If you travel by air on a regular basis, then you might have encountered the terms “Online Check-in” and “Boarding Pass”.
However, if it is your first time flying, you might be asking yourself the question “is online check-in the same as boarding pass?”
Online check-in and boarding pass are two common terms in the air travel industry and they are often used interchangeably.
However, it is important to note that they are not the same thing.
Understanding these two terms is vital as it will help you avoid confusion if it’s your first time planning your trip.
In this post, we will learn more about the differences between boarding pass and online check-in, when you can use them and their respective benefits.
NO, online check-in and a boarding pass are not the same thing, but they are closely related:
Online Check-in is a process that confirms your presence on the flight and allows you to check any baggage.
During the online check-in process, you can choose a seat, add meals, opt for an upgrade, and more.
Online check-in is available for itineraries between 24 hours and 1 hour prior to your departure flight.
Boarding Pass: After the check-in process (either online or at the airport), you will receive your boarding pass.
The boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight.
It indicates your confirmed seat number on the aircraft and gate number where you will board.
So, while online check-in is a process that you complete prior to your flight, the boarding pass is a document that you receive as a result of checking in that allows you to board your flight.
You’ll need to keep your boarding pass with you at all times as you’ll need it to board the plane.
Key Differences Between Online Check-in and Boarding Pass
Timing
When to Check-in Online: Online check-in is typically available from 24 hours up to 1 hour before the flight departure.
When to Receive a Boarding Pass: You receive your boarding pass after you’ve completed the check-in process, either online or at the airport.
Documentation
Virtual vs. Physical: Both online check-in and boarding passes can be virtual or physical.
You can check in online using an airline’s website or app, and you can also receive a digital boarding pass on your mobile device.
Alternatively, you can print your boarding pass at home or at an airport kiosk.
Information Included: The online check-in process may ask for information such as your passport details and travel preferences.
A boarding pass includes details like your name, flight number, departure time, gate number, and seat number.
Airport Procedures
Online Check-in Process at the Airport: If you’ve checked in online, you can drop off any checked luggage at the airline’s bag drop counter when you arrive at the airport.
If you haven’t checked in online, you’ll need to do so at an airport kiosk or counter.
Using a Boarding Pass at the Airport: You’ll need to show your boarding pass at various points in the airport, such as security checkpoints and when you board the plane.
What Are the Advantages of Online Check-In?
Online check-in has some advantages that include:
Time Efficiency
Online check-in can save you a lot of time at the airport.
By checking in online, you can avoid the long lines at the airport check-in counters.
This is especially beneficial during peak travel times when airports can be very busy.
Seat Selection
Many airlines allow you to choose your seat during the online check-in process.
This means you can ensure you get the seat you want, whether it’s a window seat, an aisle seat, or a seat with extra legroom.
Reduced Queuing
With online check-in, you can skip the check-in queues at the airport.
If you’re only traveling with carry-on luggage, you can go straight to security after arriving at the airport.
If you have checked luggage, many airlines offer a separate bag drop area for passengers who have checked in online, which can also save time.
Mobile Convenience
Online check-in is convenient because you can do it from anywhere using your mobile device.
You don’t need to print anything out (unless you want to), and your boarding pass can be stored on your phone.
This is not only convenient but also environmentally friendly.
Advantages of the Traditional Boarding Pass
The traditional boarding pass has its own advantages that include:
Backup in Case of Technical Issues
Having a physical boarding pass can serve as a backup in case of technical issues.
For instance, if your phone battery dies or you can’t access your digital boarding pass for some reason, a paper boarding pass can save the day.
Document for Non-Digital Travelers
Not everyone is comfortable with digital technology.
For travelers who prefer not to use a smartphone or who don’t have access to one, a traditional boarding pass is a necessity.
Souvenir and Memory
For some travelers, keeping their boarding passes can be a fun way to remember their trips. They can serve as souvenirs or be included in scrapbooks or travel journals.
Common Misconceptions
Believing Online Check-in Replaces the Boarding Pass
Online check-in is a process that allows you to confirm your presence on a flight and possibly select your seat, among other things.
However, it does not replace the need for a boarding pass.
After checking in (either online or at the airport), you will receive a boarding pass, which is required to board the plane.
Assuming You Must Print the Boarding Pass
While you can print your boarding pass, it’s not always necessary.
Many airlines now offer mobile boarding passes that can be displayed on your smartphone.
This can be more convenient and environmentally friendly than printing a paper boarding pass.
However, it’s always a good idea to have a backup (such as a printed boarding pass or an emailed copy of your boarding pass) in case of technical issues.
