so have been helpful.

If you're eligible for PreCheck, you can see whether it's on your boarding pass. This might help you in deciding how to pack and dress for the airport.

With DL, a major advantage of doing OLCI early is that it can indicate when there's a problem with your ticket or reservation early enough to fix it by phone rather than getting to the airport and discovering some issue that cannot be fixed in time for your to board your flight.

The advantages of OLCI VS. airport check-in are overstated, IMO. Nobody stands in line anymore if you don't have bags to check - kiosks are ubiquitous and you can get your BP. If you have to check bags, you have to stand in line anyway, so having a BP in advance does not do anything.

When seat selection is not available in advance and your only option is during check-in, then you may have a better selection of seats, though many pax are pre-assigned to a seat anyway by the airline and that leaves very few options. AF short-haul flights are handled like this.

Many airlines/airports now have separate bag drop lines for those with boarding passes versus the full check in lines.

Disadvantages of Checking in On-Line?
 

No one has mentioned the disadvantages:

* May not be able to change flights or change seats on-line after checking in.
* Imagine the chaos if everyone checked in on line. Poor home print quality, can't open airline app, phone dies, etc.

The airline I fly most regularly with allows you to cancel your online check in if you need to change flights, seats, number of bags, etc. and it is a very simple process. I know of a couple of others you can do it with to, although never had to do so with them.

I do both... print on laser and have the phone app.

If neither of those work then there is always the backup
plan waiting for me at the airport. :D

I find it very convenient to check-in online and avoid
the extra step and delay at the airport.