How long does it take to check in for a plane? How long does it take to check in for a plane: how not to miss a flight

13.07.2020

There are 3 types of check-in for flights: online check-in, check-in at the airport counter, and self-check-in at the airport at kiosks. What do you need to know about each type of registration?

Check-in at the airport counter

On most airlines, check-in ends 40 minutes before the plane departs, and check-in starts 2-3 hours before. There is a separate counter for business class. In a rare case, if it is not there, you can go to the “stranger” without a queue.

The passenger presents a ticket, passport, and, if necessary, the following documents:

International passport.
Departure visa.
Insurance.
In case of transfer - itinerary receipt.
Documents for children (if you are flying with them), which are required by a specific air carrier.

Have scanned copies of documents; it is also advisable to have copies in email so that you can print them if necessary.

Baggage, except hand luggage, must be checked in. For weight over 20 kg per person you must pay extra. You will receive a luggage tag. Next you go through customs and passport control and a metal detector frame.

This completes the registration process. You go to the waiting room.

Online check-in

The advantages of such registration:

There is no need to go to the airport in advance and stand in line;
You can choose your seat on the plane.

To register online, you need Internet access and an electronic ticket (to identify the passenger). You will need:

Indicate last name or number credit card, through which the ticket was paid for;
Confirm flight data;
Form boarding pass.

As a result, you receive a PIN code. If the boarding pass must have a magnetic stripe, thanks to the PIN code, you can print it at the airport on a special device. If a magnetic stripe is not needed, the coupon can be printed on any printer.

This coupon must be presented:

At the reception;
When checking in baggage;
Security service (if the flight is international).

To successfully use online check-in, you need to know when it ends at a particular air carrier. Typically, you can issue and receive a boarding pass around the clock: starts 24 hours before the flight, ends 45 minutes.

Who cannot register online:

Disabled people;
Persons transporting animals;
Groups of over 9 people;
Those who don't fly regular flight;
Children flying unaccompanied by their parents.

Self-check-in kiosks at the airport

They appeared in 1998 and have been operating en masse since 2005. With a credit or bonus card you can:

register yourself;
make changes to registration information;
choose a seat on the plane;
obtain boarding passes if there are transfers;
quickly check in your luggage.

The kiosks are located in the departure lounges and all have touch screens. The sequence of working with them:

Select an airline;
Identify personal data;
Choose a seat on the plane;
Confirm registration;
Print your boarding pass.

Some kiosks do not have a baggage check-in system. In this case, it is issued at the Baggage Drop Of counter. Only e-ticket holders can use the self-check-in counter.

If the kiosk is equipped with a special baggage check-in system, the passenger will be able to check it in independently.

Check-in for airline flights

Find information about registering with carrier companies.

Aeroflot

Base airport - Moscow, Sheremetyevo. Check-in at the counter in terminals E, F opens 2 hours in advance, in terminal D opens 6 hours in advance. Ends 40 minutes before departure. Four registration options:

Priority (VIP);
Economy class;
Via kiosk;
Online.

Online registration starts 24 hours and ends 40 minutes before departure.

Website https://www.aeroflot.ru/ru-ru/information/checkin

Base airport - St. Petersburg, Pulkovo. Check-in at the airport counter begins no later than 2 hours before departure and ends up to 40 minutes before departure. “Vnukovo” - starts 12 hours before departure, counters 81-102.

"Pulkovo" - racks 221-224:

For flights SU 6001-6999 - starts 24 hours before flight departure;
For flights FV 5501-5949 - 3 hours before flight departure.

When departing from foreign airports, check-in deadlines must be clarified. The company recommends arriving at the airport 4 hours before departure. Online check-in begins 24 hours before departure and ends 45 minutes.

Website https://www.rossiya-airlines.com/

Base airport - Moscow, Vnukovo. Check-in at the airport counter begins 2 hours before departure (at Vnukovo - 3 hours) and ends 40 minutes. Information when check-in at an airport in other countries is completed is indicated on the itinerary receipt. Online check-in time: 24 hours - 40 minutes before departure.

