The Plane Guide to Airline Check-In: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

By Mr Plane Guy | Travel Blogger & Flight Expert

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and book, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog flying (and fuels my airport lounge coffee addiction).

After spending years working in aviation and flying hundreds of times myself, I've realised something.

Airport check-in shouldn't be confusing.

Yet every week people ask me the same questions.

"Can I go straight to security if I've checked in online?"

"Do I still need to queue?"

"What's the difference between check-in and bag drop?"

"Why does Ryanair charge £55?"

"How early should I check in?"

…and one of my favourites…

"What exactly is Check-In Chicken?"

So I thought I'd put everything I know into one complete guide.

Whether you're flying Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Pegasus Airlines or somewhere in between, here's everything you need to know before heading to the airport.

What Does Checking In Actually Mean?

Checking in simply tells the airline:

"Yes, I'm travelling."

That's all.

It isn't bag drop.

It isn't security.

It isn't boarding.

Once you've checked in, the airline knows you're coming and issues your boarding pass.

If you're travelling with hand luggage only, that boarding pass might be all you need before heading straight to security.

Online Check-In vs Airport Check-In vs Bag Drop

These three things are often confused.

Online Check-In

Done on your phone or computer before you leave home.

Airport Check-In

Done at the airport using a desk or self-service kiosk.

Bag Drop

Simply handing over your checked luggage.

You've probably already checked in online before you get there.

How Early Can You Check In for a Flight?

This really depends on the airline, your route and sometimes whether you've paid for an assigned seat. Every airline has different check-in rules. Check out my table below for a quick guide to when online check-in opens and closes for some of the most popular airlines. Just remember to double-check with your airline before you fly, as policies can change.

When Does Online Check-In Open?

Every airline is slightly different.

Airline	Online Check-In Opens	Online Check in Closes
Ryanair	24 hours before departure (60 days if you've reserved a seat)	2 hours
easyJet	30 days before departure if you've purchased a seat, otherwise 24 hours	2 hours
Jet2	28 days before departure if you've purchased a seat, otherwise 24 hours	6 Hours
British Airways	24 hours	1 hour (2 Hours for flights departing USA)
Virgin Atlantic	24 hours	Around 70 minutes
Pegasus Airlines	7 days	60 minutes
Turkish Airlines	24 hours	90 minutes
Aer Lingus	30 days with seat selection or 24 hours before departure for long haul flights, 48 hours for European Flights.	Transatlantic flights close 90 minutes. Most European flights are 4 hours 30 minutes before departure.*
Wizz Air	24 hours (earlier with seat selection)	3 hours

*Aer Lingus closing times vary considerably by route.

Always check your booking confirmation because airlines occasionally change these times.

Airport Check-In Fees

Most airlines flying from the UK allow you to check in at the airport for free.

The biggest exception is Ryanair.

Forget to check in online and you could face an airport check-in fee of around £55.

Wizz Air may also charge if online check-in was available but wasn't completed.

Check in online on time and it’s probably the easiest £55 you’ll ever avoid.

Plane Tip 1: Compare Before You Book

This is probably the biggest travel tip I can give. Most people do this...

Search flights.

Book flights.

Then look for a hotel.

I don't. Before I even think about booking flights, I spend two minutes comparing package holidays. Why? Because package holidays can sometimes work out cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately.

I've genuinely found holidays where the complete package cost less than buying the flights and accommodation individually once baggage and transfers were added.

That's why I nearly always check Icelolly first. Instead of opening ten different holiday companies, Icelolly compares deals from hundreds of travel brands in one search, including Jet2holidays, TUI, easyJet Holidays, Love Holidays, On the Beach and many more.

Sometimes booking flights separately wins. Sometimes the package wins. You'll never know unless you compare. If it saves you £20...great. If it saves you £300...that's another weekend away.

Plane Tip 2: Check-In Chicken

Now for one of aviation's worst-kept secrets...

