Airport Check-in
If you’re planning to travel by air, the most important thing to do before your flight is check in. Airport check-in is a vital step in the travel process, as it ensures that you have the necessary travel documents and are aware of any specific requirements or regulations.
It’s important to arrive early, so you don’t miss your flight! Most airlines require that you check in at least 60 minutes before domestic flight departure and 120 minutes before international flight departure. In this way, there will be time for ticketing, baggage handling, security screening, and boarding.
You can usually check in online or from the app starting 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before your domestic flight. If you’re checking bags, it’s best to do this at the airport counter instead of online or through an app. You’ll need your passport or other government-issued identification ready when you arrive.
Types of Check-In
Online Check-In
Online check-in is a popular option for many travelers as it allows you to complete your check-in from home or the office. This process usually opens 24 hours before a flight's departure and closes 1 hour before departure.For online check-in, you'll need your airline confirmation number and personal information. It also allows you to select your seat, pay baggage fees, and print your boarding pass.
Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
Self-service kiosks are available at most airports and are a great option for those who prefer a more hands-on check-in experience. Kiosks are typically located near the airline counters and are available for check-in 2 to 24 hours before your flight's departure time.Self-service kiosks require your airline confirmation number, government-issued ID, and travel documents.
Counter Check-In
Counter check-in is the traditional method of check-in, and it involves visiting the airline counter to check in for your flight. This option is available for check-in 2 to 4 hours before your flight's departure time.You must present your airline confirmation number, government-issued ID, and any necessary travel documents at the counter. You'll also be able to select your preferred seat, pay for baggage fees, and receive your boarding pass.
How to Check-In at the Airport
Here are the steps to follow for check-in:
- Prepare for check-in by having your passport or other government-issued identification and baggage ready.
- Decide whether to check in online, from an app, or at the ticket counter – if you’re checking bags, it’s best to do this at the airport counter.
- Use self-service kiosks to quickly print out boarding passes without directly interacting with an airline representative if available.
- Go through security screening – those with TSA PreCheck® can speed up their screening process by not removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets during their screening process.
- Proceed to your gate and board your flight!
Tips for a Smooth Check-In Process
To ensure a hassle-free check-in process, arriving at the airport early, at least 2 hours before your domestic and 3 hours before your international flight’s departure time, is important. You will have plenty of time to navigate security and airport procedures.
Pack smart and check your airline’s baggage requirements before arriving at the airport. TSA regulations, such as the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags, must be followed.
Compare The Three Ways To Check In
All three methods get you the same boarding pass. What changes is how much time you spend at the airport and what you can sort out on the spot.
| Method | Where it happens | What you need | Best suited to | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online check-in | The airline website or its app, usually from a day before departure | Booking reference or ticket number, passenger surname, and passport details for international trips | Travelling with cabin baggage only, or anyone who wants to choose a seat early | You still need the bag drop counter if you have checked luggage |
| Self-service kiosk | Kiosk machines in the departures hall | Booking reference or the passport you travel on, scanned at the machine | Printing a boarding pass and bag tags without waiting in the main line | Tagged bags are handed in at a separate drop-off desk |
| Counter check-in | The airline desk in the terminal | Passport or photo identification, plus your booking details | Oversized or unusual baggage, mobility assistance, infants, and anything that needs a human decision | The busiest option, so allow the most time for it |
How Early Should You Get To The Airport?
Airlines and airports each publish their own deadlines, and they differ by route and by season. The figures below are the guidance most commonly given in Canada and are a safe planning starting point rather than a rule.
| Type of flight | Commonly advised arrival | Why it takes that long |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic, within Canada | About two hours before departure | Bag drop, security screening and the walk to a gate that may be at the far end of the terminal. |
| Transborder, to the United States | About three hours before departure | Major Canadian airports clear US bound passengers through United States preclearance before boarding, which is an extra queue. |
| International, other destinations | About three hours before departure | Document checks at the counter take longer, and wide-body flights put a lot of passengers through security at once. |
| Peak season, holidays and long weekends | Add extra time on top of the above | Queues build quickly when schools break and terminals run at capacity. |
The deadline that really matters is the one printed on your own booking. Check-in and bag drop close well before departure, and boarding gates close earlier still, so a passenger who arrives after the cut-off can be refused even with a valid ticket. If you are unsure of the deadline for your flight, call us on +1 226-793-2017 and we will read it out from your booking.
Have These In Your Hand, Not In Your Suitcase
- The passport or photo identification that matches the name on your ticket, valid for the whole trip.
- Any visa, entry authorisation or permit your destination requires, plus proof of status if you live in Canada as a resident, student or worker.
- Your boarding pass, printed or on your phone, with the screen brightness turned up for the scanners.
- Your booking reference, which is the fastest way for staff or for us to find your reservation.
- Medication, chargers, keys, glasses and anything you cannot replace, kept in your cabin bag.
- The address where you are staying, since arrival cards and border officers often ask for it.
Small Habits That Save Time At The Airport
Check in the night before
Doing it at home turns the airport visit into a bag drop instead of a full queue.
Weigh your bag at home
Repacking on the terminal floor is stressful and excess baggage charged at the desk is expensive.
Label inside and out
A tag can tear off. A note with your name and phone number inside the case helps a lost bag find you.
Screenshot everything
Airport wifi fails at the worst moment, so save your pass, itinerary and hotel address offline.
Empty your pockets early
Liquids, laptops and loose metal sorted before the belt keeps the whole line moving, including yours.
Confirm your terminal
Large airports have separate terminals for different carriers, and a wrong guess costs a shuttle ride.
Not sure about your check-in deadline?
Call us with your booking reference and we will confirm the cut-off, the terminal and the baggage allowance on your ticket.
Call +1 226-793-2017