Website https://www.pobeda.aero/

Base airport - Moscow, Vnukovo. Check-in at the counter: for domestic flights starts 1.5 hours in advance, for international flights - 3 hours in advance. Ends 45 minutes before takeoff. Online check-in time: 24 hours - 45 minutes before takeoff. Self-check-in is only possible for those who do not transport animals and do not have luggage other than hand luggage.

Website https://www.utair.ru/

Ural Airlines

Base airports are Yekaterinburg Koltsovo, Moscow Domodedovo. Passengers must arrive for check-in: for domestic flights - 1.5 hours in advance, for intercity flights - 3 hours in advance. Registration ends, depending on where the plane is flying, 1 hour - 45 minutes before takeoff.

Online check-in for direct flights starts 24 hours in advance and ends 4 hours in advance, except for flights from the following cities:

Ekaterinburg;
Moscow;
Nizhny Novgorod;
Samara;
Orenburg;
Chita;
Saint Petersburg;
Khabarovsk.

For these destinations, check-in ends 1 hour before departure.

Website https://www.uralairlines.ru/your-flight/register/

The base airport is Rostov-on-Don. Check-in at the airport begins 2 hours and ends 40 minutes before departure, unless other conditions are provided for individual destinations. Online check-in begins 24 hours before and ends 3 hours before the aircraft departs for the flight.

Website https://azimuth.aero/ru

Base airports are Novosibirsk Tolmachevo, Moscow Domodedovo. Registration opens 3-4 hours before departure. To Domodedovo - 23 hours. Ends 40 minutes before departure. Online check-in begins 30 hours and ends 5 hours before departure. Self-registration kiosks operate in Moscow, Sochi, Perm, Kemerovo, Tyumen and other cities.

Website https://www.s7.ru/

North wind

Base airport - Moscow, Sheremetyevo. Check-in for an international flight begins 6 hours before departure, for a domestic flight - 3 hours. Ends 50 minutes before aircraft departure. Online check-in starts at 23.30 and ends 4 hours before departure.

Website https://nordwindairlines.ru/

Base airport - Moscow, Domodedovo. Check-in at the airport starts 3 hours before and ends 40 minutes before departure. Online check-in begins 24 hours and ends 1 hour before departure.

Website http://azurair.com/

Red Wings

The base airport is Moscow Domodedovo. Check-in at the airport begins 3 hours and ends 40 minutes before departure. Racks 150-160. Online check-in starts 24 hours before departure and ends 3 hours before departure.

Website https://flyredwings.com/

Royal Flight

Base airport - Moscow, Sheremetyevo. At the airport, check-in for international flights begins 3 hours before departure, for domestic flights - 1.5 hours before departure. Completes in both cases in 40 minutes. Online registration begins 24 hours in advance. On currently this service is temporarily suspended.

Website http://royalflight.ru/

What to do if you are late for registration

If the plane has not yet taken off, you can get on it. During the period when there are 40-25 minutes left before departure, approach the employee at the check-in counter for late passengers. Those flying business class will not have to pay; for others, check-in will be paid. If there is no such counter at the airport, you need to contact the employees of the airline you are flying on. They will help you get on board the plane.

Flying on an airplane is quite exciting for many people. This is especially true for the first flight, when a person does not know what to do or where to go. In order not to rush around the entire airport in search of the required seat, it is worth studying in advance what actions will need to be taken for check-in and boarding. There are a number of requirements for passengers traveling on domestic and international flights. In the latter case, the requirements are much higher.

What is a boarding pass and where to get it

A boarding pass is a document that confirms the right to board an airplane. It can be obtained after registration. It can be completed in mode or in the airport building. If the passenger decides to register via the Internet, the coupon will be available for printing from a PC or other mobile device. Next, you will need to print it out to present it to specialists at a special counter. If the document is damaged or lost for some reason, you can print it again.

The ticket contains the following information:

Flight number.
Number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin.
The time when boarding begins and ends.
Gate number for passengers to board the plane.

Important! Your boarding pass and passport should always be on hand so that airport security officers can make sure that you are a passenger and not a random person who decided to walk around the airport terminal.

Registration procedure

Having a plane ticket is the right to use the flight. But you can use the right, or you can not use it. That is why, in order to board an aircraft, you must pre-register and receive a boarding pass. Here's what's included:

Sometimes this whole process takes a long time. This is why it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, despite the fact that check-in starts 2 hours before.

