Have you purchased your flight ticket online but feel overwhelmed by the check-in details? You are not alone! Many of us have experienced that sneaking dread of getting on a plane, unsure if we've done everything right.

Don't worry! This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the check-in process with ease, giving you essential information about what check-in is, how it's done, and what deadlines to meet.

What does flight check-in mean?

Flight check-in is the process by which you, as a passenger, check in for a flight. It's a mandatory step before boarding, regardless of the type of flight – whether it's a low-cost flight or a first-class flight. During check-in, the airline checks your identity and the validity of your plane ticket. After check-in, you receive your boarding pass, which is required to enter the boarding area and board the plane.

But what if you're denied boarding against your will due to overbooking and you didn't volunteer to give up your seat? According to European Union regulations, you are entitled to compensation. Of course, there are certain conditions that must be met to be eligible for this compensation. Find out more about compensation eligibility!

What does online check-in mean?

Online check-in is a simple and convenient process that has revolutionized the way we travel. Just as you register for an event online or reserve your seat at the cinema, you can do the same for your flight. It is a service offered by airlines that allows passengers to confirm their presence on the flight and reserve their seats on the plane directly from the Internet, without the need to physically travel to the airport or stand in long queues at the check-in desk. check-in.

With this service, you save time and energy, while also having the opportunity to choose the seat you want on the plane, whether you prefer to sit by the window, the aisle or the middle. After purchasing the plane ticket, the airline sends you a notification by email or SMS to let you know that you can check-in online. This can usually be done 24-48 hours before the flight. Some airport operators even allow you to check-in minutes before boarding, which can be extremely useful if your flight is unexpectedly delayed or if you're late at the airport.

How much is airport check-in?

You should know that online check-in is generally free with most airlines. So if you choose this option, you can save money. However, if you prefer to go directly to the airport counter to check-in, you must expect extra costs.

These costs may vary depending on the airline, but are usually between 20-50 EUR. Let's take some concrete examples:

at Wizz Air, the check-in fee at the airport is 68 lei. Remember, with Wizz Air, online check-in is free.
Ryanair can charge you between 170 and 323 lei, depending on the country you are in.

How far in advance is check-in?

Airlines decide how far in advance to check-in for boarding. Generally, check-in opens 24-48 hours before the flight. See also what is the ideal time to buy cheap plane tickets!

How to check-in online at WizzAir?

Go to the WizzAir website or mobile app.
Here, you will find a section called "check-in and reservations".
Within the online check-in platform, you will find a form that asks for your "confirmation code" - a unique number you received by email or SMS when you bought the ticket - and the passenger's last name. After entering these data, press "Search".
You will be redirected to a page where you will have to fill in all the necessary data for check-in. Afterwards, you will be able to download the ticket or receive it by email. This ticket will need to be printed or kept on the phone and presented at the airport.

How far in advance is check-in at WizzAir?

Online check-in is available 30 days and up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight if you purchased a seat during the booking. Otherwise, you will be able to check-in 24 hours before the departure of the flight.

However, although the check-in procedure can be carried out up to a few hours before the flight, it is recommended to do it at least 12 hours before. This is because despite the efficiency of WizzAir's online check-in system, unforeseen situations can still occur. For example, the online check-in system may be temporarily unavailable due to updates or a high volume of users at the same time.

How to check-in online at RyanAir?

Go to the RyanAir website or mobile app. Make sure you have a laptop, tablet or smartphone handy and a good internet connection.
Look in the navigation menu for the section entitled "My bookings".
Enter the "confirmation code" you received when you bought your flight ticket and the email address you used to make the reservation.
You will be redirected to a form where you will have to fill in your personal data: name, surname, bulletin series and other data required for check-in.
While you're preparing for your trip, why not take a look at the article Top 11 largest airports in Europe?

How far in advance is RyanAir check-in?

The time required for the RyanAir check-in process is very specific. You have the possibility to check-in online starting 48 hours and up to only 2 hours before the scheduled time of departure. However, to ensure a comfortable seat and avoid possible problems, it would be good to check-in at least 10-12 hours before the flight.

How to check-in online at Tarom?

Identification: enter the 13-digit electronic ticket number or the reservation code, choose the flight date and departure airport.
Check-in: All information about the flight will be displayed: date, time of departure, flight number, departure airport, arrival airport, service class and operating airline code.
Change your seat: at Tarom, you will automatically be assigned a number corresponding to your seat on the plane. You can choose another place by simply pressing the "Change place" button.
Print the boarding pass.

How far in advance is Tarom check-in?

If you choose to check-in online, you can start this process 30 hours before your flight and up to one hour before departure. The only exception is for flights to and from Tel Aviv, where online check-in is available 24 hours before the flight and up to one hour before take-off.

If you prefer the traditional airport check-in method, you should know that formalities can start 3 hours before departure time and end 45 minutes before take-off.

How to check-in at the airport?

The first step in this process is to identify your flight on the electronic display to understand if check-in for your flight is open and to point you to the appropriate gate. Always stay up to date with the information displayed as it can change quickly!

Once you have identified the gate, the next step is to proceed to the counter that displays the logo of the airline you are flying with. This is where you will check-in with the help of a company representative. It will guide you through the entire process and help you resolve any issues that may arise.

To ensure that everything goes smoothly, it is essential that you have the necessary documents with you – your original ID card or passport and your booking confirmation. Do not forget that without these documents, the check-in process cannot be completed.

If you have checked baggage, this is the time to hand it in. After checking your documents and handing in your luggage, you will receive your boarding pass, which gives you access to the plane. Check the information on the ticket to make sure everything is in order!

How far in advance do you have to be at the airport?

Airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight time. This is a general rule that applies regardless of destination or airport size. That way, you have plenty of time to check in, go through security, and get to the boarding gate.

Factors that can influence the time required to arrive at the airport:

the presence or absence of checked baggage. If you have checked baggage, you will also have to go through the check-in procedure for it, which can add extra time to your arrival at the airport;
travel period. During busy periods, such as holidays or the summer season, airports can be very busy, which can lead to longer queues at check-in or security. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early during these periods, even if the plane is delayed.

Check-in is an essential stage for any air travel. This is when your ticket and identity are validated, without which the flight would not be possible. It is important to understand that check-in is not just a formality, but a necessary process that ensures the smooth functioning of the entire trip.