How long does it take to check in for a plane online? How long before departure do you need to check in for an airplane flight and when does it end?

21.10.2023

When planning your trip, you need to know when to arrive at the airport. On average, check-in for a plane begins two hours before. But each air carrier has its own rules.

During check-in, an air carrier employee checks passengers' documents: passport details, tickets. All information about them is in the database, but in some cases clarification is necessary.

Then the passenger is given a boarding pass. It shows the number of the seat on the aircraft.

Check-in for the plane ends 40 minutes before departure. You cannot be late or forget important documents, otherwise you will not get on the plane.

Inside the country

Check-in for domestic flights starts 120-240 minutes before departure. Even if the airport staff is serving a huge flow of passengers, the procedure begins and ends on time.

Check-in for the flight ends in about half an hour. The aircraft will not take off until the last passenger has checked in.

Charters are launched between “official” flights.

Registration for charter flights is controlled by tour operators. You can also check with them about the best time to arrive at the airport.

Sometimes there is a delay of low-cost airlines. But this does not mean that the passenger should not rush to arrive at the airport.

Outside the country

The check-in procedure for an international flight takes longer than for a domestic flight. This is due to the fact that passengers leaving the country are required to undergo customs control, which takes a lot of time. , are described in the article at the link.

The person must arrive 180-240 minutes before departure.

Completion - in 45 minutes. For small air carriers - over 25.

Start and end of check-in for domestic and international flights

Self-registration sequence

The passenger chooses the air carrier.
Enters passport details.
Selects a seat on board the aircraft (read about that on our portal).
Registration is confirmed.

Anyone who has completed this procedure can order a printed boarding pass.

In some terminals it is not possible to check in luggage. You can go through the procedure by visiting the Baggage Drop Of counter.

The uniqueness of the system is that it allows you to find out who will be your neighbor. A person receives information regarding the gender and age of the person whose chair will be next to him.

Online registration

Electronic registration is possible in two options: using a computer (laptop) or a mobile device. This way you can check in for flights with Aeroflot and other carriers.

Registration using a PC looks like this:

Enter your reservation code.
Enter your full name.
Check the entered data.
Register everyone who is going on the trip.
Enter your regular customer card number (relevant for bonus owners).
Select seats.
Make a printout of the coupon.

Registration using a mobile device:

Launch the application.
Select "Registration".
Enter FFP number.
Click "Next".
Register your companions.
Select seats.
Click "Save".
Print the coupon.

You can always order cancellation of registration. The actions are:

Go to the online registration page.
Write the code.
Indicate the air ticket number.
Indicate the loyalty program number.
Enter your full name in Latin letters.
Click "Next".
Cancel the selected passenger.

The cancellation procedure is only relevant if the passenger did not go through the baggage check-in process. Otherwise, the system will notify you that cancellation is impossible.

How long does it take to check in for flights?

Information on how long it takes to check in for international and domestic flights is presented in the table.

Air carrier name	Start (time before departure)	End (time before departure)
Russia	24 hours	45 min.
S7	30 hours	5 hours
Red Wings	24 hours	3 hours
Nordavia	24 hours	2.5 hours
Victory	24 hours	40 min.
Azur Air	24 hours	1 hour
Ural Airlines	24 hours	4 hours
UTair	24 hours	45 min.
Nordwind	24 hours	50 min.
Turkish Airlines	24 hours	1 hour
Emirates	24 hours	2 hours
Lufthansa	24 hours	45 min.
Yamal	24 hours	1 hour

Some passengers encounter problems when the paper gets stuck in the printer when printing their boarding pass. This is not catastrophic, since the service can be ordered again. To do this, click on the “Reprint” button.

Time it takes to check in at airports

Information on how check-in at the airport takes place is presented in the table.

