Flight Check-in

FAQ

What is check-in?

Check-in is the process in which you confirm your boarding on a flight. There, the airline with which you purchased your tickets will give you your boarding pass and assign the place you will occupy in the cabin, this is what check-in is for. In short, it is your confirmation as a traveler.

How to check-in?

There are two ways to check-in; in-person and online check-in. In both cases you need to arrive at the airport in advance and have your ticket information and identification always at hand.

Online check-in

A simpler option to speed up your check-in is to check in online. Among its advantages are saving time by not waiting in line, the possibility of choosing your seat in advance and going directly to the boarding gate, only in those cases in which you do not need to check your luggage. Here's what you need to know to check in online:

  • Check your airline's information. Verify that your airline offers this service, either through its website or app.
  • Have the most important information ready. During the check-in process you will need to provide the reservation code or flight number, time and departure airport, as well as your full name and surname.
  • Anticipate your registration. It is recommended that you enter your reservation code 48 hours prior to takeoff, on your airline's website or app.
  • Select your seat. The last step of your online check-in is to choose your seat on the plane and print your boarding pass.

Airport check-in

To check-in in person, you are required to be at the airport 3 to 4 hours prior to take-off and present an official document to confirm your identity. Take note of how to check in at the airport:

  • Locate the “Counter” of your airline. This is the place where passengers drop off their bags and receive their boarding passes, also often called the “Check-in desk”.
  • Prepare the documents that will expedite your check-in. Generally, your identity card and the electronic reservation code of the flight, which you probably got in your mail or on the purchase ticket when you bought your tickets, are requested.
  • Handing over your luggage. During check-in you will deliver your luggage to be weighed and delivered to documentation or for carry-on baggage.
  • Receive your boarding pass. At this time you will receive your boarding pass, a document that specifies your identity, the gate through which you will enter the plane, as well as a serial number that identifies your baggage.
  • Keep the information on your boarding pass. Remember to keep this paper, as it contains the necessary information to follow up on any case of loss or claim.
  • Dirígete a los controles de seguridad. Una vez que cuentas con tu pase de abordar y que tu equipaje ha sido procesado, dirígete a los controles de seguridad.
  • Proceed to the security checkpoints. Once you have your boarding pass and your baggage has been processed, proceed to the security checkpoints.

Recommendations

Is it better to check-in online or in person at the airport on the day of the flight?

Both types of registration serve the same function. However, the digital option is faster and offers you the opportunity to choose your seat, save time and avoid lines. Only in some cases it will be necessary for you to present yourself at the Counter to verify some type of visa or immigration document.

Is check-in the same as boarding pass?

Getting your boarding pass is what check-in is for. The boarding pass is the electronic (when obtained online) or printed document that contains your identity information and place on the plane. This is what you will present when you enter the security area and before boarding the plane, but it is not the same as the check-in.

Take precautions before your flight.

It is always advisable to take precautions prior to your flight, such as keeping your identification safe and arriving at the airport well in advance to avoid any mishap, especially if it is a long flight.

Remember that in order to fly with peace of mind, it is also essential to have travel assistance, since in case of any emergency you will be able to request advice from a professional who will guide you to solve your problem, regardless of the time or country from which you communicate.