Online check-in has transformed the airport experience. Done correctly, it can save you 30–45 minutes at the airport and give you a better choice of seat. Here is how to make the most of it.
When does online check-in open?
Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure, though some open earlier. British Airways opens 24 hours before; easyJet opens 30 days before for those who have paid for seat selection, and 24 hours before for standard passengers. Ryanair opens 60 days before for Priority Boarding passengers and 24 hours before for everyone else. Checking in as soon as the window opens gives you the widest choice of remaining seats.
Choosing your seat
If you have not paid for seat selection in advance, the seats available at check-in are typically those that have not been pre-reserved — often middle seats or seats near the back. Exit row seats with extra legroom are usually held back and released at check-in or at the gate. If you are travelling as a group and want to sit together, either pay for seat selection in advance or check in the moment the window opens. Families with children under 12 are legally entitled to sit together on EU and UK-regulated flights without paying extra — contact the airline if you are separated.
Your boarding pass
Once you have checked in, download your boarding pass to your phone's wallet app (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) rather than relying on a screenshot or PDF. Wallet passes update automatically if your gate changes and work offline. If you prefer a paper boarding pass, most airports have self-service kiosks where you can print one for free, though some budget airlines charge for printing at the desk.
Checked baggage and bag drop
Online check-in covers your seat and boarding pass, but if you have checked luggage you will still need to visit a bag drop desk or self-service bag drop kiosk at the airport. Most airlines now offer self-service bag drop, which is significantly faster than a staffed desk. Arrive at bag drop at least 60 minutes before a short-haul departure and 90 minutes before long-haul — bag drop desks close earlier than the gate.
What to do if something goes wrong
If online check-in fails — the website crashes, your booking reference is not recognised, or you cannot download your boarding pass — go straight to the airline's check-in desk at the airport. Arrive earlier than you normally would to allow time. Do not panic: airlines deal with technical issues regularly and will check you in manually. If you have missed the online check-in window entirely, the same applies — you can still check in at the airport, though you may have less choice of seat.
Quick tips
Set a reminder for when check-in opens if seat choice matters to you. Double-check that the name on your booking exactly matches your passport — even a middle name discrepancy can cause problems at the gate. If you are travelling on a connecting itinerary, check whether you need to check in separately for each leg. Some airlines allow through check-in; others require you to collect and re-check your bags at the connection point.