Air carrier	Airport	When does registration begin?	When does registration end?
Royal Flight	Sheremetyevo	In 1.5–3 hours	In 40 minutes
Red Wings	Domodedovo	In 3 hours	In 40 minutes
Azur Air	Domodedovo	In 3 hours	In 40 minutes
North wind	Sheremetyevo	In 3–6 hours	In 50 minutes
S7 Airlines	Tolmachevo, Domodedovo	In 3–4 hours	In 40 minutes
Ural Airlines	Koltsovo	In 1.5–3 hours	In 45–60 minutes
UTair	Vnukovo	In 1.5–3 hours	In 45 minutes
Victory	Vnukovo	In 2 hours	In 40 minutes
Russia	Pulkovo	In 2 hours	In 40 minutes

Airports are generally always busy, and larger ones can be overcrowded. The flow of tourists at large airports does not stop. Often the security measures can also be quite daunting for many arrivals. This article will familiarize travelers with the rules of check-in at the airport and how long it takes to check in for a plane.

A passenger must complete several steps to check in for a flight:

arrive at the airfield on time;
check in luggage;
go through customs control and head to the departure hall;
receive your boarding pass;
go through passport control.

All airlines require their passengers to check in early before flying. Check-in for a flight can be done in one of three ways:

Online via the Internet on the official portal of the air carrier.
At the airport check-in counter.
Through a travel agency.

Check-in at the airport for domestic flights ends strictly 40 minutes before. Therefore, it is imperative that the passenger reaches the airport on time with sufficient time to complete check-in. Airline staff strongly recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight to ensure you have enough time to complete the entire procedure.

Rules of conduct at the airport terminal

Beginning of registration - main stages

Online check-in for a flight is available through the official website of the airline company. The passenger receives an email in advance indicating what time the plane departs and when online check-in opens. This notification usually comes 24 hours before the flight departure. The process is quite simple. The passenger can register at home after entering his own data, which is indicated in the passport.

You are then given the option to download your boarding pass, print it on your printer, or send it by email. Check-in for international flights ends immediately 4 hours before flight departure. The passenger must arrive at the airport 2 hours before check-in closes.

Important! Passengers who did not have time to check in online for a UTair airline flight can complete the procedure directly at Pulkovo Airport.

Many people wonder how this process works and whether it takes time to receive an itinerary receipt for a flight. There are special self-service points in the departure hall. These touchscreen machines look like ATMs and are located near the check-in counter in departure lounges.

Checking in at the airport for a plane using one of these devices is quite easy. To do this, you just need to click on the FlySafair icon and follow the simple instructions. The printout will be identified using your personal booking number, a six-digit code found at the top of the itinerary receipt.

How long does it take to complete all procedures?

Registration time. When to arrive at the airport

Many beginners do not know how to behave before a flight. In order not to panic, you need to arrive at the airport in advance and calmly go through all the procedures. At any airport, passengers are required to:

Passport. To fly within Russia you need an internal passport. You definitely need to take a foreign passport to another country. The domestic Russian one can come in handy if documents are stolen abroad, but even then it’s easy to get by without it.
You will be asked for a ticket at the airport at check-in. In fact, there are a lot of airlines that only check in using your passport, because the ticket information is stored in a database. But it’s better to print it out anyway or save it on your smartphone until check-in at the airport begins. And if you fly on board Ryanair, you need to check in for your flight online and be sure to print out your boarding pass a few hours before departure. Otherwise, the air carrier's employees will not allow you to board the plane or you will have to pay a fine.

Note! For children, a different set of documents is required.

This includes:

Child's passport. Domestic - if you are traveling around Russia, foreign - if the trip is planned abroad.
Birth certificate. Border guards occasionally ask for it to ensure the accuracy of the information. And with a birth certificate with a stamp or an insert about citizenship, a child under 14 years old will enter a country where they are allowed without a foreigner. For example, to Belarus.
Consent to travel if the child is traveling without parents: with a nanny or grandmother. If children cross the border with one of their parents, consent to leave is not required.

Airport terminals - requirements and rules

Differences in check-in procedures at different airports

All passengers are subject to the same system at the airport before boarding a domestic flight. Passport and security control may take some time, for example 1 to 2 hours depending on the queue. After the passenger passes security, he is allowed into the departure hall. This is a special area where passengers can wait until check-in is completed.

