It is always best to check your flight ticket booking before the day of departure, whether you have booked on the internet, by phone or through a travel agency. When you check your flight, you can also choose seats, book meals and request special assistance if you need it. Check your flight information well in advance, make any special requests and be prepared to check-in on the day of departure.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Confirm Flight Details and Information
Step 1. Visit the airline's website to check and confirm the details
Search the airline's website on the internet or log in directly from the confirmation email that was sent to you by the airline when you booked your flight. By scrolling through the menus within the site, you should be able to see your flight information, including the number of passengers, departure and arrival times, and the cities of departure and destination.
Even if you booked through a travel agency (such as Expedia or Priceline), you should still register on the airline's website. You can confirm your flight details through the travel agency's website, but for online check-in and extra services you need to go to the airline's website
Step 2. Check your boarding information
At this point you can also see your boarding pass and find out the assigned seat and boarding area. You can access this information by entering your reservation number; if you don't have it, you can try with your flight number and your last name. Anyway, check the email you received when you bought your ticket - there you should find your booking or ticket number.
Step 3. Confirm the booking details
Before checking in, it is always best to make sure that your flight details have not changed. On the airline's website, using the booking number you received, you can check if you have the correct flight number and the correct destination.
You can also check and confirm details such as the date, place and time of your flight. Click on "Manage Booking", "My Trips" or "My Trips / Check-in". The key will have a different name depending on the airline, but it should still be easy to spot
Step 4. When checking in online, check if your flight is delayed or canceled
You can get this information easily: look at the flight time in the email that the company sent you when you booked, then go to the airline's website, enter your booking number and check that the departure and arrival times are not changed.
If your flight is delayed considerably, the airline itself will probably inform you by email or text message
Part 2 of 3: Check for Extra Services
Step 1. Check out the extra services on the airline's website while you check-in
Once your booking has been verified, check out the extra options as well: booking meals, registering animals, adding luggage, choosing your seat. You can check any changes online.
Please note that changing any flight information after booking may incur an additional cost. If possible, try to choose extras when making your reservation
Step 2. Book meals to be eaten during the flight
When you confirm your booking, you may be able to choose what to eat during the trip. Please note that meals are paid for on most shorter flights now. Each airline has slightly different rules and options when it comes to food, so check what's on offer on your flight.
- If you have severe allergies or are following a very particular diet, let the airline know in advance, by contacting them by phone or email, so that they are prepared for the day of your trip. There should always be alternatives available for various types of diets.
- On long-haul flights (some international and intercontinental) meals are usually included in the ticket price.
Step 3. Pay for checked or carry-on baggage
Most airlines charge a fee for both checked and carry-on baggage. Make sure you pay for each suitcase before going to the airport. If you did not pay for your bags when you made your reservation, you can do so during online check-in or at the airline desk at the airport.
- If you already know how many suitcases you need to register, enter the number and pay in advance by credit card.
- Often you pay more if you check in your bags 24 hours before your flight, so try to do this well in advance.
Step 4. Choose seats on the plane
Most airlines offer the option to choose the type of seat you prefer (window or aisle) or even a specific seat if not already assigned to you. Some airlines charge different fares for each different type of seat, while others only charge a supplement for first class seats or extra legroom seats.
Most airlines allow you to choose your seat in advance. Go to the company's website and find the place that's right for you
Step 5. Register your pets
If you are traveling with pets, make sure you have checked all the details with the airline. Flying with animals can be logistically difficult, so make sure everything is ready for when you arrive at the airport. Small pets can be considered carry-on baggage, but you must ensure that the carrier is within the dimensions set by the company. Larger animals cannot travel in the cabin and must stay in special spaces in the hold.
- Carriers, both in the hold and in the hand, must meet certain requirements in terms of dimensions. You can find out what the guidelines are on the airline's website or by calling the airline directly (see the "Contact Us" section).
- Some companies apply restrictions on the boarding of animals depending on the time of year. Check if your airline applies such restrictions and if you will be complying with them while your travel is scheduled.
Part 3 of 3: Check-in on the Day of Departure
Step 1. Check in online 24 hours before your flight
You can do it from the company's website in the "Check-in" section. Once you have checked all the flight information, you are ready to final check-in. Enter your booking number or flight number. You may be asked for additional information to confirm your identity.
- Make sure you include all baggage, your chosen seats and any animals in the online check-in before your flight.
- If you have already added baggage, seats and animals, make sure the company fulfills all requests.
Step 2. Check in at the airport
After checking in online, you are ready to complete the procedures at the airport. Make sure you have an identity card or passport with you, as the company will need to check your identity. Airport terminals are crowded places, so have all the necessary documents ready to show to the ground attendant, in order to speed up and facilitate the operation.
Print your boarding pass at a self-service kiosk in the terminal when you arrive at the airport or, if you think you will be in a hurry, immediately after checking in online
Step 3. Bring your hold baggage to the baggage drop-off desk
Have your suitcases ready for delivery to the staff and check that they are safe and ready to go in the hold. Before delivering your suitcases, check that they are within the maximum weight allowed. Most airlines charge extra if the weight of the baggage exceeds 23 kg.
Make sure your luggage is easy to locate. Many suitcases look alike, so make sure yours stands out so you can easily recognize it when you pick it up once you arrive
Step 4. Take your pets to the check-in counter
If you are traveling with an animal, make sure it is ready to travel in the carrier. He will need to be fed and soothed before the trip. Go well in advance if you need to board an animal, so that the company staff can check the documents.
- Animals usually need to be of a minimum age to travel by plane. Most companies suggest between 6 and 8 weeks.
- Small dogs and cats must also have a certificate issued by the veterinarian near the departure date (the airline determines how recent the certificate must be).
Step 5. Pack your hand luggage
You can take small baggage with you on the plane, but it is important that it meets the requirements and can be easily stowed in the cabin. Make sure your carry-on is within the allowable size. Most carry-on baggage must be able to fit into the luggage compartment above the seat. Usually at airports it is possible to test baggage in special meters.
Check that your baggage is not too heavy or you will have difficulty maneuvering it on the plane and in the terminal
Step 6. Prepare your pets for air travel
Small pets can be brought into the cabin, although you will likely need to keep them under the seat facing you in the carrier. Make sure the animal is calm and ready to fly, to avoid getting on the plane with an agitated animal that would make the other passengers' flight long and unpleasant.
