Why does online check-in sometimes close earlier than the offline check-in?

Why does online check-in sometimes close earlier than the offline check-in? - Computer display with statistics of COVID 19 cases

Why does online check-in sometimes close earlier than the offline check-in?

E.g., https://www.skyairline.com/english/services/faq :

[Online] check in opens 48 hours before your flight and closes 1 hour before your flight depart.

The counter will close 40 minutes before flight departure time.



Best Answer

Because people use online check-in before they get to the airport, whereas with offline check-in you are by definition at the airport. They want to know if you are actually there at the airport.

They don't want you to be doing online check-in 40 minutes before your flight because you probably won't get to the airport in time. Even if you manage it they won't know you will be there which makes their planning harder.




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How early can you online check-in?

When to check-in for your flight online. Most airlines let you check in from 24h to 48h prior to departure time, up until a few hours before departure. Make sure that you check-in during this window and remember that when it comes to seat selection, the earlier, the better.

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

The biggest benefit of checking in online is bypassing the lines at the airport. You can skip waiting in line to check in, then possibly (if the airline allows it for your flight) skip waiting in a second line to check your luggage, and instead head straight to security.

Can I go straight to security if I checked in online?

Meanwhile, one of the main benefits of online check-in for travelers is bypassing lines and hassle at the airport. If you're not checking luggage, you can skip the check-in counter altogether and go straight to the security checkpoint, then to your gate and onto the plane.

How long before flight does check-in desk open?

Check-in usually opens:4 hours before long haul flights (flights between 6-12 hours) 2 or 3 hours before short haul flights (flights between 3-6 hours)



Why SHOULD you do Online-Check-IN




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Sharad Bhat, Andrea Piacquadio, Karolina Grabowska, Michael Burrows