Mobile Flight Check-in
Registering for a flight online is super easy. It's like ordering a taxi or food delivery! It's surprising that many travelers ignore this opportunity: though it would seem, what could be faster than two clicks on a smartphone. We tell you how to check in for a flight online and what advantages this method offers.
Why is online check-in needed?
It's simple: with online check-in, airlines save money. Less paper, fewer staff at check-in counters, less time. Costs decrease, which means passenger fares also decrease. This is why for many low-cost carriers, online check-in is a mandatory condition.
Furthermore, when you check in in advance, you confirm your arrival for the flight. This helps companies analyze aircraft load and plan new schedules.
You can choose a seat on the plane
The main advantage: you can choose where to sit yourself. There's constant debate about which seat on the plane is the best: some like to sit by the window, some in the aisle, some near the lavatory to avoid strolling back and forth through the cabin. Online flight check-in is an excellent way to control the process yourself and secure a comfortable seat. Additionally, some airlines offer their passengers the opportunity to get a first or business class upgrade at a discount.
Choosing seats in advance is convenient if you are flying with a large group and don't want to be separated during the flight; or, of course, if you have a child. Usually, online check-in is free, there are exceptions, but the amount is typically symbolic: up to approximately 500 rubles.
There's an important nuance: check-in usually opens exactly 24 hours before departure. This means that if your plane departs at four in the morning, you'll have to wake up at four in the morning the day before — otherwise, the best seats will be quickly taken by proactive passengers.
No need to stand in line for a long time
The ideal situation: you arrive at the airport, drop off your luggage at lightning speed, go through security, and then head off to drink coffee or browse duty-free. Modern airports have drop-off counters where luggage is accepted from pre-registered passengers. Queues at these counters are always shorter.
If you complete online check-in for your flight, all pre-flight formalities will take much less time. And if you're flying with hand luggage, you'll be able to avoid queues altogether.
You can arrive at the airport later
Offline check-in usually starts three to four hours before departure. To avoid getting stuck in a long queue, you need to arrive when check-in opens. The earlier you take care of booking seats on the plane, the longer you can sleep in the morning if you have an early flight. Or you simply won't be nervous, rushing, and frantically asking the taxi driver to “drive faster”.
You won't be affected by overbooking
Sometimes more people show up for a flight than there are seats on the plane. This is called overbooking — a situation where an airline deliberately sells more tickets to avoid leaving empty seats on board, because some passengers will definitely get sick, change their minds about flying, or miss the flight. In short, it's a gamble on the human factor.
Overbooking also occurs if a large plane is suddenly replaced by a smaller one at the last minute — in this case, those who checked in online will get on the flight. Others will be offered to change tickets or receive a refund.
Overbooking is a problem for charter flights. Such flights often go to popular resorts like Turkey and Egypt, so if you're planning a vacation, be sure to check in for your flight in advance, otherwise you might miss out on your holiday.
There is an opportunity to use additional services
In addition to online check-in, airlines offer various services that will make your flight more comfortable. You can choose your in-flight meal: dietary, standard, vegetarian, or one that aligns with your religious beliefs. There's also the option to visit a business lounge, upgrade your flight class, or arrange insurance.
An important and popular service is the transport of luggage that does not fit airline standards. Directly on the website, you notify the carrier that you will have an additional suitcase, and sometimes you pay there as well. We have already written about how excess baggage is calculated on a plane here.
Important: special meals must be ordered in advance; airlines usually specify the exact time in the additional services section. You can place a meal request along with your online flight check-in — exactly 24 hours before departure.
You can earn miles for mobile check-in
Miles are bonuses awarded for purchasing airline tickets or additional services. They can easily be used to pay for new tickets, in full or in part. Some carriers give miles for checking in for a flight online. It is beneficial for airlines to know in advance whether to expect you or not: this helps assess the aircraft's load.
How to complete online check-in: instructions
1. Typically, online check-in for a flight starts 24 hours before departure. Sometimes, some carriers open check-in two days in advance. In Europe, some budget airlines (easyJet, Wizz Air) allow passengers to check in online 30 days prior.
2. To complete mobile check-in, you need to go to the airline's website. In the online check-in section, you will be asked to enter your first and last name (most often in Latin characters — here we explain how to avoid transliteration errors), booking code, or ticket number. Sometimes they request passport data or something else — for example, the flight number. Major Russian carriers — Aeroflot, S7, Pobeda — have mobile applications where you can also check in.
3. As confirmation, you will receive a boarding pass via SMS or email. Airlines are increasingly scanning electronic boarding passes from a screen or as a QR code. Just in case, it's worth having both options with you: paper and electronic. If you're worried about difficulties, simply print the pass on a printer in advance.
4. If you are flying with hand luggage and have completed mobile check-in, you can save time and proceed directly to passport and customs control. And then — to duty-free shopping.
5. If you have suitcases, you will need to use the drop-off counter for baggage drop. Queues there are shorter than at regular check-in counters.
6. Online flight check-in is prohibited if you are transporting weapons, musical instruments, or require medical assistance service at the airport.
7. There's no need to be afraid to complete online check-in for a flight using your ticket number: it's very simple and accessible. The seat selection process is similar to how you choose tickets for a movie or a theater. Airline websites always have instructions on how to do everything without mistakes — you can read an example on the Aeroflot website.
