Airport check-in – step by step

Airport check-in – online or traditional

You can check in in two ways: online – by yourself or at the airport. The airline ticket alone is not enough to board the plane. Having a boarding pass is mandatory. And it is the boarding pass that you receive after completing check-in.

If you want to check in online, you need to fill out a special form, usually available in the app or on the website. After completing it, a boarding pass is generated.Even if you are traveling with several people, each person must have a separate boarding pass, so each must be checked in individually. If you do this through the app, your boarding pass may be in electronic form. You can also print your boarding pass. Online check-in allows you to avoid having to stand in often long and inconvenient queues at the ticket and baggage check-in counters.

Check-in at the airport takes place at the ticket and baggage check-in counter. This is where you will drop off your checked baggage. Ticket and baggage check-in counters are the first point of document verification against the ticket details. Therefore, an identity document and a reservation confirmation in the form of a previously purchased ticket are required. When everything matches, after checking in your baggage, you receive your boarding pass. You can take your carry-on luggage with you. If a seat was not purchased earlier, it will be assigned during check-in.

At the airport, you can also use passenger check-in kiosks (if you are traveling with carry-on luggage only) and check in by yourself.

Step-by-step airport check-in

It's worth arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to have enough time to complete all formalities. If you are not familiar with the airport, it's a good idea to come a bit earlier, especially if you are departing from large airports with multiple terminals. What should you do once you are at the airport?

 

• Find the departures board

 

Your ticket contains information about the flight number and departure time. Find your flight on the board and check where the check-in for your flight takes place at the airport. The board will also show information about any possible flight delays.

 

• Check in your checked baggage

 

At the designated place, check in your checked baggage. You will also need documents such as an ID card or passport, visa, and flight ticket there. After their inspection and baggage tagging, the suitcases will be sent to the baggage hold, and you will receive a boarding pass. If you have checked in online earlier and are traveling only with carry-on luggage, you can skip this step. If you are bringing items into Poland that are subject to customs duty or must be declared to customs authorities, you must first go to the information or customs clearance point.

 

• Proceed to the security checkpoint

 

The security checkpoint is where your carry-on luggage will be checked, and you will go through security screening yourself. It is important to know that no drinks or food can be carried through the gates in carry-on luggage. You must drink or eat them beforehand or dispose of them in the provided containers.

 

• Carry-on luggage inspection

 

Put your handbag or backpack that you want to bring on board the plane in a special tray that will be scanned. It is worth knowing that in carry-on luggage you can only carry liquid cosmetics in transparent 100 ml bottles placed in a transparent toiletry bag or pouch.

 

• Place metal items and electronics in the tray for inspection

 

Place keys, mobile phone, belt, coins, and other metal items in the tray as well. Otherwise, the gate you pass through in the next step will beep, signaling the presence of suspicious items.

 

• Go through the security gate

 

The security operator will ask you to pass through the security gate. If everything is fine, you can continue. If the gate lights up red, you must step back. The operator will suggest what might be causing the problem (belt buckle, keys). If necessary, a search will be conducted.

 

• Take your belongings

 

This concludes the security check. You can take your belongings and proceed to the departure hall.

 

• Go to the departure hall and check the boarding gate

 

The departure hall is where you can buy something to eat, as well as do other shopping. Check the board to see from which gate boarding will take place so you can arrive there on time. Also, watch for announcements about when the gate will open.

 

• Show your ID and boarding pass before boarding

 

Before boarding, your documents and boarding pass will be checked again. If everything is in order, you will be directed to the jet bridge leading directly to the plane or to a bus that will take you there.

 

• Find your seat on board the plane

 

Your boarding pass shows your seat number, which you must occupy. If the plane is not full, the crew may sometimes allow you to change seats.

 

• Follow the crew's instructions

 

On the plane, you must strictly follow the instructions of the flight attendants and the captain. This applies both to safety rules and behavior on board. Before takeoff, fasten your seatbelt and turn off electronic devices or set them to airplane mode.

Before the flight, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of the airline, especially regarding the size and weight of luggage, as well as items allowed in checked and carry-on baggage. This will help you avoid extra fees and the need to get rid of prohibited items.

Although the entire check-in procedure may seem complex and complicated, after your first flight you'll realize it's a piece of cake!