Some frequent travellers deliberately leave online check-in until the very last opportunity.

The theory is simple. Airlines try to sell their best seats. Once online check-in is nearly over, any unsold seats have to be allocated.

So...

Some travellers wait.

Then check in right at the very end. This has become known as Check-In Chicken.

I'll be honest...

I've played it quite a lot. Because I split my life between London and The Netherlands, I regularly fly easyJet and Ryanair on that route. I'm normally travelling alone, there are multiple flights every day, and if things don't go exactly to plan, I've got options.

Has it worked? Surprisingly well.

I'd say around 9 out of 10 flights, I've ended up in an exit-row seat or somewhere with noticeably more legroom.

Now...

Before everyone rushes off to try it..there is a risk, though. 

If a flight is oversold, being one of the last passengers to check in isn't a position I'd deliberately put myself in if I absolutely had to travel. If you're involuntarily denied boarding, you may have rights to compensation, rerouting and reasonable expenses depending on the circumstances and the passenger-rights rules covering your flight.

I joke that easyJet gives me a free "upgrade" when I get an extra-legroom seat.

If travelling together is important, or you absolutely want a specific seat, I'd always recommend reserving one in advance or looking at easyJet Plus, which includes seat selection on eligible bookings along with a range of other benefits.

Personally? I'm happy taking the gamble. But only because I'm travelling alone and I'm flexible. Read this next if you are flying with easyJet soon, easyJet Check-In Times Explained:“It Is Easy If You Get Here on Time or How ‘Speedy’ Is easyJet Speedy Boarding?

Plane Tip 3: Check Your Airline's Baggage Policy

Cabin baggage rules can vary enormously between airlines and getting them wrong can mean an expensive surprise at the gate.

Not sure what you're allowed to take? Use the baggage checker below. Select your airline to quickly check its cabin bag size and allowance before you pack.

Airline baggage policies can change, so always confirm the latest allowance directly with your airline before travelling.

Hand Luggage Only?

This is where online check-in really shines.

If you've already checked in and you're only travelling with cabin baggage, you'll often be able to walk straight into the terminal and head directly to security.

No check-in queues.

No waiting around.

It's one of the reasons I try to travel with hand luggage whenever possible.

Need a cabin bag that actually fits?

I've tested plenty of them. Take a look at my guide to the best cabin bags for low-cost airlines.

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What Time Do I Actually Arrive?

People always expect me to say three hours. It depends.

For European flights, I normally arrive around two hours before departure if I'm checking luggage. If I'm travelling with hand luggage only, 90 minutes is often enough.

Long-haul? Around three hours and if there's an airport lounge...I'm usually there even earlier.

Airport Lounges Aren't Just for Business Class

One of the biggest myths in travel is that airport lounges are only for Business Class passengers.

They're not. If your airport has a lounge, it can often be booked separately or accessed with Priority Pass.

Instead of sitting by Gate 42 eating a £17 sandwich...You could be enjoying breakfast, coffee, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and sometimes even champagne. I've reviewed dozens of lounges over the years, and for frequent travellers, Priority Pass can easily pay for itself.

Before Every Flight I Check..

✓ Have I compared a package holiday against booking separately?

✓ Have I checked in online?

✓ Can I check in for my return flight before I leave?

✓ Is my boarding pass downloaded to my phone?

✓ Does my cabin bag meet the airline's size and weight limits?

✓ Do I need to pre-book airport assistance?

✓ How am I getting to the airport, train, taxi or parking?

✓ Is my phone charged and my power bank packed?

✓ Do I need a travel eSIM?

✓ Does the airport have a Priority Pass lounge?

✓ Should I reserve the lounge in advance?

✓ Is Fast Track security worth booking at the time I'm travelling?

The Five Biggest Check-In Mistakes

Forgetting to check in online.

Especially if you're flying Ryanair.

Thinking check-in and bag drop are the same thing.