Important! If you are late for, you can pass it at a special counter for latecomers. But this service is relevant for those who did not have time to register and came a few minutes after the registration process was completed. If this happens after 15-20 minutes, then boarding the airliner will be denied.

If the airline's rules imply the ability to return or exchange an unused ticket for another, you should exercise this right. However, for Russia this is rarely relevant. But American airlines allow you to board the next plane that flies to the city you need, despite being late for the plane for which you bought the ticket.

How to register online

Many people register online today. It's much faster and easier. In addition, there is no need to waste time waiting at the airport. People who check in electronically often arrive at the airport an hour later than the recommended time.

To complete the procedure, you will need to go to the official website of the airline and select the required flight. It is there that you can register in a special window. Some airlines accept a photo of your boarding pass from your phone, but this is not always the case. It is worth clarifying in advance the possibility of providing a photo.

The sooner the passenger will be registered, the more chances he will have to get the best place. It usually starts a day before departure. Some operators open it 2-3 days before departure. It closes in 45 minutes.

Important features of passenger boarding

The boarding pass contains all the necessary information for passengers. To avoid problems during boarding, it is recommended to approach the desired gate 5-10 minutes in advance. You also need to make sure that the gate and landing time are correct.

Passengers will be required to present their passport and boarding pass upon boarding. And if we are talking about an international flight, then also a visa and a passport. After passing the gate, you board the plane. It is carried out by delivery by bus or through a special sleeve that connects the aircraft to the airport terminal. On board, flight attendants will help you find required space and will tell you how to behave during takeoff, landing and the flight itself.

Time frame

Not all airports begin and end boarding at the same time. However, there are some rules that apply to all airports. Below is a table with an approximate schedule.

It all depends on passenger traffic. The larger it is, the more time is allocated for registration and boarding.

Rules of conduct at the airport for beginners

Once you arrive, there is no need to panic. If this is your first flight, then follow the information boards and various signs. If they are not enough, then you can contact airport security specialists. They will help you figure out where to go, and also tell you how to correctly read the information on the board. It is recommended to read several useful articles in advance in order to clearly develop an action plan.

Here's what to do when you get to the airport:

Initially, you need to study the information on the board and find your flight in order to understand that this moment happens to him and when planting begins.
Familiarize yourself with the airport map in order to create a route in your head that you will need to follow.
Before approaching the check-in counter, you should prepare all the necessary documents, which include tickets and a passport. If the whole family is going on a flight, it is better to submit all the documents at once, rather than registering for everyone separately.
Passengers flying business class are served at a special counter where service takes place out of turn.

What to do when you have free time

Today, airports offer many different options for passengers to keep themselves busy. These include the following:

Shopping. There are really a lot of different kiosks and shops in the airport building where you can buy various goods or just look at the assortment. Prices are usually very high, due to the almost complete lack of competition.
Opportunity to relax in a cafe.
Read a book, newspaper or magazine. If you don’t want to buy them, you can take them for free at special stands.
Use Wi-Fi to work or just surf the Internet to “kill time.”
Go to duty free.

For young mothers there is a children's room where you can change the baby's clothes and do all the necessary procedures. Typically, doctors, including pediatricians, work in airport buildings. Therefore, if you have any suspicions about your health condition, you can contact them. Health care turns out to be free.

Additional Information

There are no uniform baggage requirements. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance when buying a ticket on a specific airline. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the requirements for boarding the aircraft in advance. The maximum weight of luggage in some companies may be 50 kilograms. The minimum weight is 20 kg.

It is prohibited to carry:

Various types of gases.
Explosive items and ammunition.
Steel arms.
Materials that can easily catch fire.
Objects with a strong magnetic field.
Mercury.

To prevent the transportation of prohibited substances, you must undergo inspection. It is prohibited to carry water and a number of other items in which you can easily carry prohibited items.

Pregnant women must provide a doctor's certificate confirming their ability to withstand the stress associated with flying.

Thus, in order to be in time for everything, you need to arrive in advance. Registration begins in a couple of hours, and boarding, depending on the size of the airport, takes 40-60 minutes.

