Check Flight Reservations

Whether you book your airline tickets online, by phone, or through a travel agent, it is always a good idea to check your reservations before the day of departure. When you check your flights, you can choose your seats, purchase meals, and make requests for any special accommodations you might need. Try to verify your flight information beforehand, make any special requests, and be prepared to check-in the day of travel.

Steps

Confirming Flight Details and Information

1. Visit the airline website to check in and confirm details. Navigate online to the airline website, or click the “Register” button on the confirmation email that the airline sent you when you booked your flight. Once you navigate the check-in menus, you should see your flight information, including the number of travelers, departure and arrival times and cities.
   • Even if you initially booked your flight through a travel company (such as Expedia or Priceline), you should still register for your flight through the airline website. You may be able to confirm flight details through the travel company website, but you’ll need to check in to the flight and purchase special requests through the airline site.
2. Check your boarding information. At this point, you can also view your boarding pass, and find out your seat assignment and boarding zone. If you do not have your reservation number, you might be able to find your boarding information using your flight number and your last name. Check the e-mail you received when you purchased the ticket to find your reservation or ticket number.
3. Confirm your reservation details. When checking in prior to a flight, it’s always good to check to make sure the specific details of your flight have not changed. Visit the airline’s webpage and, using the flight Confirmation Number you’ve been sent, check online to make sure that you have the correct flight number and destination.
   • You can also check on specific details of your original reservation to confirm the date, location, and time of your flight. To do this, click on the web-page tab that says “Manage Reservation,” “My Trips,” or “My Trips/Check-In.” Each airline will have a different name for this tab, but it should be easy to locate.
4. Check your flight’s departure time. When you’re checking in online, look to see if your flight has been delayed or canceled. This information should be easily accessible: look in the email that the airline sent you when you reserved your flight, and check the flight time. Then, enter the Confirmation Number on the airline’s website, and check that the departure and arrival times have not changed.
   • If your flight has been substantially delayed, the airline will likely inform you through email or a text message.

Checking on Special Requests Online

1. Note special requests on the airline website while checking in. Once you’ve checked your reservation, you can check the airline’s options for ordering meals, checking in pets, checking luggage and choosing your seats. After you have finished checking or making changes to your reservation, you can verify the reservation online.
   • Know that changing any flight information after making your reservation may cost extra. If possible, try to make sure all your special requests are in by the time you make the reservation.
2. Order meals to eat during the flight. While confirming your flight, you may have the option to choose meals for your flight. Be prepared to pay for them, since most domestic flights no longer include free meals. Each airline has slightly different food policies and options, so make sure you know what is available on your carrier.
   • Contact the airline in advance if you have any unique dietary restrictions or food allergies. Call the airline directly or contact them via e-mail if you need special food or have severe food allergies so they will be prepared the day of the flight. There should be a number of options that are available for a variety of diets.
   • International flights often offer complimentary meals.
3. Pay for checked and carry-on luggage. Most airlines charge for both checked and carry-on luggage. Make sure to check-in and pay for all bags before heading to the airport. If you did not pay for checked or carry-on bags when making the initial flight reservation, you can pay for bags when checking in online for your flight, or at your airline’s service desk in the airport terminal.
   • If you know how many bags you will be checking, enter the number and pay for them ahead of departure with a credit card.
   • Checked and carry-on luggage is often more expensive in the 24 hours leading up to the flight than prior to that time period. Plan to pay all baggage fees well in advance.
4. Choose seats on your flights. For most airlines, you can specify the seat type you prefer (window or aisle) or choose your specific seat, if a seat hasn’t already been assigned to you. Some airlines have individual fees for different types of seats, while others charge more for first-class seating or seats with extra leg room.
   • Most airlines will allow you to choose your seats ahead of time. Check in and find the seat that’s in the best location for your travel.
5. Check in pets. If you are traveling with pets, make sure you’ve verified all details with the airlines beforehand. Flying with pets can be logistically difficult, and you’ll want to know that everything is ready when you arrive for your flight. Smaller pets can sometimes be taken as carry-ons. Verify your kennel meets the appropriate sizes and regulation for the airline. Larger animals cannot be carried on and need to be kept underneath the cabin.
   • There are size requirements for both carry-on kennels and checked kennels. You can find these guidelines on your airline’s website or by calling the airline’s “Contact Us” number.
   • Make sure that you check in advance about any special weather restrictions. Airlines often have travel restrictions for pets based on the time of the year. Verify with your airline that you will meet the appropriate restrictions during the time of your flight.

Checking In the Day of Your Flight

1. Check in 24 hours in advance. You can do this by navigating to the website of your airline, and find the section of the website where you can “Check In”. Once you’ve verified all of your flight information, you’re ready to do the final check-in. Input your reservation number or flight number. You may need other additional information to confirm your identity.
   • Make sure to check-in all final baggage, seats, and pets online prior to your flight time.
   • Finalize all baggage, seats, and pets on your check-in. If you added them beforehand, verify that these special requests are all being honored by the airline.
2. Check in at the airport terminal. After you’ve checked your online check-in, you’ll be ready to complete the final check-in at the airport. Bring your driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID when you travel, as the airline will need to verify your identity. Airport terminals are busy places, so being ready to show the attendant all necessary documents will make sure you get through the line quickly and easily.
   • Print your flight confirmation or boarding pass at the terminal kiosk when you arrive at the airport. If you think you’ll be in a rush once you arrive at the airport, you can also print your boarding pass once you have checked in to your flight online.
3. Bring checked luggage to the drop-off location. Make sure you have your checked luggage ready to give to the attendant at the terminal. Keep your luggage secure and ready to be kept under the plane. Before checking your luggage, verify that your checked luggage meets the weight requirements. Most airlines charge extra for luggage over 50 pounds.
   • Keep your luggage well marked and easy to locate. Much luggage looks the same. Do something to make your luggage distinctive so you’ll recognize it when you see it again at your arrival destination.
4. Bring your checked pets to the airline desk. If you’re traveling with pets, make sure your pets are secure and ready to travel in their kennel. They need to have been fed and be calm for the flight. Give yourself extra time to check your pets, so the attendant can verify your paperwork.
   • Pets usually need to be a minimum age to fly. Most airlines suggest 6 to 8 weeks.
   • Small dogs and cats also need to have a health certificate issued by a vet close to the time of departure and arrival. How recent the health certificate needs to be depends on the airline.
5. Prepare your carry-on luggage. Small bags can be carried onto the plane. However, it is important that both meet the requirements for carry-on luggage and are easy to store in the cabin. Make sure your carry-on bag meets the size requirements. Most carry-on bags need to be able to fit into the overhead compartment. Airports usually have a measurement box so you can test out your baggage.
   • Verify that your baggage is not too heavy. Heavy baggage can make it difficult to maneuver around the plane and in the terminal.
6. Prepare pets for the plane. Small pets can also be carried on the plane, although they may need to be kept in a kennel under the seat in front of you. Verify also that your pet is calm and ready to fly. You don’t want to have a noisy pet when you come onto the airplane. Noisy pets make for a long and annoying plane ride for your fellow passengers.
   • Before boarding, make sure your pet kennel meets the required size and weight requirements. You can find the size and weight requirements on your airline’s website.

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