Beginning and end of check-in for international flights. How long does it take to check in for a plane: how not to miss a flight
If a person flies on an airplane for the first time, he often has difficulties with registration. After all, checking in for an airplane flight contains many pitfalls that you need to remember so as not to waste your nerves and time.
How to check in for a flight
Before registering for a flight, you need to prepare the necessary documents in advance. You won't be able to get on the plane without them. It is better to check all documents before leaving home, so as not to return in a hurry.
Passport and flight tickets
What documents are required:
There are two ways to register for a flight:
- come to the airport and get a ticket to the terminal to purchase a ticket and receive a baggage tag;
- register in advance on the airport website online.
Checking in for a flight at the airport Method 1 - check-in at the airport:
- Find a place to check in for your flight at the airport.
- Give away necessary documents to the registration department.
- Go through pre-flight inspection and go through a metal detector.
- Submit your luggage for inspection and weighing.
- Collect your boarding pass and baggage return tag from the luggage compartment.
Appearance boarding pass Attention! It is better to put the tag in a safe place so as not to lose it. Returning your luggage without it will be a long process.
Method 2. How to check in online for a plane:
- Go to the website of the selected airline.
- Fill in the required data from your passport and select the flight direction.
- Pay by card, wallet or transfer.
- Save your ticket online or print it.
Aeroflot airline online check-in Check-in times for domestic flights
The start time of registration for domestic flights depends on:
- airline size;
- number of clients served;
- time of day (at night the number of tourists decreases and less time is required for registration)
Departure board with exact departure time How many hours in advance does registration for domestic flights begin on airline websites:
When does registration close:
How long before you start checking in for a plane at major airports for domestic flights:
Attention! On average, at almost all airports, the start time for check-in for domestic flights begins 2 hours before departure and ends 30-40 minutes before the plane departs.
For international flights
Registration for international flights on the websites of most airlines it has the same time as domestic flights. This is due to the fact that online registration most often begins a day in advance, so there is not much difference between international and domestic flights.
But at airports, the start time for processing for international and domestic flights differs, because when flying abroad, more thorough screening is required. Some additional requirements are set by the countries to which travelers want to fly. Preparing and verifying all regulations takes more time.
How many hours before does check-in for a plane at major Russian airports for international flights begin and end:
On average, at almost all airports, the start time for registration for domestic flights begins 3 hours before departure and ends 40-45 minutes before the plane’s departure.
Departure board for international flights Nuances and differences of online registration
For whom electronic check-in for a plane is not suitable:
- people with disabilities;
- family or group of more than 9 people;
- children under 18 years of age unaccompanied by parents, relatives, nannies and coaches (with a power of attorney);
- people transporting animals.
Flying on an airplane with animals Attention! If a traveler's baggage is not checked in during online check-in, then it must be checked in independently at the airport at the drop-off baggage counter. The counter accepts luggage 5 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes before departure.
Drop-off counter for luggage during online checkout If a mistake was made when checking in for a plane via the Internet, most airlines can correct it within 24 hours without additional expenses.
Application for exchange of tickets with additional fee Checking in for a flight online - main mistakes:
- Buy tickets from unreliable airlines without reviews or contacts. It is better to trust large and trustworthy companies.
- Do not carefully check your first and last name when filling out the form fields. If there are more than 3 mistakes, you will not be allowed on the flight at all. If it is less, then sometimes they can turn a blind eye to it. But it’s better to fill everything out correctly anyway.
- Always book on airline websites. But on the website of quality agencies you can save money and it is easier to get a ticket returned or replaced.
- Ignore the tariff. After all, if you can’t go later, some tickets cannot be returned. And if you choose a refundable rate in advance, then there will be no problems.
What to do if you're late?