Video - Checking in and boarding a plane at the airport for beginners

Video - 10 secrets about flying on an airplane

go straight to registration

If you purchased air tickets through the website, don’t forget to register online! This procedure has made life easier for hundreds of thousands of passengers who travel frequently by air. Its advantage is not limited to one point.

Pros of online registration

Any person who has flown by air at least once in his life knows that he needs to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure and stand for a long time, waiting for his turn to check in. After checking in, you receive a boarding pass indicating your seat on the plane, and it is unlikely that you will be given the opportunity to choose this seat yourself. Online check-in will save you from these problems, namely:

You don’t need to stand in line, you check in for your flight at home, via the Internet, sitting at your favorite computer (or from a tablet, mobile phone etc.);
You no longer need to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, but only an hour to check in your luggage, because you are already on the list of passengers on board. If you are flying without luggage or carry-on luggage, you can arrive even later, at the time of boarding, and go straight to the boarding gate;
You have the opportunity to choose your seat on the plane yourself and do it in advance, while good places no other passengers occupied. The fact is that a bad seat on a plane can significantly ruin your flight experience, so you should approach this issue responsibly. Especially for you, we have created a section on the website where you can familiarize yourself with seating diagrams for various aircraft.

The possibility of online check-in is especially relevant when you are late for the plane and do not have time for the “real” check-in. You can check in online using mobile internet on your way to the airport. As a rule, the closing time is 45-60 minutes before departure, that is, before the end of general check-in.

Online check-in is encouraged by all airlines, some even requiring passengers to check-in online, making traditional airport check-in a fee. Online check-in reduces airline costs.

Many people do not even know that such registration is possible. With its help you can make your flight much more comfortable.

How to register online yourself?

Nothing could be simpler. Online check-in usually begins 24 hours before departure, but different airlines differently. For some airlines, check-in opens 15 days before departure; sometimes, check-in opens immediately after purchasing a ticket. Airlines with the same type usually do this. air fleet. The name of the air carrier is indicated on your ticket. Below, under this article, there are links to online check-in for different airlines. Select the appropriate airline and follow the link.

Next, prepare your passport or other document with which you intend to fly. We also suggest that you read the article Required documents for an airplane flight. Carefully fill out the required fields and select a seat on the plane. Sometimes some places with increased comfort available for an additional fee. You may also be offered additional options, such as choosing meals or upgrading your ticket to business class.

Done: After completing all the steps, you will see a successful online registration message. A confirmation and boarding pass will be sent to your email address. You will need to print it out and have it with you in paper form, because without it you will not be allowed to board.

One option for online registration is mobile registration. Some airlines have a special mobile application for passenger check-in. If you often fly with this airline, then this option is very convenient. You only need to download and install the application on your mobile device once. It will be very easy to register later.

So, you have checked in and received your boarding pass. It must be printed. There are several ways. The most convenient thing is to print it at home (at work or anywhere) on a regular printer. If this is not possible, then this can be done at regular check-in kiosks located at the airport. At these kiosks, passengers check in on their own, but since you have already checked in, you can go up, enter your details into the terminal and print out your boarding pass. Of course, not every airline supports this option. Eventually you can go to the regular check-in counter and get your boarding pass. Some airports have terminals for printing your boarding pass. If you have the airline's mobile application installed, then after checking in you will be given a QR code. You need to go to such a terminal, touch your phone with this code, and the terminal will issue a boarding pass.

The boarding pass contains boarding time, gate and other information.

Don't forget: even after checking in yourself, you still need to check in your luggage (if you have any). For this purpose, as a rule, there are Drop Off counters, near which an airport employee stands. These are separate counters for checking in the luggage of those passengers who have independently checked in for the flight. As you might have guessed, the line there will be much shorter than at the regular check-in counter. Some airports have more modern and automated systems baggage reception, which allow you to check in your baggage yourself: you put your baggage in, present your boarding pass to a special sensor, it identifies you and your flight, if everything is correct, the machine issues a baggage tag, which must be glued to the suitcase. If you have excess baggage, you can pay for the excess using bank card.

You may think that all this is complicated and unreliable. Nothing like this. All these innovations are specially created to simplify pre-flight procedures as much as possible. If for some reason you cannot or do not want to check in your luggage using the above methods, then there is always the “old and good” way: go to the regular check-in counter and check in your luggage there. Tell the employee that you checked in yourself and you only need to check in your luggage; most likely, your luggage will be accepted without a queue.