Is Online Check-in the Same as a Boarding Pass? Final Thoughts
There you have it, the answer to the question “is online check-in the same as boarding pass?”
Online check-in and boarding passes are two distinct but interconnected aspects of the flight process.
Online check-in is a process that confirms your presence on the flight and allows you to check any baggage while the boarding pass is a document that you receive as a result of checking in that allows you to board your flight.
The two (Online check-in and the boarding pass) work together to streamline the airport experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Check-in at the Airport if I Checked in Online?
If you checked in online and do not have any hold luggage, you may not need to go to the airport check-in desk.
With your printed or mobile boarding pass, you can bypass security and proceed directly to the departure gate.
If you have carry-on luggage, you may need to go to the check-in desk to drop it off.
You may also need to visit the check-in desk if you are traveling with pets or if you discover any problems during the online check-in process.
In general, if you checked in online and do not have any hold baggage or other unusual conditions, you may be able to bypass the check-in counter and proceed directly to security.
Where Do I Get My Boarding Pass if I Check-in Online?
If you have checked in online, you can get your boarding pass in a few different ways.
Some airlines offer the option to have your boarding pass emailed or texted to you, which you can then save to your mobile device and use as an electronic boarding pass. Alternatively, you can print your boarding pass at home or work after checking in online.
If you have no hold baggage, you may be able to go straight to security and through to the departure gate with your printed or mobile boarding pass.
However, if you have hold baggage, you may need to go to the check-in desk to drop it off and get your boarding pass printed.
If you are unsure where to get your boarding pass, you can head to your airline’s check-in counter at the airport and provide your flight or booking number and identification to receive your boarding pass.
Do You Need to Print Boarding Pass After Online Check-in?
NO, you do not necessarily need to print your boarding pass after online check-in. Most airlines offer a few different options:
Digital Boarding Pass: Many airlines will provide a digital boarding pass that you can access on your smartphone through their app or via an email link.
This digital boarding pass can be scanned at security checkpoints and the gate.
Print at Home: If you prefer a physical copy, or as a backup, you can choose to print your boarding pass at home during the online check-in process.
Airport Kiosks: If you were unable to print your boarding pass at home or if you’re unable to use a digital boarding pass, you can print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk at the airport.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to have a backup (such as a printed boarding pass or an emailed copy of your boarding pass) in case of technical issues with your phone.
Also, some airports or security checkpoints may require a printed boarding pass.
Therefore, it’s best to check the requirements of your departure airport and airline.
Do You Go Straight to Security if You Check-in Online?
YES, if you’ve checked in online and have your boarding pass (either printed out or on your mobile device), and if you’re not checking any luggage, you can usually go straight to the security checkpoint.
However, if you have checked luggage, you’ll need to drop it off at the airline’s bag drop counter before proceeding to security.
Some airlines have specific counters for passengers who have already checked in online.
Please note that procedures can vary depending on the airport and the airline, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific procedures for your flight.
Also, regardless of whether you’ve checked in online or at the airport, make sure to arrive well in advance of your flight to allow time for security checks and any potential delays.
Should I Check in Online or at the Airport?
Whether to check in online or at the airport depends on your personal preferences and circumstances.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of checking in online and at the airport:
Advantages of checking in online:
- Bypassing the lines at the airport
- Ensuring better seating
- Detecting issues with your boarding pass that need to be fixed
- Saving time
Disadvantages of checking in online:
- Not being able to check in bulky luggage or a pet
- Online check-in may not be available for international flights
- Some airlines oblige you to check in online
- Sometimes online check-in is not available for special circumstances
Advantages of checking in at the airport:
- Being able to check in bulky luggage
- Being able to ask questions or resolve issues with airline staff
Disadvantages of checking in at the airport:
- Waiting in line
- Risking being denied boarding if the flight is oversold and you are among the last to check in
In general, if you have no-hold baggage and want to save time, checking in online may be a good option.
However, if you have hold baggage or special circumstances, you may need to check in at the airport.
It is also important to check with your airline to see if they require online check-in or if it is available for your flight.
What Are the Disadvantages of Online Check-in?
While online check-in has many advantages, there are also a few potential disadvantages to consider:
- Technical Issues: Problems with the airline’s website or app could prevent you from checking in online. Similarly, if your mobile device runs out of battery or doesn’t have internet access, you might not be able to access your digital boarding pass.
- Traveling with Checked Luggage: If you’re traveling with checked luggage, you’ll still need to go to the airline’s bag drop-off point at the airport, which could involve waiting in line.
- Need for In-Person Verification: For some international flights, you may be required to show your passport and visa information at the airline counter, even if you’ve checked in online.
