What happens if you don't online check-in?

Consequences of Failing to Check-In Online

In today’s digital age, online check-in has become an essential tool for air travelers. It offers convenience and efficiency, allowing passengers to select their seats, print boarding passes, and expedite the airport check-in process. However, failing to check in online can have significant consequences.

Missed Seat Assignments

Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before a flight. If you fail to check in during this period, your seat assignment will be automatically generated by the airline. This means that you may end up with a less desirable seat, such as a middle seat or one with limited legroom.

Longer Airport Lines

Checking in at the airport requires you to queue up at the check-in counter. During peak travel times, these lines can be notoriously long. By failing to check in online, you could potentially spend valuable time waiting in line, especially if the flight is fully booked.

Risk of Missing Your Flight

Overbooking is a common occurrence in the airline industry. When a flight is overbooked, the airline may deny boarding to passengers who check in late. If you fail to check in online, you may increase your risk of being denied boarding if the flight reaches capacity.

Additional Costs

Some airlines charge a fee for checking in at the airport. If you incur this additional cost, it could negate the potential savings of not checking in online.

In summary, failing to check in online can lead to a number of undesirable consequences, including missed seat assignments, longer airport lines, the risk of missing your flight, and additional costs. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, it is highly recommended that passengers check in online as soon as possible after booking their flights.