You can check in your luggage no later than before the end of general check-in for the flight (that is, usually no later than 40 minutes before departure). If you are flying without luggage or carry-on luggage, then all you have to do is go through the gate.

We wish you pleasant flights and easy purchase of tickets with the site!

Are you planning a trip? To ensure that it brings only pleasant impressions, consider how long it takes to check in for the plane. When should you arrive so as not to get bored at the airport, but also not to run headlong to the counter?

Checking in for a plane: what is it?

If you are not an avid traveler, you may not know why you need to register. But all carriers carry out this procedure. Its purpose is to determine which of those who bought a ticket actually used the service. If unforeseen situations arise, the airline will provide information about passengers on board.

After the flight, the information remains in the databases and is stored in the archive for several years. This allows you to ensure maximum security and avoid violations of the law.

The challenges of pre-boarding check-in don't stop there: carriers cannot allow passengers to make reservations and be seated at will. After all, the weight of travelers and their luggage affects the alignment of the aircraft. The center of gravity should not shift to one point, so passengers need to be accommodated according to the specifics of the situation. For this reason, when checking in for a plane, boarding passes are issued, which indicate the seat and row.

What does a plane boarding pass look like?

During the procedure, hand luggage and baggage are weighed, since weight cannot be taken onto the aircraft without restrictions. Sometimes the process is simplified: passengers are checked in at special points outside the airport. If you are flying from Vienna or Hong Kong, you can go through the procedure in the city, check in your luggage and travel further without suitcases or bags. You will be given a boarding pass, and you will not have to stand in line just before your flight. Once you reach the airport, you will go to the waiting room.

What types of check-in are there?

Registration is of the following types:

The online procedure is available on airline websites. You can print your boarding pass or pick it up at an airport kiosk.
The mobile version will appeal to owners of smartphones and tablets. Unlike the previous type, it will not require you to print your boarding pass. An SMS will be sent to your device with a message that you will show to company employees.
Those who are not sure that they will enter personal data correctly prefer to register at the counters. The disadvantages of this method include the fact that you cannot do without standing in line.
Self check-in kiosks open earlier than counters. But the service is available only on some routes and not with all carriers. It happens that only travelers without luggage can use it.
Hotels also offer additional service. If you check in at the hotel, your luggage will be delivered to the airport without your participation. The service is offered in some hotels in Florida and Hong Kong.

Choose the appropriate method and travel hassle-free!

If you are late for your flight, the airline will not change the schedule. But those who checked in and then got carried away with shopping and missed boarding are called over the speakerphone.

Check-in rules

The length of the period in which you need to check in for a plane varies from company to company. Airports are also making amendments: international airports often have their own rules to which carriers are subject. To save yourself from unpleasant surprises, clarify the nuances.

What happens during the process: registration instructions

If you travel infrequently, then the question of how long it takes to check in for a plane will not be the only one. Make your task easier and read the instructions that describe all stages of the process.

Information table

Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the departure hall. In some cases, you will meet security representatives here. They inspect luggage and baggage to check for prohibited items. Such screening is rarely used at foreign airports.

On the board you will see the flight schedule

Any problems? Go look for the information board. It contains data about all aircraft. When you are looking for the information you need, do not rely on the columns where the arrival location is indicated: it happens that several flights depart almost simultaneously. The Scheduled column is also not the most useful at this stage, since the schedule often changes.

To get the information you need, look for the flight number column. It is designated as Flight. The flight number is a combination of letters and numbers, for example S-141. Check the company name in the Airline column.

Pay attention to the status of the procedure:

Check-in means it's already on its way;
On-time - you will have to wait for the start;
Delayed - flight is delayed;
Canceled - flight cancelled.

The inscription Gate Closed means that the boarding is completed, and Boarding means it is still in progress.

Everything is fine? Check your departure time and find the counter number. It is indicated in the Counters column.

Registration desk

Features of the racks depend on the carrier's rules. Usually work starts 3 hours before departure. Business class passengers do not have to wait in the general queue. There are separate counters for them, and if you can’t find the one you need, you can go through the procedure on someone else’s.

