Flight Web Check-in – Benefits, Process and Important Tips

Everyone wants to save some extra time, as time is considered real wealth. This is especially true when you are on a tour, no matter the purpose, whether it is for business or exploration. There are so many things that can be time-consuming for passengers, especially those where people have to get in a queue, like check-in, and for that, airlines have made a way of web check-in, which allows the passengers to avoid waiting in long queues and move quickly. In this article, we will specifically focus on the process, benefits, and some additional tips that will help you understand the Online check-in process.

What is the Flight Web Check-in?

Flight web check-in is a convenient feature developed by airlines to cater to their customers and passengers. Through this feature, passengers get the chance to check in through the official website or the official application of the Airline they are flying with. This allows them to save some time by avoiding the long queues at the counter and quickly check-in through this, which enables them to have a stress-free experience during checking-in.

Key Benefits of Web Check-in:

When talking about Web check-in benefits, there is a lot to discuss because online check-in or web check-in exposes passengers to several benefits. Let's look at some of the benefits passengers get.

• Less Time-consuming: When passengers go for web check-in, the first and best advantage they get is saving some extra time. They can avoid the long queues and lines at the check-in counter and move further to check-in.
• Lower fees for checked luggage: Passengers who check in through the Airline's website or application can avoid the additional fees they have to pay when they are at the counter.
• More seat selection options: Passengers have better options to choose their preferred seats during web check-in, allowing them to travel according to their preferences.
• Advantages of Priority Boarding: Many airlines allow passengers to take advantage of priority boarding after checking in online. This allows them to board their flight ahead of other passengers, giving them an advantage over others.
• Self-Baggage drop: Passengers are allowed to drop their baggage independently after the completion of web check-in because, according to the Web check-in rules, some airlines make a dedicated bag-dropping facility for their customers and passengers.

Step-by-Step process of Web Check-in:

In order to check-in online for a flight, passengers must follow a procedure of simple steps that are mentioned below in chronological order:

• Step 1: Visit the Airline's official website or application and locate the web check-in option.
• Step 2: Provide the details, including the reference number or e-ticket number and your last name.
• Step 3: On your screen, you will see some instructions you will have to follow and, at last, confirm the web check-in.
• Step 4: You can also add the services and select the seat of your preference. Once you've done this, you can download the boarding pass or print it.
• Step 5: At the airport, head directly towards security if you do not have any luggage. If you have it, drop it at the self-baggage drop and move further.

Airlines-specific web check-in policy:

Different airlines have different web check-in policies, and it can be different from a certain airline. However, in general, they are similar for the domestic routes, so we have compiled the web check-in policy of some prominent Indian airlines that operate most of the flights in India.

IndiGo

According to the IndiGo web check-in policy, passengers are allowed to check in through the online window, which is available 48 hours and 60 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure time.

Air India

Based on the Air India web check-in policy, Passengers can check in through the web 28 hours before the flight's scheduled departure time and continue until two hours are left before the flight's scheduled departure time.

SpiceJet

Spicejet web check-in allows passengers to check in through their website anytime after the booking has been made, up to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the flight.

Akasa Air

The policy of Akasa Air web check-in service is available from 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight up to 1 hour before the departure of the flight. Passengers can do this just by providing the reference number of their ticket.

Air India Express

According to Air India Express web check-in policy, passengers are allowed to check in online from 14 days before the flight's departure time to 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.

Alliance Air

Based on the Alliance Air web check-in policy, passengers must check in through the web 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight or an hour before the scheduled time of the flight.

Important Tips for a Smooth Check-In Experience:

Some tips are made for the convenience of the passengers so that they can have a smooth experience. Let's explore the tips that will ensure a smooth and hassle-free check-in experience for you.

• Take advantage of early check-in: The online check-in window opens at least 48 hours before the, so avoid getting in the queue and check in as soon as the window opens.
• Check the details twice: Providing the correct details and information is important, so it is suggested that you check your documents and details twice before submitting them. 
• Consider coming to the airport earlier: Suppose you have checked in online but are still arriving late. This way, you will not be able to take the primary advantage of the web check-in, which is saving some extra time.
• Always have a Plan B: Always have a printed copy of the boarding pass because there might be a chance when there will be some technical issue.

Conclusion

Struggling in a long queue can be exhausting and very time-consuming. For that reason, airlines have introduced this feature of web check-in, which allows passengers to avoid getting into long queues and saves them precious time as well. In this article, we learned about what web check-in is, how it is advantageous to us, and how one can do this. By knowing the process, passengers can get the upper hand over other passengers and have a hassle-free experience while boarding their flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is flight web check-in, and how does it work?

Ans. Web check-in or Online check-in is a feature or method provided by airlines that allows passengers to check in through the Airline's official website or application. Passengers must provide details such as their PNR, reference number, and surname to check in through the online window.

Q. How early can I check-in online for my flight?

Ans. The Web check-in timing depends on the policies of different airlines, but in general, passengers can check in 48 hours to 1 hour before the scheduled departure time of the flight. However, it is suggested that they check the policy on the Airline's official website.

Q. Which airlines allow web check-in in India?

Ans. Almost all the prominent Indian airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, offer web check-in. Passengers can visit their official website to access this feature and board earlier than other passengers.

Q. Can I select my seat during web check-in?

Ans. Yes, Passengers who check in online have the privilege of choosing their preferred seat. However, some airlines may charge for certain seats, especially those that offer extra legroom or have a preferred location.

Q. Do I need to print my boarding pass after web check-in?

Ans. It is not necessary to have a physical copy of your boarding pass; you can also use a digital copy on your smartphone. However, a printed copy will be handy.

Q. What happens if I forget to do web check-in?

Ans. Web check-in allows you to save some time, and if you miss that, then you will have to check in through the airport counter, get in line, and wait longer compared to the web check-in process.

Q. Can I check in online if I have checked baggage?

Ans. Yes, passengers can check in online even if they have checked baggage. Once you have checked in through the online methods, you can drop the luggage off at the baggage drop at the check-in counters.

Q. Is web check-in mandatory for domestic flights in India?

Ans. Domestic flight web check-in is not mandatory for any flight, but to gain an advantage over other passengers, it is suggested that you check in through the Airline's official website or application. In conclusion, it is not necessary, but it is recommended to do a web check-in.

Q. Why is my web check-in not working?

Ans. If the Airline web check-in doesn't work, there might be a technical issue, or your flight may have been changed. Passengers can make sure that the booking is confirmed, and they have to be in the web check-in window. Also, consider contacting the Airline's customer support team to get the proper resolution.