They're not.

Not downloading your boarding pass before leaving home.

Airport Wi-Fi isn't always reliable.

Ignoring baggage rules.

One oversized cabin bag can cost more than booking it correctly in advance.

Arriving too late.

Even if you've checked in online, security queues can still catch you out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go straight to security if I've checked in online?

Yes, if you have your boarding pass and you're only travelling with cabin baggage.

Do I need to print my boarding pass?

Usually not. Most airlines accept digital boarding passes through their app or your phone's wallet.

What happens if I miss online check-in?

Some airlines, particularly Ryanair, may charge you to check in at the airport if online check-in was available.

Can I change my seat after checking in?

Sometimes, although it depends on the airline. If seat choice matters to you, it's often easier

to reserve your seat before check-in opens.

Can I check in online if I have checked baggage?

Yes. You can normally check in online even if you have hold luggage. Once you arrive at the airport, simply take your suitcase to the airline's Bag Drop desk. You don't usually need to queue at the main check-in desk if you already have your boarding pass.

Can I check in at the airport instead of online?

Usually, yes, but check your airline's rules first. Most traditional airlines allow airport check-in free of charge, while some low-cost airlines may charge a fee if you could have checked in online. If online check-in is available, I nearly always do it before heading to the airport.

What happens if I don't check in for my flight?

If you don't check in before your airline's deadline, you may not be allowed to travel. Some airlines may still check you in at the airport, potentially for a fee, but once the final check-in deadline has passed, you can be refused travel even if the aircraft hasn't departed yet.

Can I go straight to security with hand luggage?

Usually, yes. If you've checked in online, have your boarding pass and are travelling with cabin baggage only, you can normally skip the check-in desks and head straight to security.

There are exceptions. Some destinations require additional passport, visa or travel-document checks, so your airline may ask you to visit a desk before going through security.

How early can I drop my bags?

It depends on the airline and airport. Bag Drop typically opens around two to three hours before departure, although long-haul airlines may open earlier. Some airlines at major airports keep their desks open for much of the day, while others only accept baggage during a specific window before each flight.

Don't arrive extremely early assuming you'll be able to get rid of your suitcase, your airline may not accept it yet. Ryanair opens bag drop 2 hours before departure not a minute earlier.

Can I check in the night before my flight?

Sometimes. Online check-in may already be available, and some airlines also offer Twilight or Overnight Bag Drop, allowing you to check in your hold luggage the evening before an early flight.

For example, British Airways offers Overnight Bag Drop for eligible flights at airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and London City. Availability and times vary by airline, airport and departure time, so check before making a special journey to the airport.

Why do airlines make you check in?

Checking in confirms that you intend to travel on the flight and allows the airline to complete important passenger processing before departure.

It's also when airlines can confirm passenger and travel-document information, allocate or confirm seats, record baggage details and issue your boarding pass. For international journeys, airlines may also need to verify that you have the correct passport, visa or travel authorisation for your destination.

Airport check-in really isn't complicated once you understand how it works.

The trick isn't just checking in...

It's planning the whole journey. Compare package holidays before you book flights.

Check in online. Pack the right bag. See if there's a lounge. Little decisions like these won't just save you stress, they can save you hundreds of pounds every year.

And if you're travelling solo on easyJet or Ryanair...You now know about Check-In Chicken.

Just don't blame me if you end up in 36B instead of the exit row.

✈ More Plane Guides

• How Strict Is easyJet on Cabin Bag Size?

• Ryanair Cabin Bag Guide

• Pegasus Airlines Review

• Priority Pass Lounges UK

• The Best Travel eSIMs

• How I Compare Package Holidays Before I Book

• How I Find Cheap Flights Using Jack's Flight Club

• The Perfect Cabin Bag for Travelling with Low Cost Airlines. Cabin Max carry on Luggage

  
  

The Plane Guide to Airline Check-In: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

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