Prepare a package of documents in advance, which includes the following:

passport, domestic or foreign;
visa (if necessary);
itinerary receipt (required if you are flying with a transfer);
insurance document.

A ticket may not be needed, because many companies store data about it in the database. But to avoid surprises, those who bought the electronic version are better off making printouts or saving it to their smartphone.

Passengers flying with children will need to take their passports and birth certificates. An exit permit is required when a child is traveling with a nanny or relatives. If he is traveling in the company of one of his parents, no additional document will be needed.

After completing the procedure, an airline employee will issue a boarding pass, which will indicate the row, seat number and desired gate.

What to do with luggage

Baggage and hand luggage weighed on scales, with limits on weight and dimensions depending on the company’s rules. Suitcases and bags that are sent to the cargo compartment of the aircraft are affixed with a tag with a barcode. If the weight exceeds the limits set by the carrier, you will pay extra for each kilogram.

Baggage scales

You will receive a baggage receipt, and in the event of loss or damage to bags, it will become the basis for a search or financial compensation.

Customs inspection and passport control

On international flights Passengers will undergo customs inspection and passport control. You will select the desired corridor: green or red.

Who is the green corridor for?

Travelers who do not need to fill out a customs declaration will enter the green corridor. But customs officers ask to show things for inspection. When you try to enter the green corridor, the action is equivalent to a verbal statement that there is nothing to declare. If a customs officer discovers fraud, your actions will be considered a violation of the law.

Customs control upon boarding the plane

What items are not subject to declaration by flight passengers? These include the following:

cash or travelers checks in the amount of less than $10,000;
personal items with a value of up to 10,000 € and a weight of up to 50 kg;
alcoholic drinks (less than 3 liters per passenger);
cigarettes, provided that their quantity does not exceed 200 pcs.;
cigars (up to 50 pcs.);
tobacco (up to 250 g).

Conditions vary depending on which state border you have to cross.

Who is the red corridor for?

Passengers transporting goods for mandatory declaration are sent to the red corridor. You must provide accurate information and present your items to the customs officer.

At some airports you will also see a blue corridor. It is intended for EU citizens traveling within its territory.

Passport control is also carried out, and the purpose of the procedure is to verify the identity of the passenger. Employees are not authorized to check the presence of an entry visa.

When you enter the customs inspection area, you need to place your hand luggage on the belt, taking out your phone, keys, and tablet. They are placed on a special tray, where metal accessories will also go. Outer clothing is also removed and presented along with other things. You pass through a special frame: if it gives a signal, it means you have metal objects left.

Meanwhile, the luggage is scanned: at this stage, everything that cannot be taken into the cabin is discovered. If you forgot nail scissors or shampoo in your purse that should have been in your luggage, they will go in the trash.

At the end of the inspections, you will be taken to transit zone. It contains Duty stores free, where you will shop at favorable prices. Goods can be taken into the salon, but they must be packaged in special bags.

How does boarding a plane work?

Boarding the plane starts in 30-40 minutes. before departure, and you can find out its time and the number of the desired exit (Gate) from your boarding pass. Didn't find the information? The dispatcher will make an audio announcement. Also check the information boards for updates.

After boarding begins, go to the appropriate exit and present your documents to the airport employee:

boarding pass;
passport.

You will get to the plane by bus or walk along a special ramp connecting the airport building with the airliner. If you do not check in on time, the carrier has the right to put another passenger in your place.

Still have questions? Watch the video about how long it takes to check in for a plane:

End-to-end registration: what is it and why is it needed?

Passengers flying with connecting flights can check in once. This procedure is called end-to-end, and it is not available in all directions, and it is not always possible to complete it online. If such registration is technically possible, you will immediately receive several boarding passes. In the future, you will only go through security control.

A flight is called a connecting flight when you fly with a transfer, but on 1 ticket (in rare cases, exceptions are possible). It is operated by 1 airline or several carriers that are part of a common alliance.

In such cases, luggage is collected at the destination. At connecting airports, the staff reloads it into the desired aircraft without your participation.

