Multi-passenger PNR: Does Everyone Have to be Present for Checkin?
 

Hey all,

I'm considering booking a 6+ person PNR. Generally speaking, do airlines (UA and AS, in this case) require me to have all 6 present at the checkin counter, or can they show up one by one?

If you can do OLCI, no one need ever show up at the check in counter. This assumes that no check of travel documents--for example, to see a visa or the passport expiration date--is necessary.

You do need to show up with photo ID to check bags. I would assume that it would be a problem to check a bag on someone else's ticket (for example, because they get a free bag, but you cannot check an additional bag without paying). If there's a companion bag fee waiver (for instance, due to one person's elite status or credit card), often the rule says same PNR, but this might not be enforced if all appear to check in together.

No need to check in together in my experience.

do airlines require me to have all 6 present at the checkin counter - No

or can they show up one by one? - Yes

The only time I'd probably want to be there is if some of the others on the PNR are checking a bag, and those bags are free because of my status.

That *might* not really be necessary, but I'd still want to be there to make sure they don't get charged. I've never watched how this happens on the kiosks - maybe it's really nothing to worry about.