Procedure in different situations:
| Situation | Actions |
| Late check-in before departure | Many airports have counters for late arrivals. They can register for an additional fee. But if there is very little time left before departure, then they have the right to refuse |
| Checked in, but didn't make it to boarding | You need to contact the airport employees and explain the situation. There is a chance that the person will still be jailed, but it is small |
| Late for clearance and plane | If the ticket is business class or purchased for round-trip flights, then there is a chance that company representatives will be able to put the person on the next flight. But only if there are empty seats left. If the ticket was purchased at the airport, then you need to contact the employees. If purchased through an agency, then you need to contact them |
| Late for connecting flight through no fault of my own | If the airline is at fault, then it is obliged to provide: airfare on the next flight without additional charges, free calls, a hotel room, water and food. But this only applies if the tickets were purchased for a transit flight. If not, the airline is not responsible |
Missing your flight Registration for an airplane flight is a troublesome task. But if you know all the features, then the flight will go without problems and wasted nerves.
The organization of passenger air transportation is fundamentally different, for example, from traveling by rail or water transport. It is not enough to buy a ticket and just show it to the employee before boarding. You need to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This is necessary in order to pass check-in and subsequent checks without haste before boarding the aircraft.
This is what those who haven’t registered online look like
Check-in for the plane electronic ticket is possible in two ways: at the counter and online. If you choose the second option, you won’t have to go to the airport long before departure and stand in line to check in, but if you’re flying for the first time, it’s better to go through the standard procedure. However, it is worth noting that not all passengers can check in online. Restrictions apply to the following categories:
- seriously ill people;
- disabled people;
- children under 12 years of age without adults (unaccompanied child service);
- passengers with animals;
- clients of travel agencies who purchased air tickets along with the tour;
- people who bought tickets for at least 9 people;
- passengers with oversized or dangerous cargo.
Do not be afraid! Although this service appeared on the territory of Russia relatively recently, it is designed Firstly, relieve unnecessary burden on airport workers, Secondly, to make airplanes an even more attractive mode of transport by simplifying the required stages. Therefore, online check-in for a plane is absolutely equivalent to the standard procedure.
If you choose electronic check-in, you won't have to worry about luggage. It will be enough to simply hand it over immediately after arriving at the airport at the counter with the “Drop Off” sign. Remember that the online registration procedure is available around the clock, so you can complete it at any time. Another huge advantage of registering on the carrier’s website is that you can choose your own seat.
How to register yourself
If you are wondering how to check in for a plane using an electronic ticket, it is much easier than it seems. To do this, you need to have your passport and an electronic ticket at hand; in particular, you will need two numbers: the electronic ticket itself and the flight/reservation. You just need to fill out a couple of fields, after which you will receive your boarding pass in electronic format. It must be printed and shown upon boarding. Please remember that hand luggage is not checked in and the weight of your luggage must strictly meet the requirements of the specific airline that issued your ticket.
By registering online, you can choose your seat
Online check-in on the websites of different airlines
In general, how to check in for a flight using an electronic ticket via the Internet does not differ much between different carriers, but there are some nuances that must be taken into account.
Aeroflot
This air carrier must be mentioned first, as it is the largest in Russia. The carrier’s official website has detailed instructions on how to complete self-check-in: http://www.aeroflot.com/ru-ru/information/checkin/web_checkin. Passenger check-in begins 24 hours before and ends 40 minutes before takeoff. Aeroflot allows passengers who do not accompany children under two years of age, do not transport animals and do not require additional services to register through the website. It is noteworthy that using the site you cannot independently register for flights to India and the States.
"Transaero"
Transaero Airlines allows passengers to check in for their flights 30 hours before departure. Do not delay registration until the last minute, as the function is blocked already 1 hour before takeoff. If you are flying to the United States, you must complete the procedure at least four hours before departure. Link to the corresponding section of the website of this air carrier: fly.transaerotour.com/login - due to the cessation of the airline’s operations, the page is no longer available.
"S7 Airlines"
This airline does not provide online check-in service to all destinations. The full list of destinations is listed here: http://www.s7.ru/home/online_services/online-checkin.dot#.UePmptJSj4s. Certain nuances are also indicated here. Receiving an electronic boarding pass becomes available 30 hours before departure and is blocked 50 minutes before the scheduled time. To check in your luggage in time, you need to arrive at the airport at least 40 minutes before takeoff. Online registration page: https://webcheckin.s7.ru/login.action.