Passengers on international flights are subject to increased scrutiny. Each person undergoes mandatory customs control, security control, and passport control. Many inexperienced passengers ask the question: how many hours before does boarding begin? To pass all types of control, you must arrive 2.5 or 3 hours earlier. Passengers on domestic flights may arrive at the airport a little later, for example, 2 or 1.5 hours before departure.

Requirements of air carriers for registration on low-cost airlines

The registration desk at Domodedovo, Vnukovo or Sheremetyevo is the traditional and most famous type of registration, which does not lose its popularity to this day. It is especially suitable for those who are making their first flight, since the entire process is guided by trained personnel and errors are excluded.

This type of registration has many other fans - after all, interaction with people is often preferable to using technology. Additionally, for some passengers, depending on the airline's requirements, this may be the only suitable option. However, today there are low-cost airlines that dictate their own rules, which every passenger must obey.

What requirements do low-cost airlines have?

How long does it take to check-in for a low-cost airline flight?

Low-cost airlines (lowcosters, low-cost airlines, discounters) - this is what today is commonly called budget airlines that offer cheap tickets with a minimum set of additional services.

When purchasing a ticket from a low-cost carrier for both domestic and international flights, you should carefully consider the choice of services and fare conditions of a particular airline. Many travelers do not like to use the services of low-cost airlines in the direction Moscow - Barcelona or St. Petersburg - Paris due to several factors.

If online check-in for major air carriers is always free, when checking in at the airport Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizzair, Vueling and other airlines charge an additional fee of €50*, and the American Spirit Airlines - 10 USD*. Moreover, Ryanair closes online check-in 4 hours before departure. If there is no printout (according to the ticket number) at the airport, the passenger will have to pay a fine. Since check-in at the airport is carried out exclusively with an electronic ticket.

How to stay calm when boarding a plane

Even though flying can be an exciting adventure, it can cause fear in some people. There are many different events that force people to travel by air. Air transport is considered to be the safest than any other mode of transport. The number of car and train accidents is much higher than the number of plane crashes.

Traveling is great as long as you don't find yourself in a stressful situation. Package tourists are protected from surprises, their route is strictly regulated: passport control, baggage claim, tour operator representatives, a shuttle for twenty people and a hotel that you don’t have to leave.

What is left for those who arrive at an unfamiliar airport in Europe, not knowing the language, and simply want to find a way out after landing without incident? Indeed, for many tourists, even an aggressive offer from taxi drivers and snatching of luggage from their hands is already a sufficient reason for stress. If panic sets in, then you need to pull yourself together.

You need to come to terms with the fact that none of the airports in the world has a perfect signage system. Even if a person speaks perfect English, you often have to look for signs throughout the building and you can lose your route.

Note! It’s better to study the airport map in advance, save it to your phone, or sketch out a rough plan. This will help you find your way in an unfamiliar place.

In conclusion, it should be noted that while at the airport you need to calm down. People are susceptible to anxiety, this happens to many. None of the employees are interested in the traveler getting lost or missing the flight. There is no hopeless situation, as airfield workers will help in any situation. It must be remembered that the traveler’s main enemy is panic.

*Prices are current as of August 2018.

The check-in procedure for a plane can take a lot of time. Each air carrier warns customers in advance that it must be completed in a timely manner, within the time frame established for this.

When does check-in for domestic flights on Russian airlines begin and how long before does it end? When does a passenger need to arrive at the airport to catch the plane on time?

Check-in times for domestic flights

To get on board the plane in time for departure, you first need to know how long it takes to check-in for domestic flights of the airline company. Most often, according to the rules of most airlines, it begins two hours before departure time. However, the start time may be set by the rules of a particular airport.

Check-in of passengers and baggage for domestic flights stops 30-40 minutes before departure. Please remember that each airline can set its own time. Therefore, it is better to check with the air carrier in advance when purchasing a ticket how long it takes to end at the airport.

How much time should I arrive at the airport so as not to be late for check-in?

If a passenger has not checked in for a flight before the specified time, the airline has the right to dispose of his seat on the plane at its discretion. In this regard, even a five-minute delay can have unpleasant consequences for the delayed traveler. How to determine how much time is best to arrive at the airport so as not to be late for check-in time for your flight?

