FAQ: When Should You Get To The Airport?

How long before a flight should I be at the airport?

We advise that you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of extra time to check-in and pass through security.

Why do you have to check in 24 hours before a flight?

When to Check In for a Flight Online

Most airlines permit online check-in up to 24 hours before departure. The earlier you do so within that window, the better—because you‘ll have more available seats to choose from.

What happens if I get to the airport too early?

Is arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight too early? No, it’s not. If you arrive too early, the only things that will happen will be: you will likely be assured your luggage will be on the same aircraft you will be on.

What is the point of checking in online for a flight?

The purpose of checking in online, besides saving you time and sparing you the nuisance of standing in line at the airport, is that it gives the airline greater certainty that you actually intend to use the seat you have reserved, and the airline thus won’t be left with unsold seats on the flight.

Do I really need to check in 3 hours before flight?

While the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) recommends travelers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international trip, “those are just general times,” says Richard Duncan, the Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Security at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson

What happens if you don’t check in for a flight?

If you don’t check in for your flight by the cut-off time, you may be denied boarding. The airline may bump you to the next available flight. If you are a no-show, you‘ll likely lose the value of your ticket.

Can I check my bags 12 hours before flight?

If you don’t want to check-in online, you can often check-in at a self-service counter up to 12 hours before your flight departure. You can print baggage tags at these kiosks, but can often only drop off your bags up to three or four hours prior to the departure time (depending on the airline).

Is printed boarding pass necessary?

Boarding Pass

Passengers are requested to carry a print out of their boarding card once they have completed their mobile Check-in. The boarding pass can also be obtained from one of the IndiGo counters at the airport. However, it is recommended to take the print in advance to skip the queue.

Why do you have to be at the airport so early?

So why do you need to arrive earlier for international flights? Because of the extra steps required before reaching the boarding area. More often than not, if you‘re flying from an international airport, you will have to go through immigration and visa/passport control prior to departure.

What is the difference between online check in and airport check in?

Check-in at airport is a procedure where you can submit those luggage which you wish not to carry by yourself in the cabin & acquire the Boarding pass. Online Check-in is the process in which passengers confirm their presence on a flight via the Internet and typically print their own boarding passes.

What happens if you can’t print your boarding pass?

If no self-service station is available, the regular check-in desk personnel will reprint it for you. Some airlines in some locations allow using “mobile” boarding pass through their smartphone app, if this is the case for your airline and airport – then you don’t even need to reprint anything at all.

What happens if you don’t do web check in?

If you can‘t, don’t worry. A lot of low cost airlines (like Indigo and Go Air) have kiosks at the airport which will let you print out your boarding pass. If not, simply show your ID and booking confirmation at your airline’s counter at the airport to get a boarding pass.