"Russia"
The function becomes available one day in advance and is blocked 45 minutes before departure. It is typical for this carrier to change the gate number, so I should rely only on this boarding pass, at the airport be sure to check the board. It is noteworthy that recently you can register for a Rossiya Airlines flight on the Aeroflot website.
Online check-in for a flight is a simple procedure with a lot of advantages
"UTair"
"Ural Airlines"
Please note that you can complete check-in on the website of this carrier a maximum of 4 hours before departure. The function becomes available when there is less than a day left before the flight. Flights to Yekaterinburg have some restrictions, namely, online registration must be completed a maximum of one hour before departure, and the service becomes active (specifically for this destination) 12 hours before departure. Website: https://checkin.si.amadeus.net/1ASIHSSCWEBU6/sscwu6/checkin?ln=ru.
"Orenburg Airlines"
Even small companies, such as Orenburg Airlines (Orenair), provide online passenger check-in services. However, this is not possible for passengers on all flights. Full list located on the airline's website. Online registration of passengers for a flight becomes available 24 hours in advance and is blocked 4 hours before departure.
In contact with
Airports are generally always busy, and larger ones can be overcrowded. The flow of tourists at large airports does not stop. Often the security measures can also be quite daunting for many arrivals. This article will familiarize travelers with the rules of check-in at the airport and how long it takes to check in for a plane.
A passenger must complete several steps to check in for a flight:
- arrive at the airfield on time;
- check in luggage;
- go through customs control and head to the departure hall;
- receive your boarding pass;
- go through passport control.
All airlines require their passengers to check in early before flying. Check-in for a flight can be done in one of three ways:
- Online via the Internet at official portal air carrier.
- At the airport check-in counter.
- Through a travel agency.
Check-in at the airport for domestic flights ends strictly 40 minutes before. Therefore, it is imperative that the passenger reaches the airport on time with sufficient time to complete check-in. Airline staff strongly recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight to ensure you have enough time to complete the entire procedure.
Rules of conduct at the airport terminal
Beginning of registration - main stages
Online check-in for a flight is available through the official website of the airline company. The passenger receives an email in advance indicating what time the plane departs and when online check-in opens. This notification usually comes 24 hours before the flight departure. The process is quite simple. The passenger can register at home after entering his own data, which is indicated in the passport.
You are then given the option to download your boarding pass, print it on your printer, or send it by email. Check-in for international flights ends immediately 4 hours before flight departure. The passenger must arrive at the airport 2 hours before check-in closes.
Important! Passengers who did not have time to check in online for a UTair airline flight can complete the procedure directly at Pulkovo Airport.
Many people wonder how this process works and whether it takes time to receive an itinerary receipt for a flight. There are special self-service points in the departure hall. These touchscreen machines look like ATMs and are located near the check-in counter in departure lounges.
Checking in at the airport for a plane using one of these devices is quite easy. To do this, you just need to click on the FlySafair icon and follow the simple instructions. The printout will be identified using your personal booking number, a six-digit code found at the top of the itinerary receipt.
How long does it take to complete all procedures?
Registration time. When to arrive at the airport
Many beginners do not know how to behave before a flight. In order not to panic, you need to arrive at the airport in advance and calmly go through all the procedures. At any airport, passengers are required to:
- Passport. To fly within Russia you need an internal passport. You definitely need to take a foreign passport to another country. The domestic Russian one can come in handy if documents are stolen abroad, but even then it’s easy to get by without it.
- You will be asked for a ticket at the airport at check-in. In fact, there are a lot of airlines that only check in using your passport, because the ticket information is stored in a database. But it’s better to print it out anyway or save it on your smartphone until check-in at the airport begins. And if you fly on board Ryanair, you need to check in for your flight online and be sure to print out your boarding pass a few hours before departure. Otherwise, the air carrier's employees will not allow you to board the plane or you will have to pay a fine.