Often, airline employees themselves advise their passengers to have at least one or two hours left before the end of the registration procedure. Especially if the passenger is flying for the first time or is unfamiliar with the airport. By this time, you should consider visiting duty free or additional packing of existing luggage before checking in for your flight. Checking in may take longer, for example due to a long line at the counter. At large airports, it’s a good idea to find out in advance how long it will take to get from the entrance to the counter and find the desired terminal.

Online registration

Today, a passenger can not only purchase air tickets for any flight via the Internet, but also go through online check-in. The procedure is quite simple: the passenger checks in for the flight and checks in luggage, if necessary, by entering information into a special form on the airline’s website. After this, it will be sent to your mobile phone and printed directly at the airport, using a special device in front of the control line.

When does online check-in for domestic flights start and how long before it ends? You can check in for a flight online one day or 23 hours before departure. This procedure ends in most airlines when there is 1 hour left before departure. Some air carriers, such as Aeroflot, have extended the closing time for online check-in to 45 minutes.

Is there a chance to get on the plane after check-in time ends?

Of course, arriving at the airport with enough time to spare is the best way to fly away without unnecessary nerves. But even knowing how long it takes to check-in for domestic flights, it’s impossible to predict everything. If a passenger is still late for check-in, is he still able to board his flight? Of course, if the plane has already left the airport, it is impossible to get on it. But in the case when registration is no longer carried out, but the plane has not taken off, the passenger has a small chance of getting on board.

If check-in is completed and there are less than 40, but more than 25 minutes left before the departure time, you can use a special counter, which is called, respectively, “Check-in counter for late passengers.” For everyone except business class ticket holders, the registration procedure in this case will be paid.

Counters where latecomers can check in are available at most airports. If they are missing, the passenger can contact a representative of the airline operating his flight. As a rule, these employees are located near the check-in counter before the aircraft departs. If there is enough time before departure, an airline representative can also escort a late passenger on board.

Sheremetyevo Airport is the largest aviation hub of the Russian Federation of federal significance, located in the urban district of Khimki, Moscow Region. There are six terminals here: 4 passenger and 2 cargo. The airport ranks first in Russia in terms of passenger traffic. It is also one of the twenty largest airports in Europe.

When departing for air travel from Sheremetyevo Airport, all passengers must undergo mandatory pre-flight procedures. The first thing a passenger needs to do when arriving at the airport is to find the check-in counter located in the departure hall.

The airport building has an electronic information board on which passengers can view the check-in counter numbers for each flight, as well as the departure time of the aircraft. The same board contains information in the event of a delay in departure, indicating the time of delayed departure of the aircraft.

Check-in procedure for a flight at Sheremetyevo Airport

Checking in for a flight is a mandatory procedure for all passengers, regardless of class of service and other privileges. It opens 2-3 hours before the plane departs and ends 30-60 minutes. If a traveler is late for check-in, he will not be able to board the plane and take off on the flight according to the purchased tickets. To avoid this, we recommend arriving at the airport in advance.

Check-in for the flight is carried out at a special counter. At Sheremetyevo Airport there are separate counters for business class passengers. The total number of registration desks is 140.

How to check in for a flight:

The reception desk is only accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
The passenger needs to prepare in advance a passport, plane ticket, itinerary receipt (for transit travelers), insurance, visa and international passport when flying to the territory of foreign countries.
The specialist accepts the passenger's documents, verifies the data, and then issues a boarding pass for the flight.
After check-in, the traveler can go to the baggage claim counter and deposit personal belongings in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Hand luggage can be carried in the aircraft cabin.

When checking in for a flight, the specialist provides the passenger with the right to one of the available options. If you want to travel in comfort and sit in the most comfortable seat on the plane, come to check-in before it opens, which will allow you to be one of the first in line.

Electronic check-in for a plane at Sheremetyevo

Many aviation companies offer their passengers to pass.

There are special tabs for electronic registration on the official websites of carriers. You can complete it in the comfort of your home, with a practical gadget, laptop or PC with Internet access.

Advantages of online registration:

many companies open online check-in 24 hours before departure;
You can go through the pre-flight procedure at a time convenient for you;
the passenger will not have to go to the airport in advance and waste personal time waiting in line.

