Auto-check-in for return journey?
Apr 16, 2012, 10:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 4,002
Auto-check-in for return journey?
Much to my surprise, I got an email with 2 mobile boarding passes yesterday, for my flight today. This is the inbound set of flights for an Aeroplan reservation on United metal.
I did not actually check in, so getting this email was really a surprise. On the United site, it says I am already checked-in.
I doubt a hacker would check me in for a flight! What is the explanation?
I did not actually check in, so getting this email was really a surprise. On the United site, it says I am already checked-in.
I doubt a hacker would check me in for a flight! What is the explanation?
Apr 16, 2012, 10:25 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Much to my surprise, I got an email with 2 mobile boarding passes yesterday, for my flight today. This is the inbound set of flights for an Aeroplan reservation on United metal.
I did not actually check in, so getting this email was really a surprise. On the United site, it says I am already checked-in.
I doubt a hacker would check me in for a flight! What is the explanation?
I did not actually check in, so getting this email was really a surprise. On the United site, it says I am already checked-in.
I doubt a hacker would check me in for a flight! What is the explanation?
Apr 16, 2012, 10:27 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
Did you say Yes to auto-checkin for return flights when you did the checkin for your outbound? Actually, I guess we know the answer is yes 
you must have not realized or forgot you said yes, its a fairly new option (at least for PMUA folks, don't know if CO had this before) on the last step of OLCI it asks if you want auto-checkin for return flights.
you must have not realized or forgot you said yes, its a fairly new option (at least for PMUA folks, don't know if CO had this before) on the last step of OLCI it asks if you want auto-checkin for return flights.
Apr 16, 2012, 10:39 am
#4
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Welcome to Auto Checkin
I've always liked it, but I know some people don't
Smarter Travel, August, 2008
Continental passengers will now be able to simultaneously check in for their departing and return flights. The airline's Auto Check-in system allows customers to have their boarding passes forwarded to them by email or fax, or delivered to a mobile device (if applicable). Passes can also be made ready for printing at an airport kiosk.
Online check-in is arguably one of the most useful and customer-friendly industry developments in recent years, and Continental is taking the tool one step further. By checking in for all flights at once, passengers can bypass long lines at both ends of the flight, saving time and aggravation at the airport.
I've always liked it, but I know some people don't
Smarter Travel, August, 2008
Continental passengers will now be able to simultaneously check in for their departing and return flights. The airline's Auto Check-in system allows customers to have their boarding passes forwarded to them by email or fax, or delivered to a mobile device (if applicable). Passes can also be made ready for printing at an airport kiosk.
Online check-in is arguably one of the most useful and customer-friendly industry developments in recent years, and Continental is taking the tool one step further. By checking in for all flights at once, passengers can bypass long lines at both ends of the flight, saving time and aggravation at the airport.
Apr 16, 2012, 10:42 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 383
Apr 16, 2012, 1:22 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2005
Location: CLE
Programs: RA, UA MM 1k, AA EXP, Marriott LTP, Hyatt Plat, SPG100
Posts: 476
Not a fan on new UA
Auto check-in is fine if you know your plans are firm. If you need to make a change (like a SDC), you have to call in and have them un-check in. PMUA had an easier way to do it yourself, which today's UA does not. Just a word of caution for those unfamiliar with the auto checkin.
Safe travels.
Safe travels.
Apr 16, 2012, 3:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 3,236
Auto check-in is fine if you know your plans are firm. If you need to make a change (like a SDC), you have to call in and have them un-check in. PMUA had an easier way to do it yourself, which today's UA does not. Just a word of caution for those unfamiliar with the auto checkin.
Safe travels.
Safe travels.
I stopped doing auto check-in because of the number of SDC's I had.
Advantages: Higher up the list on upgrades where time of check-in matters, less likely that you show up at the airport late & have your reservation cancelled (30 minutes vs after every one's boarded), and gets you an email with your BP if you can receive & print an email but not have Internet access.
Disadvatage: as referenced above.
Apr 16, 2012, 3:26 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Dusseldorf
Programs: LH Senator, Hertz Presidents Circle, IHG Plat. Previous: UA 1K, AAdvantage Platinum;
Posts: 638
In using the mobile App yesterday to check-in, the auto check-in was an "Opt-In" feature.
For me (hardly ever have SDCs with my itnl flights), it is VERY useful
For me (hardly ever have SDCs with my itnl flights), it is VERY useful
Apr 16, 2012, 3:30 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
I loathe auto check-in and really wish CO would do away with it. Errr, I mean the new UA. This is a pmCO feature that they kept during the OLCI process.
It's bitten me twice in the last month alone. First time using the Mobile App after I did check-in I saw that the auto upgrade feature was turned on. I turned it off but apparently it didn't "stick". Second time was last week. After doing OLCI on a normal web browser on a computer it auto checked me in for the return. I was shocked to see the boarding passes for my return flights show up in my inbox 24 hours before departure as I always uncheck the auto check in feature during OLCI.
-RM
It's bitten me twice in the last month alone. First time using the Mobile App after I did check-in I saw that the auto upgrade feature was turned on. I turned it off but apparently it didn't "stick". Second time was last week. After doing OLCI on a normal web browser on a computer it auto checked me in for the return. I was shocked to see the boarding passes for my return flights show up in my inbox 24 hours before departure as I always uncheck the auto check in feature during OLCI.
-RM
Apr 16, 2012, 3:41 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Minneapolis (MSP)
Programs: AA, DL UA (.5MM)
Posts: 226
+1
I stopped doing auto check-in because of the number of SDC's I had.
Advantages: Higher up the list on upgrades where time of check-in matters, less likely that you show up at the airport late & have your reservation cancelled (30 minutes vs after every one's boarded), and gets you an email with your BP if you can receive & print an email but not have Internet access.
Disadvatage: as referenced above.
I stopped doing auto check-in because of the number of SDC's I had.
Advantages: Higher up the list on upgrades where time of check-in matters, less likely that you show up at the airport late & have your reservation cancelled (30 minutes vs after every one's boarded), and gets you an email with your BP if you can receive & print an email but not have Internet access.
Disadvatage: as referenced above.
Apr 26, 2012, 7:18 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Programs: UA 1K (MM), MR Plat Prem, Hertz Pres
Posts: 1,164
Why am I being auto-checked-in?
Suddenly I'm getting emails telling me that I've been checked in with links to my mobile boarding pass. I haven't set anything to do this as far as I know, and in general I prefer to have the BPs in my mobile app. What's going on with this?
Thanks,
ssh
PS I did do a bit of searching and was surprised not to find something on this, so I'm sure I just missed it...
Thanks,
ssh
PS I did do a bit of searching and was surprised not to find something on this, so I'm sure I just missed it...
Apr 26, 2012, 7:23 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Radisson Premium
Posts: 6,638
It's the default setting in the mobile app every time you check in for the outbound segment. You'll have to uncheck the box if you don't wish to be automatically checked in.
I don't mind it
I don't mind it
Apr 26, 2012, 9:26 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Hertz President Circle
Posts: 291
I actually like this feaure. As the previous poster indicated, when you check into your outbound flight, the system assumes that you will be returning as planned and automatically helps you check in for your return flight. You can opt out when you're checking in on the first leg.
Apr 26, 2012, 9:31 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,312
I actually like this feaure. As the previous poster indicated, when you check into your outbound flight, the system assumes that you will be returning as planned and automatically helps you check in for your return flight. You can opt out when you're checking in on the first leg.
-David