What is the difference between check-in and bag drop?


What is the difference between check-in and bag drop? With web check-in, all required processes are handled online in advance, except for the physical bag drop at the airport. The only reason you have to wait in line at the airport is to drop off your luggage (bag drop).


Can I check my bags 6 hours before flight American Airlines?

Yes, you may check-in for your American Airlines (AA) flight at the airport ticket counter from 45 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.


What happens after bag drop?

After check-in, you will see your suitcase go off on a conveyor belt. Depending on the airport, they will often go off to the sorting office, where either robots or staff will sort them to go off to the right plane, or alternatively be sorted and stored ready for your flight at a later time.


How much before can we check-in online?

You can usually check in online starting 24 hours before departure. If checking luggage, you will need to bring your luggage to a staffed counter or checked luggage station once you arrive at the airport. Benefits of online check-in: Avoid potential check-in lines at airport.


What is the check in process at the airport?

Checking in The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, possibly select their seat (if hasn't happened already and is allowed by airline), and check in luggage onto a plane, if desired.


Is it better to check bags online or at airport?

Prepaying for your bag online and checking in online will save you time at the airport with bag drop shortcut.


When not to check-in online?

Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:
  • Being selected for secondary screening by TSA.
  • Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you're traveling with.
  • Traveling in a large group.


How does bag drop work?

At the bag drop shortcut location, customers place their bag on the scale and scan their boarding pass at the kiosk. The United team will check the customer's ID, apply the bag tag and they're on their way!


What happens if I check-in online but have baggage?

Yes, you can use Online check-in even you have check-in baggage. Please drop your baggage at the baggage counter or the check-in counter no later than 60 minutes (International flight) prior or 30 minutes (Domestic flight) prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight.


Is online check-in same as boarding pass?

Not technically. Your boarding pass is your “ticket” to board the plane, but technically your ticket is generated as an “e-ticket,” or an electronic ticket, when you book your flight. Your boarding pass will be generated upon check-in, either online or at the check-in counter.


How early can I check-in for my flight?

The earliest you can check your bags vary based on the airline and airport policies. But in general, the earliest time you can check your bags is 2-4 hours before flight time. Some may allow up to 6 hours, but most international flights won't accept check-in earlier than that.


Is it more expensive to check a bag at the airport?

More and more airlines are charging higher bag fees if you pay them at the airport, as opposed to paying them in advance on the airline's website. For this reason, we always recommend you checking the airline web site in advance of your flight to see if you can prepay your bag fees.


Can I go straight to security with my boarding pass on my phone?

Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.


How early can you drop bags for a flight?

But in general, the earliest time you can check your bags is 2-4 hours before flight time. Some may allow up to 6 hours, but most international flights won't accept check-in earlier than that.


What are the disadvantages of online check-in?

One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.


Is it better to pay for checked bags online or at the airport?

Luggage fees
The sure-fire way to avoid this fee is to travel with a carry-on bag only. However, if you simply cannot do without your checked luggage, try to pay for the bag online, as it is typically much cheaper to purchase your bag on the airline's website rather than pay up front at the check-in counter.


Can I go straight to security if I have checked in online?

What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.


Do you really need to arrive 2 hours before a flight?

Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.


Categories