Visit the website of your airline within 24 hours before the flight's departure. Most airlines offer online check-in. Click on the "Check-In" tab.
Complete required information. To check in online, you must have a record of your flight confirmation or e-ticket number (this information generally is emailed to you after a flight has been purchased). Additionally, you might be required to enter your last name and departure city.
Follow required steps. To check in online and get a boarding pass, the airline might ask security questions or reference your luggage or assigned seat. Change the information as necessary (such as adjusting your seat location) and follow all Federal Aviation Administration and airline regulations for carry-on and checked baggage.
Print the boarding pass. Keep the boarding pass and photo identification (such as a driver's license) within your purse or carry-on bag. Do not lose or forget either item before leaving for the airport as they are essential to travel.
Visit an airline representative at "Flight Departures" to check in baggage. Arrive early. Because you have "checked in" at home, answer a few security questions before handing your bag to the airline.
Proceed to security. No luggage to check? No problem. Arrive at least one hour before the departure time and go through security with your boarding pass, carry-on bag and photo ID. Keep your boarding pass safe throughout this process as it will be required for boarding at your assigned gate.
Print your e-ticket before leaving for the airport. The e-ticket has essential flight and personal information for obtaining a boarding pass. Remember to follow all FAA and airline-luggage regulations and to bring a photo ID. Arrive at least one hour before departure time.
Use a self-service machine at the airport. Go to your airline's section at "Departures." Many airlines are using machines instead of representatives to facilitate the check-in process. The machines are quick and easy to use.
Enter your e-ticket confirmation number. Other options might include swiping a credit card (the specific one that was used for the online ticket purchase) or typing in your airline frequent flier number.
Follow required steps. Answer questions about your specific flight information (such as arrival city), confirm your seating assignment and type in the number of checked bags. Once completed, the self-service machine will print your boarding pass (required) and luggage tags (if necessary).
Check in a bag with the airline representative. You might need to present your boarding pass and photo ID and answer a few security questions. Give the representative your printed luggage tags. Once completed, continue to security.
Proceed to security. If you only have a carry-on bag (or have checked in luggage), continue to airport security. Have your boarding pass and photo ID handy and follow all FAA safety regulations. Keep your boarding pass in a safe place as it will be required to board your flight.
