The check in process
 

Hi,
I am wondering why should one use internet check in only just to get a seat while you still have to stand in line anyway in order check in your bags.

Are there any possibilities to do everything from home so just can drop your bag and head through security and cut all queues?!
:confused:

For some airlines, yes - for instance, Virgin allows you to check in 24 hours before your flight. However, Aer Lingus only has online check in at the airports it flies out of, such as DUB or LHR, at kiosks.

Do the research for the airline you are flying, and you will find the info you need.

Depends. Depends on the country, the airline, the airport...

I've recently flown on airlines where it's all manual, no choice (NZ ex-LHR) where you can check yourself in, but all luggage is manual (BA ex-LHR), where you can check yourself in, print off a baggage tag, then show your BP and passport to drop it off (SK ex-OSL) and where everything is automated and you can drop your bag off yourself (OS ex-VIE).

Probably a combination of demand, regulations and 'security'.

As an airline employee, I (and my colleagues) have often asked the same question. As far as we can tell, an on-line check in facility was not necessary, what was required was an on-line seating reservation function.

As far as we can see, the ability to print a boarding pass at home is only of any real value to hand baggage only passengers.

If checking in as early as possible matters (e.g. in a possible overbooking situation where you do not want to be involuntarily bumped, or when flying on Southwest), checking in 23:59 before the flight may be advantageous to checking in 1:30 before the flight.

If you're asking if you can print your own luggage tags and put them on yourselves, then the answer is NO. You can't do that.

Not from home, no. Quite a few airlines have started going that at airport SSCI machines, though.

I'm a hand luggage only person so I use it quite often as a time saver. The other big reason is to grab a good seat if you don't already have one assigned. Mainly it's a big stress relief. If you have your BP in hand, you can relax. These days, in places like the US and UK, travel is a heck of a lot more stressful than it used to be.

It is possible to check-in online, and then check your bags at the airport in a shortened queue. United has kiosk check-in , with an attendant that prints out the bag tag, and takes your bag. It's faster than the loooong line.

for ua, yes and if you have also chosen to go stdby via olci, you can even get your bags checked on the stdby flight if you wish-worked for me labor day w/e sfo-las (and some airports like sfo have a "secret place" with a very short line)

I don't mind standing in the UA Premier line, since it's not usually too long, and since I always overpack and, thus, have to check a bag, I've never used online check-in. I could definitely see myself start using it if I lose my status, though, to try to gain any advantage over everyone else waiting in the same line I'd otherwise be in.

By using the on line check on Alaska last week, I was able to same some time by entering the passport details for my wife and I. Flight to YVR. The agent seemed pleased, too.

Welcome to Flyertalk!

If you fly out of an airport with skycaps who can check you luggage curbside you could save some time for the cost of the fee and tip.

However, I'm a big fan of traveling with just carry on luggage. Once you see how much time you save be not checking a bag you won't go back!

Often there are bonus miles attached to checking in online.

Gets me on the checked in (and standby if necessary) list nice and early which can be beneficial when it's time to go. Generally I still visit the kiosk at the airport and print real BPs. I don't check bags so from that standpoint it's nice.