Quoting DAL763ER (Reply 33):
Why does it matter when you find out the gate?
In an airport like
LHR, it matters a lot, especially when you're in
T5. We're talking about making it to the gate in time, when e.g. you have to change from T5A to T5C. Not everyone knows the airport inside and out. In my case, even when I connected through T5A, last time I was in
LHR, it was still a long way from where I was near security to my gate, and not knowing T5A, I feared it would be a very long walk across the terminal. Do that in small airports, where you don't have to walk long distances or change terminals, not in big airports with multiple terminals and at times often complicated terminal transfers.
On the flipside, when I connected via
EWR, the boarding pass said that the departure gate could change. So while a gate was named on the boarding pass, I knew I had to doublecheck the departures board and was easily able to find my final departure gate. Only short notice changes were announced via PA. By comparison, of all the big airports I've been,
DFW,
EWR and
FRA are much more customer friendly in that regard than
LHR or any other airport that has this silly rule of announcing the gate 60 minutes prior to departure. Not idea about
AMS, last time I was there, I was too little to remember the overall experience.
FAQs
Once you've checked in, the airline knows you're definitely coming aboard and will make sure you're aware if there are any changes. Essentially, when you check in early it “reconfirms” your flight and puts you in the perfect position to get any last minute updates.
What happens if you don't check-in online 24 hours before your flight? ›
If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.
Why do airlines want you to check-in the day before? ›
"So, if you check-in for your flight, even five or 10 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. Especially if it's a packed flight."
What does 24 hour check-in mean for a flight? ›
If you check in on the app exactly 24 hours in advance of scheduled departure (and I mean exactly, by the second), you have a chance to get a better boarding position. If you wait 5 minutes you're probably looking at middle seats on a full flight.
Is it OK to check in 2 hours before flight? ›
While the rule of thumb is to be at the airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul departure, there are plenty of things you can do to streamline – and speed up – your airport experience.
How many hours should you be at the airport before departure? ›
When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).
Is it better to check in online or at the airport? ›
For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.
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.
Why do airlines not let you check in online? ›
Reasons might include: if you have more than one passport, if you're a certain nationality, if your flight was booked at the very last minute, if your flight was booked by someone else, or if you have the same name as a person of interest.
What's the point of checking in early for a flight? ›
Checking in early has numerous advantages that often outweigh the downsides, such as reduced waiting times, better seat options, and peace of mind.
Checking in for a flight early or late comes down to more personal preference than anything else. As long as you check in before the window closes, you'll (most likely) get a seat on the aircraft. But, being strategic, one way or the other, might bag you a better one.
What is the best day to check for flights? ›
No single day of the week is best to book a flight. You can find deals any day of the week since flight prices fluctuate with demand. Airlines might offer sales, increase the number of seats on a route or even lower prices to match a competitor, so there's no actual pattern in what day of the week has the best deals.
Why is check-in 24 hours before? ›
Check-in deadlines allow airlines to to load luggage onto the plane, offer potential unclaimed seats to stand-by passengers, and to finalize documentation for take-off.
What do you mean by 24 hours check-in check out system? ›
24-Hour Flexible Booking Advantage
Check in at any time and stay for the next 24 hours. Arrive and depart on your schedule, ensuring convenience and ease during your stay.
How many hours before departure can I check-in? ›
Most airline check-in counters open at least two hours before your flight, and some also offer early and online check-in. We encourage you to check in at least two hours before your departure time.
Do you need to check in at the airport if you checked in online? ›
I have checked in online and have no hold baggage, do I need to go to check-in? If you have checked in and have a printed or mobile boarding pass and are not checking in any hold luggage you can go straight to security and through to the departure lounge.
