If you aren’t sure which terminal to go to, first look at your booking confirmation documents for the name of your airline. Then you can find the correct terminal for this airline’s departures which will be noted on an airport map or website and on road signs leading up to the airport itself. Note that sometimes domestic and international departures will be at different terminals, even for the same airline. The self-service kiosks look and function similar to ATMs and other ticketing machines. Airline agents are typically standing by to provide assistance, should you need it.
You should have one (or more) of these ID methods at the ready when you approach the counter. For instance, you could jot down the record locator before you leave for the airport, or use your smartphone to take a screenshot of the confirmation email where this code is listed.
If you’d like to change your seats at this point, you’ll be shown where you’re located and which other seats are available. Typically a seat change involves an additional fee. These kiosks typically accept credit and debit cards for payment.
Some kiosks will print out an adhesive tag as well. You’ll need to secure the tag around your bag’s handle. The screen or the back side of the tag will usually show instructions for how to peel off the backing and stick the tag around your bag’s handle. As most machines don’t print off tags, you’ll take your bags to the counter to get them tagged. Some counter agents will weigh, tag, and send off your bags once you show your photo ID and boarding pass. If you tagged your own bags, or the agent returned your tagged baggage back to you, you’ll need to drop your checked bags off at the designated drop-off point. Look for signage or ask an agent to direct you to the nearest one.
Make sure all passes have printed out before you leave! Sometimes there will be a few moments’ pause between each one. Double-check that you have everything before heading off to the baggage drop-off point or security checkpoint.
Make sure to factor extra time into your schedule to account for lengthy lines at the counters. [7] X Research source To find the right terminal, look up the name of your airline on your booking confirmation documents. Pull up an airport map or the airport’s website and search for this airline to see which terminal its departures are operated out of.
Oftentimes an agent will ask you about your travel details to confirm that you match the person and plan they see onscreen. Be prepared to clearly state the name of the airport at your final destination and any connecting stops along the way. If you’re traveling on a budget airline, you may be required to pay a fee to utilize counter service. [9] X Research source
The agent will usually tag your bags and send them off to be processed. At some airports, they may ask you to bring your bags to a designated drop-off area.
With tickets in hand, you’ll be able to advance to the security screening area.
Generally, you’ll be asked to confirm your flight itinerary, confirm or change your seat, and pay for checked baggage. For an international flight, you may also be prompted to provide your passport number. Make sure your email address is correct. There’s a good chance your passes will be sent to you via email.
If you have a connecting flight there may be more than one pass in the document.
If you’re working from a device or computer that doesn’t have printing capabilities, save the digital document and email it to yourself. You’ll be able to print it at any point before you leave for the airport. Note that you won’t be able to use the digital copy of this printable pass as a mobile boarding pass. Typically, a printed pass features a barcode while a mobile pass contains a QR code. If you’ve selected the print option you’ll have to print it out for it to be valid.
If you plan to change your seat or add a checked bag, this is the opportunity to do so. You’ll also be asked to pay additional fees for these services and any other upgrades. If you booked directly through the airline’s website, you’ll usually receive an email notifying you when it’s time to check into your flight. During check-in, many major airlines will also ask how you would like to receive flight-related notifications. For example, you can opt into having push notification or text messages sent to your device in the event of a gate change, boarding notification, or delay.
Note that if you’ve selected the option to print your pass, you won’t be able to present the PDF version from your phone. A mobile boarding pass found in the airline’s app will be formatted differently with a QR code whereas a print-ready pass will have a barcode and will need to be printed out to be valid.
The mobile pass will contain a scannable QR code along with the same details as a traditional paper ticket – your name, flight number, seat number, departure and arrival times, record locator, and so forth. You can show this mobile pass to the security officers and gate agents at the airport. Unlike many instances when you need to hand over your device to have a representative scan a mobile code for you, agents and officers at the airport will often indicate for you to scan the code yourself.
If you can’t access your mobile boarding pass, or your phone dies, you can use another method such as a self-service kiosk or have an agent assist you at the check-in counter. If this issue occurs once you’re past security but before you board your flight, ask a gate agent to print off a copy for you.