Do not confuse a connection with a transfer! If you purchased 2 tickets from the company, but separately, the flight is not considered a connecting flight. For example, you are flying from point “A” to point “B”, but change vehicle at point "B". For a flight to be classified as a connecting flight, point B must be a stopover. Did you buy tickets from “A” to “B” and from “C” to “B”? You will be responsible for your luggage at the transfer airport and will go through all related procedures again.

Do I need to arrive at the airport a few hours before check-in?

When deciding when to arrive at the airport, be guided by the departure time. The registration procedure begins 2 hours before, but check the conditions of the carrier. Don't have time and want to know when check-in closes? Typically airlines consider 40 min. There is a deadline before departure.

Features of check-in for a plane

When asking how long it takes to check in for a plane, take into account the specifics of the carrier company. Rules may change, so check with staff or on the website for dates.

In Domodedovo: what to consider

You can check in and check in your luggage at Domodedovo at the counter or near a special kiosk. There are separate counters for 1st and business class passengers.

The start time of the procedure depends on the flight. Passengers using the services of international airlines will go to check-in 2-3 hours before departure. If you have to travel within the country, the time will be 70-120 minutes.

If you wish, you will complete the procedure online, and the function becomes available 24 hours before the departure of the ship. Online registration ends in 90 minutes. before departure. But the function is not available for all companies: the carrier may not be in the drop-down list.

In Vnukovo: all the subtleties and nuances

If you are flying from Vnukovo, the procedure for processing documents for passengers will take place on the 2nd floor. It starts 2 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes. But some carriers require registration at least 60 minutes in advance. until the time indicated on the ticket.

Not happy with the conditions? Complete the documents online, fortunately the function becomes available 48 hours before the departure time; it must be completed within 3 hours. Passengers who choose this option will need to print their boarding pass. If you don't have the device you need, use the printers at the airport. They are located in the following places:

before entering the departure area;
at reception desks;
opposite section 102.

Showing a document on the screen of a mobile device is not enough: it will not be accepted.

At Sheremetyevo: important rules

You can check in for a flight when departing from Sheremetyevo 2 hours before the time indicated on the ticket. The procedure is stopped after 30 minutes. before the plane takes off. Online registration is possible, but only if the carrier is on the list.

The function becomes available 24 hours before departure time. Thanks to it you can choose comfortable spot, but you will need to print the coupon yourself. You will find printers at the airport at counters or at Mobile Check-in terminals.

All Sheremetyevo terminals have kiosks for self-check-in.

What you need to bring with you during registration

To undergo the procedure, prepare in advance necessary documents. Keep them on hand so you can present them to the employee right away.

Passport: domestic or foreign

If you are traveling within the borders of the Russian Federation, a Russian passport is sufficient. But it is also possible to purchase tickets using a foreign document. Show the airline staff the same passport you used when purchasing.

When preparing to fly abroad, make sure you have a visa in advance. The check takes place at check-in and you may be denied boarding.

Ticket: when do you need a printout?

Passengers have access to not only the function electronic registration on a plane, but also buying tickets online. After all, it is not necessary to keep a paper document with you, since information about the passenger is entered into the database. But in some cases it is necessary:

when you go through passport control in the country of arrival, border guards may ask you to confirm your intention to return;
in some countries, only passengers with tickets are allowed into the airport building;
Sometimes traveling on connecting flights or visa-free transit is allowed only to those who leave the country within a certain period (the ticket becomes proof that you will leave within the specified period).

It happens that a paper printout is also useful for self-registration. You have to enter your ticket number or information that you have reserved a seat. It's easier to do this when the document is in front of your eyes.

Bank card: when to take it

When paying for tickets online using a bank card, there is a possibility that you will be asked to present it at check-in. If you purchased a travel document for a friend or relative, contact the carrier and notify them of the situation. Be prepared to come to the airline office if necessary.

Did the card you used to pay with expire before you went on your trip? Warn the carrier.

During check-in, you will receive a boarding pass, which is later scanned, and a baggage check.

Additional documents

In addition to the listed documents, additional permission will be required when transporting works of art, weapons or dangerous objects. Find out the rules in advance by contacting an airline representative. Those traveling with a child will also have to prepare: take a document confirming your relationship. In its absence, even the same surname will not become a basis.

