On-line check in

[Dopey Sharon]

DH & I are on an 8:15am flight out of Philly, on Sunday. Our flight is sold out, plus it's going to be one of the busiest travel days, according to an article in last night's newspaper. I can check in and get our boarding passes, on line, 24 hours before. I've never done this before and I'm not sure if it's something I should do, considering the crowds that will be at the airport. We still have two bags to check, so it's not like we can just go through security to the gate. Will I be saving any time standing in lines by using online check in, or, since we will have to check luggage, have to wait in the lines anyway. Thanks!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

We always print our boarding passes from home when we travel . You will also be able to pick exit rows since it is 2 adults traveling. Make sure you do it right at the 24 hr mark if you want the "exit rows". It is very easy to do from home and we have gotten exit row seats with Continental the last 5 times we have flown.

We always just use carry on's so we go right to the security check pts. You should be able to use "sky caps" for your checked luggage though. That will save you time from waiting inside. You may also be able to use the kiosks for your luggage also. Check with your airport.

 

[CarolMN]

Agree with Nick. Use the online check in just to ensure you have a boarding pass with seat assignements. Even if you can't get the EXIT rows, you'll have seat assignments. That will significantly decrease the possibility that you will get bumped or not seated together.

When flights are sold out, the last to buy do not get seat assignments right away - they are assigned at check in and it is not always possible to seat parties together. If you have a boarding pass (and the online system works correctly), your seats are a lot less likely to be "given away". It isn't uncommon for gate agents to do that if you haven't checked in yet and there are people without seats.


Of course, you should still allow plenty of time to get through security. If the line for curbside bag check isn't too long, my advice is to check your bags there. A tip is appropriate.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Thanks for the replies! I'll be using online check in and checking my bags with the skycap at the curb. One question, though. I already have our seats. I was able to pick them when I got our tickets. How can they give them away? They are already paid for. Aren't we guaranteed seats, unless, of course, we don't check in until a half hour or so before the flight leaves. I wasn't aware that they can do that.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by Dopey Sharon
I was able to pick them when I got our tickets. How can they give them away? They are already paid for. Aren't we guaranteed seats, unless, of course, we don't check in until a half hour or so before the flight leaves. I wasn't aware that they can do that.

Airlines always leave exit rows open until 24 hrs before(and elite flyers-Gold,Platinum,etc) and make sure they are adults sittting there. They will just re-assign your earlier chosen seats to people checking in late.

 

[DebbieB]

I used USAirways online check-in a couple of times this month. On a flight to Orlando, I was in row 32 of 33. I pulled it up right at the 24 hour mark and it showed seats in the exit rows open but it would not allow me to pick them. No other seats were open, so I was stuck with 32 (took 15 minutes to get out, I timed it!). I tried again at the airport, but it was full (they asked for volunteers). I used it again on a trip to Hartford last week, I was able to move up from 14F to 6F (plane was at least half empty).

Dopey Sharon - the airline has the right to move your seats, especially if there are equipment changes. I would check your reservation every so often, to make sure your seats are still together. More than once we've been moved and separated.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Dopey Sharon - the airline has the right to move your seats, especially if there are equipment changes. I would check your reservation every so often, to make sure your seats are still together. More than once we've been moved and separated. [/B]

I will definitely be getting up early Saturday to check in online! Thanks for the info, everyone!

 

[dylansdad]

Hey neighbor, what airline you flyin? We used Airtran in Oct and online check-in is great!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by dylansdad
Hey neighbor, what airline you flyin? We used Airtran in Oct and online check-in is great!

We're flying with USAirways this trip.

What would happen if I used the online check in and something happened that we didn't make it to the airport on time and missed our flight???

Where are you in New Jersey?

 

[dylansdad]

right next door in Clayton. Same thing that would happen if you missed flight without them.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by dylansdad
right next door in Clayton. Same thing that would happen if you missed flight without them.

Thanks. I've never missed a flight...I'm guessing we would just take the next plane, if seats are available?

Howdie, neighbor! It sure is a small world, huh? lol I can't wait to leave tomorrow....it is so cold here today!

 

[dylansdad]

Brrr! Lots warmer where you are headin. Have a great trip!