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Learn how online check-in works, discover all the benefits of online check-in, and find answers to the most common questions from travelers. Our vacation advisors have even created a video explaining the web check-in in detail. With our tips and tricks, you will become a flight expert and can check in quickly and securely online from now on.
The most important things about online check-in and what you should consider: Not much time to read? Then jump to the topics that interest you:
What is an online check-in or checking in online? We often hear the question: What is online check-in? What does checking in online mean? We have explained in a few points what this online check-in means by definition:
Our vacation advisors have summarized the most important advantages and disadvantages of online check-in for you!
Advantages of online check-in: Why should you check in online beforehand? In short, online check-in offers the following advantages for air travelers:
But once again, slowly: With online check-in, you save a lot of time at the airport, especially if you are traveling with only hand luggage. In most cases, you can reserve your preferred seat in advance, for example, to sit together as a family.
Disadvantages of online check-in: On the other hand, online check-in is now very popular, which means the baggage drop-off counters can sometimes be overcrowded, and the time gain is rather small. Often, difficulties arise when rebooking or canceling the flight if you check in online very early.
How does online check-in work? Nowadays, many things can be done online. You can book flights, hotels, and even shop online. The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. You can also use the advantages of the online world when flying. But how exactly does online check-in work before departure?
How online check-in works – step by step:
Online Check-in with Baggage:
How does online check-in with baggage work? Have you already checked in online? Perfect, then on the day of departure, you only need to drop off your baggage, and you're almost ready to go. Most airports have a so-called Baggage Drop-off counter. You can use this counter if you already have your boarding pass, whether printed or on your smartphone. The boarding pass is scanned, you receive the baggage tag, attach it to your suitcase, and your baggage is on its way to your plane. You receive a receipt and then proceed to the security check. Have your flight tickets saved on your phone? Great, then you only need to show the digital cards to the security personnel.
Note: At some airports, there is no separate counter for baggage drop-off; instead, baggage is dropped off at the regular check-in counters of the airline.
Online check-in allows you to spend more time on vacation instead of waiting at the airport.
Online Check-in Abroad: Online check-in in your holiday destination or at the hotel is also very easy and can be done using the step-by-step guide described above. The prerequisite is that your hotel has an internet connection. Fortunately, this is now almost always the case. Simply save the digital boarding passes on your phone again. One precaution you should always take with digital boarding passes: your phone's battery should be charged, and it's best to save the boarding passes on multiple phones!
If you prefer the printed version, politely ask at the hotel reception if they can print the boarding passes for you. Sometimes airport staff are also kind enough to print your tickets. It's always worth asking!
For some airlines, the earliest check-in time is 32 days before the actual departure. In such cases, you can check in from home.
What should you consider during online check-in? Online check-in is convenient and easy, but you should still keep a few things in mind. Although almost every airline offers online check-in, this option often cannot be used for group flights. During a package tour, it may happen that you cannot check in online, but this is not the rule! For some airlines, it is now even "mandatory" to check in online, as check-in at the airport counter is chargeable. You can find all information about airlines with mandatory online check-in here.
It's different with Tuifly and Ryanair. There, you can also use online check-in with a stroller. Simply drop off the special baggage at the baggage drop-off. No prior registration is required!
Do I have to check in online? Airlines with mandatory online check-in: Online check-in is no longer new to many vacationers and is often used. For some airlines, it is now even the only way to check in for free. These airlines have made online check-in mandatory. We have listed which airlines these are:
There will certainly be more airlines following in the future. We will keep you updated here!
Access Data and Login for Online Check-in: We are often asked how to get the access data for online check-in when booking through a tour operator. Here is an important tip from our vacation advisors in advance:
When can I check in online? – Overview of Airlines: How far in advance is online check-in possible? Depending on the booked airline, you can usually check in online at least 24 hours before departure. For some airlines, it is possible to check in online a few days earlier. Since this varies, we have created an overview of all airlines for you.