When entering another country, the following situations arise:

When passing passport control Customs officers will ask you to confirm that you have the required amount of money, have made a hotel reservation, and purchased a return ticket. To avoid misunderstandings, please clarify the conditions in advance.
In some cases, medical certificates are required. For example, women in late pregnancy are allowed into the salon only with written permission from a doctor. Those visiting countries in Africa or Asia often require additional vaccinations: a confirmation certificate is required when registering.

Take into account the nuances so that the trip only brings pleasure!

How long does it take to check in for a plane?

Please calculate the time according to the type of flight as this will affect the rules.

For domestic flights

On average, registration begins in 2 hours and ends in 30-40 minutes. Times may vary depending on carrier and airport regulations.

For international flights

The first passengers undergo the procedure 2.5-3 hours before departure, and the last ones - 40-60 minutes.

For Aeroflot flights

Check-in for Aeroflot flights begins 2-6 hours in advance, depending on the details. Its completion time varies:

Usually the procedure is completed in 40 minutes. before departure;
on Aeroflot - Shuttle flights - in 30 minutes;
for flights from Washington, Miami, Delhi, Shanghai, Dubai and Tel Aviv - in 60 minutes.

Business class passengers are the easiest to complete the paperwork. There are more people flying in economy class, so arrive early.

Registration on the Internet and its advantages

To avoid standing in line, use the online service. You will receive a number of benefits:

complete documents without leaving your home or office;
choose a suitable place and row;
Print the coupon on your own printer so as not to go to the counter.

The service is not available if you are traveling with a child without being their parent, or if you are transporting an animal or a permitted weapon.

You will be able to cope with the task using the instructions for online registration:

go to the airline’s website, select the appropriate section;
in the form that opens, indicate the ticket number and last name in Latin letters;
If necessary, enter your frequent flyer card details;
select suitable locations.

All you have to do is print the ticket and the process will be completed.

What to do if you miss your plane

Didn't have time to check in, but the plane hasn't taken off yet? Rush to the late arrivals desk or ask a company representative to guide you on board.

A traveler may get lost at the airport after checking in. In this case, contact any employee: he will transmit information about your location via radio.

Don't arrive at the last minute, otherwise you'll miss your plane

This opportunity is not always available, since the crew needs time for pre-pilot preparation. If you can no longer get on board, do not throw away your ticket. Contact the carrier: you will be offered a change of departure date or time. You will have to pay a fine, but you will lose less money than if you bought a new ticket. Exchanges are not available if you have purchased a non-refundable travel document.

Please note that if a segment of a ticket is lost, the rest will become invalid. For example, you have a travel document with the route Moscow-Paris-Berlin and the return Berlin-Paris-Moscow. If you miss your flight in the capital of the Russian Federation, you will not be able to get to Paris on your own and check in for the original flight to Berlin. According to international rules, tickets are canceled completely. This also applies to the return journey, although you might be able to return in time!

A few important points: how not to turn registration into a nightmare

Although everything seems clear in theory, in practice passengers are faced with unforeseen situations. To prevent registration from becoming a nightmare, check out these frequently asked questions:

What should I do if I left my printed boarding pass at home? Contact the registration desk to obtain a duplicate. You can print the ticket yourself again if you use the reprint function. It is available when the airport has a self-check-in kiosk.
I checked in online but want to change seats, what should I do? Log in to the system again, enter your ticket number and last name. Select the "Change location" function.
I'm trying to register myself, but I don't see any available places, what should I do? Not all seats are available through the registration kiosk or online program. If you don't find any available, go to the counter.

Take these nuances into account and you won’t get confused in a difficult situation.

How far in advance do you need to arrive at the airport?

On travel forums, users continue to ask questions about when is the best time to arrive so as not to miss your flight. The answer depends on whether you've been to an airport before: it's easy to get lost in the big buildings. It can take 30 minutes to get from the entrance to the counters, and sometimes there is additional control at the entrance. Be prepared to stand in line!

It will also not be possible to get to the boarding gate in a couple of minutes, and shopping lovers should reserve time for strolling through Duty Free. To be in time for everything, arrive 3 hours before departure if you are going to take an international flight, and 2.5 hours before when traveling within the Russian Federation.

Conclusion

To avoid missing your flight, remember to check in. Its start and end times depend on the conditions of the carrier and the specific airport. Don't forget to check them in advance!