It is not at all difficult to complete electronic registration on the carrier’s website. In a special form you need to enter personal data, the number of the booked ticket and your email address. The passenger provides all the necessary information based on the tips published on the resource.

Electronic registration is carried out on a paid basis. The cost of this service is determined by the carrier. Tariffs for the service are published on the online registration website.

You can make payment using a bank card or e-wallet. The window that appears will show the available payment methods for the client.

After payment has been made, a boarding pass will be sent to the specified email address for printing. If the passenger does not have special equipment to perform this option, he can save the registration number in the form of a barcode on his gadget and print out an electronic boarding pass at the airport using a self-check-in terminal (kiosk).

With this coupon, the traveler goes through all the remaining pre-flight procedures: baggage check-in, passport control, customs control and boarding the flight.

How to check in for a flight to Sheremetyevo with some airlines

Each airline independently determines the opening and closing times of check-in.

Most carriers have such rules:

check-in for domestic flights begins 2 hours before departure and ends 30-40 minutes;
for international flights – 3 hours before departure and ends 40-60 minutes.

Each carrier rents counters at Sheremetyevo Airport for checking in passengers. They are all numbered. The passenger needs to find out in advance at which counters the check-in procedure for the aircraft of the selected carrier takes place.

Aeroflot

At Sheremetyevo Airport, passenger check-in for Aeroflot flights takes place in terminals B, D, E, F.

Check-in in terminals E, F starts 2 hours before flight departure, ends 40 minutes.

Check-in for international Aeroflot aircraft in terminals B and D begins 6 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes.

You can go through this procedure at the airport using self-service terminals.

Nordwind Airlines

You can check in for a Nordwind Airlines plane at the airport, at a self-service terminal or online.

You can complete electronic check-in for a flight with this carrier here. website .

Royal Flight

Check-in for Royal Flight aircraft takes place near terminals E, F and at the self-service kiosk.

Online registration is available here website .

Onur Air

You can check-in for Onur Air aircraft at Sheremetyevo Airport at a self-service kiosk or near the counter of terminals E, F.

On carrier's official website There is an option for online registration, but it can only be done in Turkish or English.

Check with official representatives of the airline for all the information you are interested in when purchasing plane tickets.

Go to the airport a few hours before departure to ensure time to check in for your flight. If the passenger is late even by one minute, they will not be allowed to board the plane.

Online registration is subject to certain conditions. This service is not available to passengers planning a flight with seriously ill people, with or. Also, people on a group flight (when the number of passengers is more than 9 people), as well as travelers who purchased tickets through travel agencies, will not be able to take advantage of the airline’s unique offer.

This registration method is not suitable for citizens planning to transport dangerous or valuable cargo by plane.

More detailed information on this issue can be found on the website of the airline with which the plane ticket was booked.

Flying on an airplane is quite exciting for many people. This is especially true for the first flight, when a person does not know what to do or where to go. In order not to rush around the entire airport in search of the required seat, it is worth studying in advance what actions will need to be taken for check-in and boarding. There are a number of requirements for passengers traveling on domestic and international flights. In the latter case, the requirements are much higher.

What is a boarding pass and where to get it

A boarding pass is a document that confirms the right to board an airplane. It can be obtained after registration. It can be completed in mode or in the airport building. If the passenger decides to register via the Internet, the coupon will be available for printing from a PC or other mobile device. Next, you will need to print it out to present it to specialists at a special counter. If the document is damaged or lost for some reason, you can print it again.

The ticket contains the following information:

Flight number.
Number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin.
The time when boarding begins and ends.
Gate number for passengers to board the plane.

Important! Your boarding pass and passport should always be on hand so that airport security officers can make sure that you are a passenger and not a random person who decided to walk around the airport terminal.

Registration procedure

Having a plane ticket is the right to use the flight. But you can use the right, or you can not use it. That is why, in order to board an aircraft, you must pre-register and receive a boarding pass. Here's what's included:

Sometimes this whole process takes a long time. This is why it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, despite the fact that check-in starts 2 hours before.

