The check in process
Sep 27, 2006 | 8:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
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?!
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?!
Sep 27, 2006 | 8:44 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beacon Falls, CT, USA
Posts: 1,609
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.
Do the research for the airline you are flying, and you will find the info you need.
Sep 27, 2006 | 8:48 am
#3
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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'.
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'.
Sep 27, 2006 | 11:06 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,775
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.
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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 11:28 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
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Posts: 4,240
Originally Posted by Mikey_AIK
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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 11:45 am
#6
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Originally Posted by Mikey_AIK
Are there any possibilities to do everything from home so just can drop your bag and head through security and cut all queues?!
Sep 27, 2006 | 11:48 am
#7
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Originally Posted by rkkwan
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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 11:59 am
#8
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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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 12:05 pm
#9
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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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 3:51 pm
#10
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Originally Posted by redbeard911
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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 3:58 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: BUR
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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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 6:04 pm
#12
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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.
Sep 27, 2006 | 6:10 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: BDL
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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!
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!
Sep 27, 2006 | 9:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ORD
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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.