What online check-in actually gives you, when the window opens, and when the airport counter is still part of the journey.
Online check-in is one of the most useful habits for a traveller with only carry-on luggage, but many people misunderstand it — treating it as a replacement for every part of the travel process, rather than just a part of it. Here is exactly what it gives you, when it is available, and when it is still not enough on its own.
What online check-in gives you
Online check-in confirms your seat, issues your boarding pass, and, if you are travelling with carry-on only, saves you standing in a queue at the airport counter. The whole process happens before you even arrive at the airport, from your phone or computer, and in most cases takes only a few minutes. For a passenger carrying only hand luggage, that means heading straight for the security check.
When the window opens and closes
The online check-in window is set by the airline, not by the agency, and it differs from one airline to another, often from route to route within the same airline as well. There is no single rule that applies to every flight. Check the specific window for your airline and your flight before you plan your schedule around it, because assuming the window from a previous trip can mislead you.
When it is not enough
Online check-in does not fully replace the airport counter. If you are checking in baggage, if your documents or visa need verification for entry into a particular country, if you need special assistance, or if you are travelling as a group, the counter remains part of the journey. Online check-in shortens the wait at that counter, since your boarding pass is already in your pocket, but it does not remove that step.
What to have on hand
Keep your booking reference, known as the PNR, the passport the booking was made with, and a boarding pass you can show even if your phone runs out of battery. A printed copy or a screenshot saved locally, not only in your email inbox, is a good extra precaution for when the airport’s internet connection is unreliable.
If it fails
If online check-in fails for a technical reason or a system glitch, your booking is not lost. Go to the counter — that is a queue, not a cancellation of your trip. Counter staff can complete your check-in for you, usually as soon as they see your document and booking.
For related reading, see how early to arrive at Skopje Airport and what to do if you miss a flight. For anything else, contact us as soon as possible.