Note! For children, a different set of documents is required.
This includes:
- Child's passport. Domestic - if you are traveling around Russia, foreign - if the trip is planned abroad.
- Birth certificate. Border guards occasionally ask for it to ensure the accuracy of the information. And with a birth certificate with a stamp or an insert about citizenship, a child under 14 years old will enter a country where they are allowed without a foreigner. For example, to Belarus.
- Consent to travel if the child is traveling without parents: with a nanny or grandmother. If children cross the border with one of their parents, consent to leave is not required.
Airport terminals - requirements and rules
Differences in check-in procedures at different airports
All passengers are subject to the same system at the airport before boarding a domestic flight. Passport and security control may take some time, for example 1 to 2 hours depending on the queue. After the passenger passes security, he is allowed into the departure hall. This is a special area where passengers can wait until check-in is completed.
Passengers on international flights are subject to increased scrutiny. Each person undergoes mandatory customs control, security control, and passport control. Many inexperienced passengers ask the question: how many hours before does boarding begin? To pass all types of control, you must arrive 2.5 or 3 hours earlier. Passengers on domestic flights may arrive at the airport a little later, for example, 2 or 1.5 hours before departure.
Requirements of air carriers for registration on low-cost airlines
The registration desk at Domodedovo, Vnukovo or Sheremetyevo is the traditional and most famous type of registration, which does not lose its popularity to this day. It is especially suitable for those who are making their first flight, since the entire process is guided by trained personnel and errors are excluded.
This type of registration has many other fans - after all, interaction with people is often preferable to using technology. Additionally, for some passengers, depending on the airline's requirements, this may be the only suitable option. However, today there are low-cost airlines that dictate their own rules, which every passenger must obey.
What requirements do low-cost airlines have?
How long does it take to check-in for a low-cost airline flight?
Low-cost airlines (lowcosters, low-cost airlines, discounters) - this is what today is commonly called budget airlines that offer cheap tickets with a minimum set of additional services.
When purchasing a ticket from a low-cost carrier for both domestic and international flights, you should carefully consider the choice of services and fare conditions of a particular airline. Many travelers do not like to use the services of low-cost airlines in the direction Moscow - Barcelona or St. Petersburg - Paris due to several factors.
If online check-in for major air carriers is always free, when checking in at the airport Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizzair, Vueling and other airlines charge an additional fee of €50*, and the American Spirit Airlines - 10 USD*. Moreover, Ryanair closes online check-in 4 hours before departure. If there is no printout (according to the ticket number) at the airport, the passenger will have to pay a fine. Since check-in at the airport is carried out exclusively with an electronic ticket.
How to stay calm when boarding a plane
Even though flying can be an exciting adventure, it can cause fear in some people. There are many different events that force people to travel by air. Air transport is considered to be the safest than any other mode of transport. The number of car and train accidents is much higher than the number of plane crashes.
Traveling is great as long as you don't find yourself in a stressful situation. Package tourists are protected from surprises, their route is strictly regulated: passport control, baggage claim, tour operator representatives, a shuttle for twenty people and a hotel that you don’t have to leave.
What is left for those who arrive at an unfamiliar airport in Europe, not knowing the language, and simply want to find a way out after landing without incident? Indeed, for many tourists, even an aggressive offer from taxi drivers and snatching of luggage from their hands is already a sufficient reason for stress. If panic sets in, then you need to pull yourself together.
You need to come to terms with the fact that none of the airports in the world has a perfect signage system. Even if a person speaks perfect English, you often have to look for signs throughout the building and you can lose your route.
Note! It’s better to study the airport map in advance, save it to your phone or sketch it rough plan. This will help you find your way in an unfamiliar place.
In conclusion, it should be noted that while at the airport you need to calm down. People are susceptible to anxiety, this happens to many. None of the employees are interested in the traveler getting lost or missing the flight. There is no hopeless situation, as airfield workers will help in any situation. It must be remembered that the traveler’s main enemy is panic.