Important! If you are late for, you can pass it at a special counter for latecomers. But this service is relevant for those who did not have time to register and came a few minutes after the registration process was completed. If this happens after 15-20 minutes, then boarding the airliner will be denied.

If the airline's rules imply the ability to return or exchange an unused ticket for another, you should exercise this right. However, for Russia this is rarely relevant. But American airlines allow you to board the next plane that flies to the city you need, despite being late for the plane for which you bought the ticket.

How to register online

Many people register online today. It's much faster and easier. In addition, there is no need to waste time waiting at the airport. People who check in electronically often arrive at the airport an hour later than the recommended time.

To complete the procedure, you will need to go to the official website of the airline and select the required flight. It is there that you can register in a special window. Some airlines accept a photo of your boarding pass from your phone, but this is not always the case. It is worth clarifying in advance the possibility of providing a photo.

The sooner a passenger checks in, the greater his chances of getting the best seat. It usually starts a day before departure. Some operators open it 2-3 days before departure. It closes in 45 minutes.

Important features of passenger boarding

The boarding pass contains all the necessary information for passengers. To avoid problems during boarding, it is recommended to approach the desired gate 5-10 minutes in advance. You also need to make sure that the gate and landing time are correct.

Passengers will be required to present their passport and boarding pass upon boarding. And if we are talking about an international flight, then also a visa and a passport. After passing the gate, you board the plane. It is carried out by delivery by bus or through a special sleeve that connects the aircraft to the airport terminal. On board, flight attendants will help you find the right seat and tell you how to behave during takeoff, landing and the flight itself.

Time frame

Not all airports begin and end boarding at the same time. However, there are some rules that apply to all airports. Below is a table with an approximate schedule.

It all depends on passenger traffic. The larger it is, the more time is allocated for registration and boarding.

Rules of conduct at the airport for beginners

Once you arrive, there is no need to panic. If this is your first flight, then follow the information boards and various signs. If they are not enough, then you can contact airport security specialists. They will help you figure out where to go, and also tell you how to correctly read the information on the board. It is recommended to read several useful articles in advance in order to clearly develop an action plan.

Here's what to do when you get to the airport:

Initially, you need to study the information on the board and find your flight in order to understand what is currently happening with it and when boarding begins.
Familiarize yourself with the airport map in order to create a route in your head that you will need to follow.
Before approaching the check-in counter, you should prepare all the necessary documents, which include tickets and a passport. If the whole family is going on a flight, it is better to submit all the documents at once, rather than registering for everyone separately.
Passengers flying business class are served at a special counter where service takes place out of turn.

What to do when you have free time

Today, airports offer many different options for passengers to keep themselves busy. These include the following:

Shopping. There are really a lot of different kiosks and shops in the airport building where you can buy various goods or just look at the assortment. Prices are usually very high, due to the almost complete lack of competition.
Opportunity to relax in a cafe.
Read a book, newspaper or magazine. If you don’t want to buy them, you can take them for free at special stands.
Use Wi-Fi to work or just surf the Internet to “kill time.”
Go to duty free.

For young mothers there is a children's room where you can change the baby's clothes and do all the necessary procedures. Typically, doctors, including pediatricians, work in airport buildings. Therefore, if you have any suspicions about your health condition, you can contact them. Medical care is provided free of charge.

Additional Information

There are no uniform baggage requirements. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance when buying a ticket on a specific airline. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the requirements for boarding the aircraft in advance. The maximum weight of luggage in some companies may be 50 kilograms. The minimum weight is 20 kg.

It is prohibited to carry:

Various types of gases.
Explosive items and ammunition.
Steel arms.
Materials that can easily catch fire.
Objects with a strong magnetic field.
Mercury.

To prevent the transportation of prohibited substances, you must undergo inspection. It is prohibited to carry water and a number of other items in which you can easily carry prohibited items.

Pregnant women must provide a doctor's certificate confirming their ability to withstand the stress associated with flying.

Thus, in order to be in time for everything, you need to arrive in advance. Registration begins in a couple of hours, and boarding, depending on the size of the airport, takes 40-60 minutes.