Do you check-in online even if you have luggage to check too??

[debden]

I am leaving tommorrow morning and wonder if I should check-in online even though I have luggage to check too??
Is it still a good idea??
Debbie

 

[CleveRocks]

I'm expecting someone will promptly contradict me, but I can't see any point of checking in online if you must check luggage. If you're on the type of airline where you already have assigned seats, I can't see any advantage. If there is any advantage I really want to know about it. It's rare that I'm able to fly without checking luggage, unfortunately.

-- Eric

 

[Tinkim]

Ever since we started using a skycap to check our luggage I have been checking in on-line when it is available. For me it is well worth it to use the skycap service and check the luggage in there and we already have our boarding passes so we just have to go through the security line. We live in NH and the counters always seem to have very long lines inside so it seems worth it to spend a few minutes outside checking in. Probably helps that in February it is freezing here and not too many people are interested in standing outside but it is worth it to me.

 

[DebbieB]

I use online check-in if I want to change my seat, even if I am checking luggage. For example, on my flights earlier this month on USAirways, PIT to JAX with a connection in CLT, all 4 flights I had middle seats because I booked late (business trip). On 3 of the 4 flights, I was able to change to window seats using online check-in, which I prefer.

 

[AllyBri]

I always check in online. Every once in a blue moon, I will have luggage and then I give it to the skycap.

 

[CleveRocks]

Ever since we started using a skycap to check our luggage I have been checking in on-line when it is available. For me it is well worth it to use the skycap service and check the luggage in there and we already have our boarding passes so we just have to go through the security line. We live in NH and the counters always seem to have very long lines inside so it seems worth it to spend a few minutes outside checking in. Probably helps that in February it is freezing here and not too many people are interested in standing outside but it is worth it to me.

I don't understand this. At every airport where I've used a skycap for curbside check-in, I've received my boarding pas from the skycap, printed out right at his little outdoor podium just as my airline luggage tags are printed out.

-- Eric

 

[keishashadow]

We gave up the ship on USAir after the federal reg was lifted that mandated other airlines to accept tix from bankrupt carriers. Since that time we've flown on AirTran. Although the price is right, unless you book business class there is no preassignment of seats until the day before. I understand SW is even worse with their system: call after midnight, get assigned a line, yikes?

The one time I couldn't find internet access to pick seats (the AS Mu desk said their policy prohibited guests from using the hotel internet?), when we checked in upon arrival @ the airport 6:30 a.m., we had the very last seats in the plane. Noisy, bumpy & w/o a window, what a treat!

Even though I'll be on a cruise the day before we leave, I'll make sure to find an internet connection.

 

[safetymom]

I check in online even when I have luggage. That way if I want to change seats or see if any seats are available I can see all of them and have my choice instead of the gate agent or skycap picking a seat for me.

I love travelling and making that extra stop doesn't bother me at all. I feel more in control that way.

 

[helenk]

I've always used the on line check in. However on my last trip home from WDW I used DME and they do not drop you off at your airline (which I knew).
Any way, I took my luggage to the US air check in counter and the agent there told me if you are checking luggage then you really do not need to do the on line check in.
Now of course with Southwest you would want to in order to get an "A" boarding pass.
But I can see if you are happy with your seat selection and you use curbside check in and you get your boarding pass there, really why do you need to check in on line?

 

[DebbieB]

USAirways gives 100 bonus miles for online check-in. 1,000 bonus miles the first time.

 

[safetymom]

DebbieB, I was just going to mention that you received miles if you check in online. Every mile counts.

 

[beattyfamily]

I don't bother checking in online. I have luggage, I like using curbside check in, and I never need to change my seats so the only reason I'd check in would be to earn bonus miles if offered.

 

[dadtoagirl]

I always check-in online due to the numerous time my seats have been changed and I've ended up with horrible seats. I always check-in online if my DW and DD are flying also to make sure we can sit together. I'd rather have a short stop at the skycaps vs a long wait in line at the counter with a wiggly 2 year old.

 

[branv]

My DH is Mr. fanatic about being at the airport 2 hours in advance...he likes to change his seat to get an aisle.

Since they've started doing online check-in, I've managed to get him to check-in online, select his seat, so we can at least shave that airport arrival time to 1.30 hours

We then do curbside check-in of our luggage. For just a few bucks, it is WELL worth it, and really minimizes my stress.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

As someone who usually flies on American Airlines and who usually checks luggage, I never bother with Internet check-in.

I pick my seats on AA.com, way ahead of time.

If I use a skycap, the skycap prints our boarding passes.

I often use a self-service kiosk in the terminal to print boarding passes. That's often faster than waiting for a skycap. American allows you to use self-service kiosks whether of not you are checking bags. If you check bags, you need to use a kiosk near the ticket counter; using the kiosk causes luggage tags to print.

Finally, as an AAdvantage elite member, I can use the first class line or other designated elite line at the ticket counter. Again, that's often faster than waiting for a skycap.

 

[STLmomof3]

HelenK,
Im traveling first time Southwest , so your saying I should check in online even if I have some luggage? please explain IM new to this airplane stuff, TY for your help

 

[jlovesee]

Absolutly check in online if you are using Southwest. Southwest assigns flyers into three groups, group A, group B, and group C. If you check in online the night before or early then you are almost guaranteed group A, and your choice of row or window seat. Remember Southwest if first come first serve. Plus its not near as stressful. Usually they have kiosks at the airport (we live in Kansas City a large SW city) where you can check your luggage but don't have to work about checking in.


Jennifer