*Prices are current as of August 2018.
After completing the check-in procedure and other formalities before departure, you go directly to the departure area or waiting room, where you will wait for the boarding announcement. Even if there is enough time left before departure, you won’t be bored there - in the departure area there are cozy cafes and duty-free shops for shopping lovers. To avoid unforeseen situations and not to be late for departure, it is worth knowing what time boarding begins. As a rule, boarding of the plane is announced after the completion of the passenger check-in procedure for the flight. Having arrived in advance at the waiting room where the “gate” or gates are located, the first thing you have to do is find your gate, so that you don’t have to look for it at the last minute and, God forbid, get lost. Once the required gate has been found, you need to check the flight number on the sign at the gate with the number indicated on the boarding pass. The data must match.
Important! Gate numbers sometimes change for unknown reasons, so it is important to arrive at the boarding gate no later than half an hour before departure and constantly monitor the announcements and information on the board.
Boarding pass
Without a document such as a boarding pass, you will not be allowed to board. It is issued to each passenger after completing the registration procedure. If check-in is successfully completed through terminals or the Internet, you can print your boarding pass yourself. You can do this in the following ways:
- at the registration desk at the station;
- via terminal self-registration for a flight;
- via an online service.
In unforeseen situations, when your boarding pass is forgotten at home, or for unknown reasons it becomes damaged (it gets wet, torn, wrinkled), you always have the opportunity to print out a new one. This document contains important information for passengers:
- flight number (denoted as Flight);
- number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin (Seat);
- Boarding time & Gate closes, sometimes only one thing is indicated, for example, the start time of boarding;
- Gate number for passengers to board.
You should always keep your boarding pass handy along with your passport, as sometimes your identity documents may be double-checked before your flight.
Features of boarding passengers on an airplane
The boarding pass must indicate the start time of passengers boarding. This information will be announced over the airport's public address system several times, but it is better to arrive five to ten minutes earlier than the time indicated on the ticket so as not to be late. Upon arrival at the gate or “gate” leading passengers to board, it is important to double-check your flight number and gate number to make sure you are on the right track. When exiting, you will be required to present your boarding pass, and in certain cases, your passport (more often than not, your identity document is checked before boarding on domestic flights). The ticket has two parts, the larger one will be torn off and the smaller one will be left to the passenger. To be sure, this part of the ticket should be checked again - it contains information about the luggage (luggage tags), which will make it possible to identify and find your suitcases among the luggage upon arrival.
After passing through the Gate at large airports, you will board the plane either by bus, which delivers all passengers on the flight to the ramp, or along an accordion air corridor connecting directly the station terminal and the aircraft. Having climbed the stairs or walked along the “sleeve” to the plane, you will be warmly greeted by flight attendants who welcome you on board the plane and will help you find and take the seat in the cabin indicated on your boarding pass. Hand luggage should be carefully placed on the shelf to avoid inconvenience and discomfort during the flight.
Start and end time of boarding
As a rule, the exact start and end time for passengers boarding an aircraft is indicated on the boarding pass, written on all the airport’s numerous information boards, and announced verbally over a loudspeaker. But you don’t have to look at your ticket or wait for an announcement to rationally calculate your time and not be late for boarding. For those unlucky enough to be late due to their own fault, the ticket price will not be refunded. It is worth taking care of timely arrival at the desired gate in advance. You just need to know the departure time of the plane and the end time of passenger check-in.
Attention! International flights board 10-20 minutes earlier than domestic flights.
Passengers traveling internationally should arrive at the gate no later than 40 minutes before departure, while those traveling domestically should arrive at the gate half an hour before departure. At small airports, boarding sometimes begins 20 minutes before departure, if we are talking about domestic flights, and in 30 minutes if it is international. This is due to the fact that in international airports Often there is a long queue, and in smaller ones there is a smaller one, so the check-in procedure and subsequent boarding takes much less time.