The first time you use automatic check-in at the airport it seems like no one is in charge, and everyone knows what to do except you. How to get savvy with the process of checking your bags and getting your boarding pass.
Note that different airlines and even airports will have differing steps in this check-in process, so use these tips as a guideline, not the gospel:
- Wait in line for a check in monitor to be available. This can be confusing with people clumped up every which way. Keep alert.
- Stand in front of the monitor and either swipe your credit card, or choose to manually enter one of the following - Itinerary Number, Flight Number or Destination City/Airport Code (for example, "LAX" for Los Angeles or "SEA" For SeaTac/Seattle).
- Confirm your ticket information.
- Indicate number of bags to be checked in.
- Select a new seat location if desired (there is a screen to show where you are currently assigned to sit, and all remaining seat availabilities).
- Upgrade your flight now if desired. Often this is the best way to land a great deal for First or Business Class.
- Wait for your Boarding Pass to print out. If you have a connecting flight, make sure you wait for your second ticket to pop out!
You're not done yet. You still need to mill around with everyone else and wait for your name to be called. Once called, step forward for more instructions:
- Acknowledge your name and place check-in bags on the scale. Domestic US flights allow two bags at under 50 pounds per person. There is a fee for heavier baggage.
- make sure you have luggage ID tags attached before those bags are hauled off by the attendants. It's best to have done this before check-in, or while you are milling around, rather than hold up the lines.
- At this point handlers will take your bags, or you will be instructed to haul them to a scanning area, where then someone will take your bags.
- Take your Boarding Pass and head for your Gate. Gate numbers should be on the pass, or you can ask your attendant while you are still in line.
- Make sure your Identification and Boarding Pass are out and ready to hand to officials at your Gate.
That's it. It goes a lot smoother once you've done it once or twice. The next step is making it past security. Since all these sometimes awkward steps are to ensure easier and safer plane travel in our post 911 world, it's hard to complain about learning new tricks.
