Airtran at airport check-in question

[jlw29]

A bit of an odd question --

How EARLY can you check in for a flight at the airport counter? I know you have to be there at least 45 minutes before your flight, but can you check in the night before? We are travelling on a group reservation and have to check in at the airport for an early morning flight. The night before, we are staying at the hotel attached to the airport and it would be easy to check in before going to the hotel. I haven't used terminal check in since before 9/11, only online!

Thanks!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Can't remember where I read it, but I'm pretty sure it's 4 hours before your flight.

 

[Big Willie]

You cannot check luggage earlier than 4 hours but you can go and quote check-in, print board passing, choose seats at the 24 hour point. I have had "TSA Issues" which have me flagged so that I cannot check-in online with Airtran and Continental (on every other airline I'm fine). SO I go to the airport the night before and get my passes, etc.

 

[jlw29]

Thanks for the info! We do have luggage to check in, but I still may go to get our boarding passes etc to make sure at least the 2 little kids aren't by themselves.

 

[dudspizza]

Thanks for the info! We do have luggage to check in, but I still may go to get our boarding passes etc to make sure at least the 2 little kids aren't by themselves.

Why not just do online check in at the 24 hour mark? Seats are assigned at that time (if you haven't prepaid for them) and if you need to make changes, then get to the airport early.

Duds

 

[disneychic2]

That's what I was going to suggest. I always do the 24 hour check in and get seats together. You don't have to physically be at the airport and can check your bags once you get there. Works great!

 

[TaraPA]

You can check-in (minus luggage) at the airport counter 24 hours prior - BUT make sure you check when AT reps are at the airport. Our airport is very small & there isn't anyone at the AT counter unless a flight is coming or going, which for us isn't even every day of the week.

 

[Lewisc]

The OP is traveling on a group reservation. Passengers traveling as a part of a group of 10 or more aren't allowed to use online flight check-in.

Why not just do online check in at the 24 hour mark? Seats are assigned at that time (if you haven't prepaid for them) and if you need to make changes, then get to the airport early.

Duds

That's what I was going to suggest. I always do the 24 hour check in and get seats together. You don't have to physically be at the airport and can check your bags once you get there. Works great!