Below you can see a list of the different online check-in times of the airlines.
| Airlines | Earliest Check-in | More Info |
| Air France | 30 hours before departure | – |
| British Airways | 24 hours before departure | – |
| Emirates | 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure | – |
| Corendon | 72 to 5 hours before departure | More about Corendon Online Check-in |
| Etihad Airways | 30 to 1 hour(s) before departure | – |
| Eurowings | 72 hours before departure | More about Eurowings Online Check-in |
| Condor | 24 to 2 hours before departure | More about Condor Online Check-in |
| Lufthansa | 23 hours before departure | – |
| Qatar Airways | 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure | – |
| Ryanair | 24 to 2 hours before departure, 60 days with seat reservation | More about Ryanair Online Check-in |
| Laudamotion | 4 days to 2 hours before departure | – |
| SunExpress | International flights: 24 to 3.5 hours before departure | More about SunExpress Online Check-in |
| Thai Airways | 24 to 2 hours before departure | – |
| TUIfly | 30 days to 5 hours before departure | More about TUIfly Online Check-in |
| Tunis Air | 24 to 3 hours before departure | – |
| Turkish Airlines | 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure | More about Turkish Airlines Online Check-in |
| EasyJet | 30 days to 2 hours before departure | More about EasyJet Online Check-in |
| American Airlines | 24 to 2 hours before departure | – |
| Eurowings Discover / Discover Airlines | 72 to 3 hours before departure | More about Eurowings Discover Online Check-in |
| Singapore Airlines | 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure | – |
Finally, we strongly advise you to allow enough time for the security check to arrive at the boarding gate on time.
If you have already checked in online, the question arises of when you need to be at the airport. If you have checked baggage, we recommend arriving at the airport check-in counter 2 to 3 hours before departure. Especially during peak times, hand luggage and security checks can take up to an hour, so it is advisable to allow a little extra time. For domestic flights, you should be ready to board at least 30 minutes before departure.
To best prepare for the airport after completing the online check-in, we provide you with some tips. It is important to know the terminal for your departure. If you are traveling by car, look for parking near the terminal or those that offer a shuttle service directly to the terminal. Booking a parking space in advance is smart.
Keep time management in mind: For short- or medium-haul flights, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours in advance, while for long-haul flights, you should allow 3 hours. Don't forget to have identification cards and/or passports, including boarding passes, ready for all travelers.
Regarding travel to the airport, you will receive your travel documents about two weeks before the start of the trip by email for package tours. For online flight bookings, the documents are usually sent within 24 hours after booking. These documents include the booking number and flight times for both the outbound and return flights. The booking number is especially needed for online check-in. Note that a passport is mandatory for flights outside the EU.
If you are traveling by car, you can reserve a parking space online in advance. Those who prefer a short walk from the car to the airport should choose a parking space directly at the terminal.
At the airline's check-in counter, the travel documents are thoroughly checked. Since ticketless flying is common nowadays, you only need your passport or an identity card (additional visas may be required depending on the destination's entry requirements). At the same time, the luggage is weighed, and if there is no excess weight, it is loaded onto the plane. Then you can proceed to the security check at your leisure.
During boarding, the QR code is finally scanned, and then you can board the plane!
The security check at the airport is done before boarding and involves scanning the hand luggage and a personal check. To make this process as smooth as possible, place jackets, scarves, belts, jewelry, boarding passes, ID/passport, cell phone, and other electronic devices as well as drinks and liquids stored in hand luggage into the trays provided.
After the security check, you can relax and find the gate. The black display boards in the departure hall constantly inform you about the boarding time and gate number. From this point on, it's time to sit back and wait patiently for boarding.
Regarding upgrades and services during the flight: Generally, snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. For long-haul flights, you often receive a hot meal and complimentary beverages. Pre-orders are possible and can be made online on the airline's website. Payment is made in advance. Please note that onboard payments usually only accept card payments, and cash is not accepted.
In addition, you can select your favorite meal online, avoiding being limited to onboard choices. This service is particularly convenient for families.