- Last-Minute Assistance: If there are any last-minute changes or issues with your flight, resolving these might be easier at the airport where airline staff can assist you directly.
Remember, the best method of check-in depends on your personal circumstances and preferences.
It’s always a good idea to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight to allow for any unexpected
What Happens if You Check-in Online?
When you check in online, you will receive your boarding pass on your mobile phone or you can print it out after checking in.
Online check-in allows you to check in for your flight from anywhere in the world, which means there will be more seats available to choose from.
By checking in early and reserving your seat, you’ll also have less of a chance of being involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight compared to someone checking in at the last minute.
Many airlines have a separate line for travelers who have already checked-in online, which makes the bag drop process faster and gets you to the security checkpoint quicker.
If you forget to check in online or forget or lose your boarding pass, you will still be allowed to travel.
You will just have to check in as normal or have a new boarding pass printed at the airport.
The biggest benefit of checking in online is bypassing the lines at the airport, which saves you time and keeps the beginning of your trip free of unnecessary stress.
However, online check-in won’t always be available, especially if you’re traveling with special circumstances like flying with a pet.
Do I Need to Print a Boarding Pass if I Have QR Code?
No, you generally do not need to print your boarding pass if you have a QR code.
The QR code is a type of digital boarding pass that can be scanned at the airport during security checks and boarding.
However, it’s important to ensure that your device will have enough battery power to display the QR code when needed.
Also, some airports or airlines may have specific requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check with them ahead of time.
Remember, even if you’re using a digital boarding pass, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of technical issues.
For example, you could take a screenshot of the QR code or email it to yourself.
What Happens if You Don’t Check-in 24 Hours Before Your Flight?
If you don’t check in for your flight by the cut-off time, which is typically 24 hours before the flight, several things could happen:
Seat Assignment: If you fail to check in on time, the airline may release your seat to another passenger on the waiting list.
However, if there are still available seats on the flight, you may be able to check in at the airport without any issues.
Denied Boarding: You may be denied boarding. The airline may bump you to the next available flight.
Loss of Ticket Value: If you are a no-show, you’ll likely lose the value of your ticket.
Check-in Closes: Check-in closes an hour or two before flight departure.
If you’re not checked in by then, either through the app, online, or in person at the airport, you may not be able to get a boarding pass to get through security and will likely miss your flight.
Seat Grouping: If you’re flying with certain airlines like Southwest that assign seats based on a first-come, first-serve basis determined by what time you checked in for your flight.
If you check-in for your flight even five or ten minutes after that 24-hour mark, you’re going to likely get put into the B or C-section groups, which means your odds of sitting together as a group or getting an aisle or window seat are not great.
So, it’s generally a good idea to check in as soon as the option becomes available to avoid these potential issues.
How Soon Can You Print Your Boarding Pass?
You can typically print your boarding pass as soon as you complete the online check-in process.
The timing for online check-in varies by airline but generally opens 24 hours before the flight departure.
Some airlines allow you to check in and print your boarding pass up to 30 days in advance.
After checking in online, you can choose to print your boarding pass immediately, or you can choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device.
If you’re unable to print your boarding pass or lose it, you can always reprint it from another computer by checking in again, or at an airport kiosk.
Remember, while printing a boarding pass is an option, many airlines now offer digital boarding passes that can be displayed on your smartphone, which can be more convenient and environmentally friendly.
However, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of technical issues with your phone.
Can I Go Straight to Security if I Print My Boarding Pass at Home?
Yes, if you’ve checked in online and printed your boarding pass at home, and if you’re not checking any luggage, you can usually go straight to the security checkpoint when you arrive at the airport.
However, if you have checked luggage, you’ll need to drop it off at the airline’s bag drop counter before proceeding to security.
Some airlines have specific counters for passengers who have already checked in online.
Please note that procedures can vary depending on the airport and the airline, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific procedures for your flight.
Also, regardless of whether you’ve checked in online or at the airport, make sure to arrive well in advance of your flight to allow time for security checks and any potential delays.
How Early Do I Need to Be at the Airport After Online Check-in?
After completing online check-in, the time you should arrive at the airport depends on a few factors:
Checked Luggage: If you have checked luggage, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before your departure time.
Some airports have a faster luggage drop-off system for people who checked in online.
Security Check: Regardless of whether you’ve checked in online or not, you’ll need to allow plenty of time to get through security.
International Flights: For international flights, it’s generally recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.
Domestic Flights: For domestic flights, arriving two hours before your flight is usually sufficient.
Remember, these are general guidelines and actual times can vary depending on the airport and the airline.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific procedures for your flight.
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