Airline check in times?

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ryx12

Airlines let you check-in at least 2 hours earlier for a reason. It is a safe margin so that you could arrive to the departure gate/area if not early at least on time.

I have observed in different airports around the world that the whole process of checking-in down to the departure gate takes about 1 hour.

1 hour is quite tight, you can miss your flight. If not you would be put on a lot of stress trying to make that flight.

I suggest be at the airport 1hour and 30 minutes before you're flight.

chequemate

i check in online within 24 hours before the flight... allow 60 min minimum for security check and walking to the gate.

Mr Tiger Tony

it won't hurt to leave it a little later but i would recommend that you are there at least an hour before not sure but i thought check in closes about 1 our before though could be wrong

Penfold

Yes you can.

Most check in desks will open at least two hours before the flight is due to depart. Most check in desks will close 40 minutes before departure. You can arrive at the check in desk at anytime you wish but you only have this 80 minute window to check in.

Things to bear in mind when checking in:
1) You have to allow for time to actually check in, get through security (along with any immigration or customs checks) and make it to the departure gate;
2) The later you check in, the more likely you will be bumped if the flight is overbooked.
3) The later you check in, the less likely you will get your choice of seat.

You may find it useful to check in online and just drop your bags off at the check in desks. Alternatively, you may want to use the self service kiosks if they are available.

Raspberryblower

Really does depend.

Do you have luggage to check in?
Where are you flying to and from?
How busy is the airport?
Will the flight be busy?

etc, etc.

I'd recommend calling the airline and checking. You could find that they sell your seat to a standby passenger if you're too late. Does the airline allow you to check in on-line? This should cut down the amount of time that you need.

KangoTraveler

I appreciate your dilemma -- coordinating ground transport and flights can sometimes be a nightmare. So I don't want to contribute to what's already a frustrating problem for you. In that regard, I'll keep it simple: Can you arrive less than two hours before you flight and still make it on the plane? Yes. Is it a good idea? No.

I've arrived at airports with just over 30 minutes to spare . . . and STILL made it, even though I'd technically missed the "cut-off" point for check-in. I was a nervous wreck, but I made it.

Do this: Determine if you can check your bags curbside at the airport (some locations allow this, others don't). If you can, this buys you a little time. Then, be sure to check in online the night before, and print your boarding passes. Doing these things will reduce your time at the airport, and increase the likelihood of making your flight.

What you can't control (or predict) is how long the lines will be for security, nor whether you are randomly selected for intensive screening, etc. In some cases, passengers aren't allowed to check-in online the night before, owing to security protocols. If you're flying at a small, regional airport; then your chances are good. If it's a major airline hub with zillions of passengers, then you might be sweatin' it a bit if you have less than two hours.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Kango Traveler

BillyB8

Any less than two hours will mean once you clear check in and security it's straight to departures, unless you get a really low gate it'll take up to forty minutes to get to you departure gate. Then another 20+ to get on board, stow your gear etc.

noplomojovens

2 hours is marginal... so if you have to do it YOUR way.. then you can expect to be waving good bye from the concourse as the plane taxies out for takeoff.

giucy

Hi there I work for BA in checkin you can check in a bit later but please bare in mind that our longhaul and shorthaul flights now close 45 mins before departure allow yourself time if there is a queue at checkin or even at security. i would recommend no later than 1hr 30 before departure as this should give you ample time to get thru any later than that then you may find it difficult getting processed. my advice to you depending on where you fly from check yourself in online the night before this will give you that little bit more time to play with then all you have to do is drop your luggage off at the baggage drop off point.

Bizjet Flyer

The latest you can CHECK IN (at the ticket counter or online) is 30 minutes before the flight domestic, and 45 minutes international. For domestic flights, you need to be at the gate a minimum of 20 minutes before the departure time.

If you are not checking any bags, you can get your boarding pass online up to 24 hours ahead of time. You're considered "checked in" at that point. If you are checking bags, you can still check in online, but you'll still have to wait in line to check the bags. You may be able to save time and do this curbside.

For domestic flights, I've arrived at the airport as late as 45 minutes before the flight because of ground transportation arrangement problems and still made the flight. It's not fun - I wasn't sure if I'd make it or not. It all depended on how long the security line was.

If you're not checking any bags, usually an hour is your minimum time for arriving at the airport. If you are checking bags, give yourself at least an hour and a half. 2 hours usually isn't needed, but that's safe every time.

<edit>: there are a few airports that require 45 minutes check in time for domestic flights. Las Vegas is one that comes to mind. Check with your airline's website - they normally have all of this somewhere under "Airport Information".

nutwpinut

I try to be at the check in counter 1 hour before the flight and have never had any problems. I have arrived 45 minutes before international flights and have had no problems, but I do not recommend it.

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