Be mindful that some holiday destinations do not allow dairy and meat products to be brought in. Customs provides a good overview of this. Beverages are less complicated; it's best to fill them in 100 ml containers (totaling no more than 1 liter) to pass through security smoothly. Alternatively, you can buy beverages for your flight after passing through the security check in the departure lounge.
Regarding seat reservations during online check-in: Whether it's a window seat, more legroom, or just to sit next to your companion, there are various reasons for seat reservations. Fortunately, almost all airlines offer the option to select your preferred seat in advance or afterward.
Seat reservations can usually be made easily online for a fee. This fee varies depending on the airline, route, and booked fare class. If you encounter any issues with the reservation, feel free to contact our vacation advisors.
Additional tip: With us, you can easily leave your special requests in our hands. We take care of all your amenities so you can travel comfortably. Your special requests are in good hands with us.
If you're considering upgrading to XL seats for more comfort, please note that these seats are located in the emergency exit row. Therefore, the following points should be considered:
If you're thinking about upgrading to business class, keep in mind that larger, more comfortable seats and full-service await you. Sometimes, you can look forward to a multi-course meal. Since the economy class ticket is cheaper, you will need to pay an additional fee for business class. This fee depends on various factors.
With a bit of luck and the following tips, however, you can get a more cost-effective business class ticket:
Is online check-in free of charge?
⇒ No, online check-in is generally free with most airlines. Only traditional check-in at the airport counter may be chargeable depending on the airline.
What is a boarding pass?
⇒ The boarding pass or boarding card is a document that proves the passenger's entitlement to board the available aircraft. In a way, the boarding pass is comparable to a ticket.
Is there an obligation to check in online?
⇒ Some airlines charge a fee if check-in is not done online but at the airport counter. It is therefore advisable to check early whether online check-in is sensible for the upcoming trip.
Is the boarding pass the actual ticket?
⇒ Yes, in short, the boarding pass or boarding card serves as a flight ticket and grants permission to board the corresponding aircraft.
What is a Baggage Drop-Off counter?
⇒ At a Baggage Drop-Off counter, travelers can drop off their luggage at a machine. This requires prior completion of online check-in or other check-in methods.
What is meant by Web Check-in? And what is mobile check-in?
⇒ Web check-in and mobile check-in are just different terms for online check-in. There are no significant differences between them.
What steps should be followed after online check-in?
⇒ If traveling with only carry-on luggage, you can proceed directly to security. However, if checked baggage is present, it must be dropped off at the designated counter as usual.
What is PNR in online check-in?
⇒ PNR stands for "Passenger Name Record" and is essentially the booking code. The PNR number is typically generated at the time of booking and is used to conduct check-in. The PNR number is usually found in the booking confirmation or on the e-ticket.
Is an ID card required for online check-in?
⇒ We recommend that travelers have their ID card and/or passport ready. It may be necessary to present these identification documents for online check-in.
Until when or how long before departure can online check-in be done?
⇒ In most cases, online check-in begins 24 hours before departure. However, exact times may vary depending on the airline. You can conveniently check this in our overview of online check-in times per airline.
When does online check-in open for the return flight?
⇒ Like the outbound flight, online check-in times vary by airline. However, it is worth noting that online check-in may not be available in many countries.
How early before the flight can baggage be checked in?
⇒ For international flights, baggage should be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure, and for domestic flights, at least 30 minutes before departure. It is recommended to allow more time as security screening must also be passed.
What happens after online check-in?
⇒ After completing check-in, travelers receive their boarding pass conveniently via email and can download it or, if on a smartphone, save it directly to their mobile device.
Can I go directly to security after online check-in?
⇒ If traveling with carry-on luggage only, travelers can proceed directly to security. Otherwise, checked baggage must of course still be dropped off.
Can seats be selected during online check-in?
⇒ With most airlines, seats are automatically assigned to travelers or there is an option to select specific seats. For an additional fee, a preferred seat can also be reserved.
