Most U.S. airlines allow travelers to check in online up to 12 hours before the departure of their flight, depending on whether the flight is national or international. Some airlines only have online boarding passes available for national flights. Also, if you have traveling situations such as certain upgrades, traveling with an infant, errors on your ticket or special service requests, you may not be able to get a boarding pass online. Airport security can also prevent passengers from getting online boarding passes.
Log in at the airline website. Some airlines require you to create an account, while others allow you to check in if you have your e-ticket, record locator or confirmation number for your airline ticket. Additional information you may need includes your airline rewards membership number and the credit card used to pay for your ticket.
Enter the details requested, such as flight information, number of bags checked and departure city/time. If you are checking bags, find out where you would drop them off when you arrive at the airport. Some airlines have curb-side check-in, where you can drop your bags off and avoid having to stand in line at the airline counter. Other options include dropping your bags at check-in kiosks. Many airlines now charge for each bag you check on the plane. Baggage fees can be paid at the time you are checking in online.
You may also select seats and request upgrades when checking in online.
Verify that all information entered is correct before proceeding.
Print your boarding pass and baggage tags. Some airlines allow you to fax your boarding pass. Additional options for travelers without access to a computer or printer include mobile check-ins. This service allows you to check in with your mobile device and download your e-boarding pass with barcode directly to your PDA or web-enabled phone. When you arrive at the airport, show security your downloaded boarding pass for scanning.
