What to do at the airport if you have checked in on line

[stephensmum]

We have always just checked in at the airport but this year we are going with Virgin (Man-MCO) & are hoping to check in on line both ways. I imagine the system will guide us through the on line bit but wondered what we do at the airport? Can anyone help with this?

 

[Kath2003]

Drop your bags.

Go through security.

Buy a book.

Chill out

 

[scojos]

drink cocktails
shop
eat overly expensive and very poor food?

 

[PJB71]

Hi

We always book into the executive lounge, eat and drink as much as you like!!!

Think it was £17 pp when we went in December

 

[linney94]

We have always just checked in at the airport but this year we are going with Virgin (Man-MCO) & are hoping to check in on line both ways. I imagine the system will guide us through the on line bit but wondered what we do at the airport? Can anyone help with this?

Just read this post,and was wondering... My I.T. skills are only average! if I decide to do on-line check in(flying Virgin Gatwick-MCO)do you think I will encounter a problem I am unable to deal with? If I begin this and then realise I need to do personal check-in can I just stop on line and close down? Any advice will be appreciated,thank you.

 

[stephensmum]

We have always just checked in at the airport but this year we are going with Virgin (Man-MCO) & are hoping to check in on line both ways. I imagine the system will guide us through the on line bit but wondered what we do at the airport? Can anyone help with this?

What I actually meant was where do I drop the bags? do you have a separate place to the airport check in to let them know you have arrived? I presume you don't just join the normal queue?

 

[scottishgirl87]

What I actually meant was where do I drop the bags? do you have a separate place to the airport check in to let them know you have arrived? I presume you don't just join the normal queue?

Will be keeping an eye on this thread as I've been thinking similar thoughts! Have only done online check-in with Easyjet before and even then had to go to the desk as normal! Although I'm flying with Continental rather than Virgin but I imagine it'd be similar.

 

[Rosetta89]

bag drop, security, food, bathroom, whatever else until loading time
we stood in the same security and bag drop line as everyone else but did not have to go wait in line at a check in desk after like others did.

 

[Dimplenose]

I've only flown from Gatwick and with Virgin but when we did on-line check-in in 2005 there was a special desk to drop off our bags. There was no-one else in the queue and everything was very quick.

Last year the world and his wife had done on-line check-in and those that hadn't were being directed to self check-in terminals before the bag drop. This meant that all the desks were for bag drop and the queue was as bad as when we'd checked in at the airport on earlier holidays.

I suppose it took the stress out of choosing seats and gave us a bit more time to get to the airport, but didn't seem to be any actual advantage once we got to the airport.

 

[torsie24]

We check in online for most flights, depending on airline you normally find there's an "online check in queue" where you just get the "did you pack yourselves" questions and then they weight and label your bag, and sometimes give you a proper ticket as opposed to your printed at home peice of paper. Then you're done.

 

[2Tiggies]

A lot of the airlines and airports have not made it compulsory to either check in online or to use the self check in at the airport for economy seats. I know that at Edinburgh last year (BMI) and Manchester (VA) there was only a fast bag drop for economy. PE and UC had their own desks

 

[stephensmum]

Sorry to be thick on this but I'm still unsure. If I check in on line where do I go at the airport? I Usually just look at the boards to tell me which check in desk to go to, but if I've already checked in then I don't suppose this will apply.

 

[2Tiggies]

Sorry to be thick on this but I'm still unsure. If I check in on line where do I go at the airport? I Usually just look at the boards to tell me which check in desk to go to, but if I've already checked in then I don't suppose this will apply.

It still applies. The bag drop location will be right alongside the airline's other check in counters so you still need to look for your airline on the boards above check in desks. It is exactly the same as checking in at the desk, except you will have your boarding passes. Just a little less to be done there so it will be quicker.

P.S. You are not thick! I know what to do but had a nightmare last year doing self check in at Manchester. First picked a machine that broke down during my check in process then had a problem with another one. This time I will do online like I did with the BMI flight. Easy peasy!

 

[stephensmum]

It still applies. The bag drop location will be right alongside the airline's other check in counters so you still need to look for your airline on the boards above check in desks. It is exactly the same as checking in at the desk, except you will have your boarding passes. Just a little less to be done there so it will be quicker.

P.S. You are not thick! I know what to do but had a nightmare last year doing self check in at Manchester. First picked a machine that broke down during my check in process then had a problem with another one. This time I will do online like I did with the BMI flight. Easy peasy!

Ahhh, I get it. Thanks for that, now what shall I ponder on!!!

 

[mickeyforpresident]

A little highjacking....

If you check in online, can you request the extra leg room seats (not the emergency exit ones, but the other ones!!)