Web Check-In: Staying One Step Ahead
Q: Is there really any true benefit to checking in online?
— -Craig T.
A. Craig, let me extol the virtues of Web check-in, the best thing to happen to air travel since the Jetway, in-seat video screens and Starbucks in airports.
For those not initiated in the way of Web check-in, I believe you'll take to it like network television took to reality shows. It will require a computer, Internet access, and your flight information (or itinerary or record locator) and a printer.
For most airlines, you can check in online 24 hours prior to your departure.
You have a couple options. In most cases, your Expedia Corporate Travel itinerary will host an online check-in link where "check in for this flight" will appear 24 hours prior to scheduled travel. Just click and proceed. The traveler's confirmation and ticket numbers are transmitted to the airline for an easy check-in. You'll need to print the boarding pass.
In addition, you can also go directly to the airline's Web site to check in, though you'll need to provide your flight information in order to proceed. Just look for a tab on the front page that usually says something like Flight Check-In or Manage your flights. And if you're not sure of the airline Web address, simply type in the airline name followed by a .com, such as www.americanairlines.com or www.unitedairlines.com.
The idea of being able to check in anywhere and at anytime within 24 hours of your flight is like sanctioned cutting in line. By checking in online, you're protecting your reservation and seat assignment should you be delayed in transit to the airport. In essence, you're telling the airline, "I really, really, really plan on taking this flight."
Once while pacing about the gate awaiting standby clearance, I witnessed a businessman dashing to the gate, disheveled and dotted with grease, looking as if he had just changed a flat tire (and by George, he had). Oblivious to the dire demeanor of the tardy traveler, the agent was quick to inform him he was late and his seat had been released. After calmly accepting his newly assigned middle seat and the cluelessness of its issuer, he took a breath and said, "The next time I'll check in online (and with another airline)." I wish no one an in-transit mishap, but I rest my case.
Filling a flight is a lot like musical chairs. By checking in online, you get to grab your seat before the music stops. This at least keeps your seat intact until the very last minute, which in airline speak is usually about 10 minutes before departure time.
So Craig, my advice is to check in online and when you have checked baggage look for the kiosks where airline agents will check your luggage and send you on your way, printed boarding pass (and removed shoes) in hand.
— -Craig T.
A. Craig, let me extol the virtues of Web check-in, the best thing to happen to air travel since the Jetway, in-seat video screens and Starbucks in airports.
For those not initiated in the way of Web check-in, I believe you'll take to it like network television took to reality shows. It will require a computer, Internet access, and your flight information (or itinerary or record locator) and a printer.
For most airlines, you can check in online 24 hours prior to your departure.
You have a couple options. In most cases, your Expedia Corporate Travel itinerary will host an online check-in link where "check in for this flight" will appear 24 hours prior to scheduled travel. Just click and proceed. The traveler's confirmation and ticket numbers are transmitted to the airline for an easy check-in. You'll need to print the boarding pass.
In addition, you can also go directly to the airline's Web site to check in, though you'll need to provide your flight information in order to proceed. Just look for a tab on the front page that usually says something like Flight Check-In or Manage your flights. And if you're not sure of the airline Web address, simply type in the airline name followed by a .com, such as www.americanairlines.com or www.unitedairlines.com.
The idea of being able to check in anywhere and at anytime within 24 hours of your flight is like sanctioned cutting in line. By checking in online, you're protecting your reservation and seat assignment should you be delayed in transit to the airport. In essence, you're telling the airline, "I really, really, really plan on taking this flight."
Once while pacing about the gate awaiting standby clearance, I witnessed a businessman dashing to the gate, disheveled and dotted with grease, looking as if he had just changed a flat tire (and by George, he had). Oblivious to the dire demeanor of the tardy traveler, the agent was quick to inform him he was late and his seat had been released. After calmly accepting his newly assigned middle seat and the cluelessness of its issuer, he took a breath and said, "The next time I'll check in online (and with another airline)." I wish no one an in-transit mishap, but I rest my case.
Filling a flight is a lot like musical chairs. By checking in online, you get to grab your seat before the music stops. This at least keeps your seat intact until the very last minute, which in airline speak is usually about 10 minutes before departure time.
So Craig, my advice is to check in online and when you have checked baggage look for the kiosks where airline agents will check your luggage and send you on your way, printed boarding pass (and removed shoes) in hand.
Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, who has noticed a printer's ink supply is inversely proportional to the importance of the document being printed, looks forward to your questions, comments and tips.
Tom Conway, who has noticed a printer's ink supply is inversely proportional to the importance of the document being printed, looks forward to your questions, comments and tips.
Comments
Tom I couldn't agree more! Much to my colleague's dismay, I like to arrive at the airport leaving barely enough time to get through security and walk on the plane. Having the ability to claim my seat hours before coming to the airport is key.
Also many of the airlines have a mobile version of their "check-in" website so that a busy traveler, or one not so busy, can surf to the site on a smart phone, check in then reprint a boarding pass once they arrive at the airport.
Best thing since Cinnabon was added to the airport food court.
Mark
San Diego
Posted by: Mark | August 24, 2007 9:26 AM
Another tip for travelers checking in online is you are not excluded from this benefit if you do not have a printer or access to one. Though many hotels provide access to an internet computer and printer there have been many times when I was in a meeting or traveling and I did not have access to a printer when the "magic hour countdown" began. Instead of excusing myself from the meeting to borrow someone's computer with a printer or waiting (and hopefully remembering) to use the system at the hotel, I was still able to check-in online and garner the preferred seat assignments. The difference is I do not print the ticket. When I arrive at the airport I use a Self Service Kiosk and reprint the ticket. This only adds seconds to my arrival process and I safe guard my seat or priority listing.
Posted by: Clinton Morgani | August 24, 2007 9:31 AM
I agree with you 100%! I love checking in online! In fact, if everyone started to do this the lines to check baggage could move along faster! Safe and Happy Travels!
Posted by: Alana | August 24, 2007 9:50 AM
One other benefit to checking in early, on a couple of airlines you will have access to assigned seats that you couldn't see prior to checking in, even if you don't have status with the airline's frequest flyer programs. I have done this twice with Northwest Airlines in the past two months. On Northwest Airlines, you can check-in without printing your boarding passes, and print them once you get to the airport.
Posted by: Neil Warner | August 24, 2007 10:06 AM
Ok, Ok, but, if you're checking luggage, you still have to check in at a desk or kiosk to get your luggage tags. Just seems like you're doing it twice.
Posted by: Dennis Ruud | August 24, 2007 11:00 AM
If you have purchased a cheap ticket on an already full plane and were not able to secure a seat assignment (your reservation confirmation says your seat will be assigned at check in) checking in online, and early, is the best way to guarantee you will have a seat on the plane, and hopefully not the middle seat of 5.
Posted by: D Korsey | August 24, 2007 11:03 AM
I'd be interested in a larger discussion regarding checking in online when you have to check baggage...
Posted by: R.Coffey | August 24, 2007 11:56 AM
I used to agree with you until on my most recent summer flight. I checked in online and (1) had to check in again because of luggage then (2) the plane left without those of us who were stuck in a lengthy security line.
Posted by: Cyd | August 24, 2007 1:29 PM
I've been travelling heavily for 20 years and only checked in on-line once. There was no perceived benefit to me. To me it's kind of like checking bags vs. using carry on bags; it's trendy but not always as advantageous as it would appear at first glance. That is to say that I've waited five to ten minutes on the ground after all the propellers have stopped (regional airline) for the airline workers to get all of the carry-on bags on the cart planeside. That little move that saved all of the would-be savvy travelers so much time took up five-to-ten minutes of everyone else's time. Thanks a lot.
If you're checking bags (yes, savvy travelers still do that) checking in on-line is not too advantageous since you still have to get your bags tagged anyway. Like one other commenter said, at that point it's almost as if you're checking in twice.
Posted by: R. Skomars | August 24, 2007 2:38 PM
I've benefited from on-line check-in for most of my flights, but did encounter the inability to do web check-in for tickets purchased through one of the deep discounters. It was a long international flight, seating together was important for three family members, but alas, we got what seats were left when we arrived to check-in the day of the flight and the seats were not together. I agree that the musical chairs analogy is a true, and that the airline, in this case, added a premium to the tickets in order to reserve seats in advance, teaching us a lesson: "you want cheap seats, you won't decide where you sit."
Posted by: Anna C. | August 25, 2007 5:42 AM