Wondering how airport check-in works? Find out step-by-step how to prepare for your trip, avoid stress and save time.
Online check-in, baggage drop, security check – these stages may seem complicated, but with our guide everything will become easier. Check what to do to get on board without problems!
Preparation for Check-in at the Airport
Traveling by plane is not just about the journey itself, but also about proper preparation, which can make the entire procedure at the airport much easier. First, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you.
Regardless of whether you are traveling domestically or abroad, you should have an identity document with you – most often an ID card or passport.
If your trip requires a visa, make sure it is valid for your travel dates.
Another key document is the plane ticket .
Today, you will increasingly come across electronic tickets, which you can simply show on your smartphone screen. You can also print it out to be sure.
It is also worth taking care of the proper preparation of luggage . Check the weight limits and dimensions of hand luggage and checked luggage for your airline. This will avoid stressful situations at check-in when it turns out that your luggage is too heavy or too large.
The last thing to consider before arriving at the airport is online check-in. Many airlines offer this option, which can save you time.
Online check-in is particularly convenient for those travelling with hand luggage, as it allows you to proceed directly to the security check upon arrival at the airport.
Please note that online check-in is available at a specific time before your flight, usually from 24 to 2 hours before departure.
Online Check-in – How to Do It with Major Carriers in Poland Step by Step
Online check-in is one of the most convenient options for air travelers. It allows you to avoid long lines at airport check-in desks and also gives you the opportunity to choose your seat on the plane in advance.
Below you will find instructions for online check-in with the most important air carriers operating in Poland.
Ryanair
Ryanair, one of the most popular low-cost carriers in Poland, allows online check-in from 24 to 2 hours before departure . The process is simple:
Visit the Ryanair website or use the mobile app.
Please provide your booking number and passenger details.
Select a seat (if you do not want to pay to reserve a specific seat, the system will automatically assign it to you free of charge).
Download your boarding pass – you can print it out, receive it via text message or add it to your mobile app. It is important to have your boarding pass with you when you travel.
Wizz Air
Like Ryanair, Wizz Air allows you to check in online from 24 to 3 hours before departure . To do so:
Log in to your account on the Wizz Air website or in the app.
Enter your booking number and select the flight you wish to check in.
Select additional options such as seat reservation or extra luggage.
Print your boarding pass or save it in the app.
LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines offers online check-in from 36 to 1 hour before departure . The online check-in process includes:
Visit the LOT Polish Airlines website or use the application.
Provide your ticket number or reservation code and name.
Selecting a seat on board and confirming check-in.
Printing the boarding pass or saving it electronically. You can also receive the boarding pass via text message.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa, which also operates many flights to and from Poland, allows online check-in from 23 hours before departure . All you need to do is:
Go to the Lufthansa website or use the app.
Enter your reservation number or passenger details.
Select a location and additional options, if available.
Receive your boarding pass electronically, print it out or save it in the app.
Key Tips for Online Check-in
Documents : Always carry a valid form of identification, as without it your boarding pass is invalid.
Carry-on luggage : Make sure your carry-on luggage meets the airline's requirements. Exceeding the limits may result in additional fees.
Extra fees : Some airlines, such as Ryanair, charge extra fees for checking in at the airport, so checking in online is not only more convenient, but also cheaper.
Online check-in is a great way to save time and avoid unnecessary stress before your trip.
However, please remember to check in on time and prepare all documents that may be required during your trip.
Ticket and Baggage Check-in at the Airport
Upon arrival at the airport, the first step is to find the appropriate check-in desk. Information about the desk number can be found on the departures board, usually located in the center of the departures hall.
If you have checked baggage with you, this is the time when you must check it in.
Checked Baggage Check-in Process
When approaching the check-in desk, prepare your documents: a plane ticket (can be electronic) and an identity document . If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa, make sure you have it with you as well.
When it's your turn, an airport employee will ask for your documents and checked baggage. It will be marked with a special barcode label, and you will receive a confirmation of your baggage.
It is worth keeping this confirmation until you collect your luggage at your destination – it is essential in case of any problems, e.g. lost luggage.
Boarding Pass Collection
If you haven't checked in online, you'll also be given a boarding pass . This is a key document that you must carry with you throughout your journey - without it, you won't be allowed to board the plane.
Your boarding pass will contain information about the gate number from which your flight departs and your assigned seat on the plane.
For many airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, checking in at the airport may incur additional fees, so it is worth checking in online in advance.
However, traditional check-in at the airport is sometimes necessary, for example when you are travelling with checked baggage and you are unable to drop it off elsewhere (e.g. at automated baggage drop-off desks).
Practical Tips
Arrive at the airport early : Even if you plan to check in online, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Larger airports can take longer to check in due to larger crowds and longer lines. This is most important in the morning due to peak departure times and in the summer when there are a lot of tourists. It is also worth being a little earlier if you are flying outside the Schengen area.
Check the weight of your luggage : Each airline has its own limits on the weight and size of your luggage. Exceeding these limits can result in additional fees, which are usually very high.
Prepare for security : After checking in your checked baggage and receiving your boarding pass, the next step is security. Make sure you have access to all items that need to be removed from your carry-on baggage, such as electronics or liquids.
Security check
After completing the check-in process, the next step is for passengers to go through security. This is one of the most important stages of the airport check-in process, which aims to ensure the safety of all passengers and cabin crew.
How to Prepare for a Security Check?
Before you approach the security checkpoints, make sure you have easy access to all the items you need to remove from your carry-on luggage.
Place your luggage on a tray that will go into the scanner. Place electronics and other items subject to detailed inspection on a separate tray in advance. This applies in particular to:
Electronics : All electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones must be removed from your luggage and placed separately in a basket on the scanning belt.
Liquids : You can only take liquids on board in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. All containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag, the total capacity of which cannot exceed 1 liter. You must also remove liquids from your hand luggage before screening.
Metal objects : Remove your belt, watch, jewelry, and empty your pockets of metal objects (e.g. keys, coins). All of these items must be placed in a separate basket.
The Gate Passage Process
Once you have everything ready, you will pass through a metal detector. If the metal detector beeps , you may be subjected to additional manual inspection.
This often means having to remove your shoes or undergo a more thorough hand search by airport staff.
Hand luggage, just like you, goes through a scanner that checks for prohibited items.
It is worth remembering here that some things that you may carry with you every day are prohibited on the plane. This includes sharp objects such as scissors, knives or penknives, but also large containers of liquids.
What's Next?
Once you have passed through security, you can collect your belongings and repack your hand luggage. Be sure to check that you have all your belongings, especially documents and electronics.
Now you are ready to head to the departure lounge, where you can relax before your flight, do some duty-free shopping, or grab a bite to eat before boarding. Remember not to leave your suitcase unattended.
Departure Hall and Waiting for the Plane
After passing through security, you will find yourself in the departures hall, the area from which you will board the plane. This is the moment where you can take a breather before the next part of your journey begins.
What to do in the Departure Hall?
Check Gate Number : First, make sure which gate your flight is departing from. You'll find the gate number on your boarding pass, but it's worth keeping an eye on departure boards as gate changes can happen at the last minute.
Duty- Free Shopping : The departures hall is also where you will find duty-free shops, where you can buy a variety of products, such as cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, sweets and souvenirs, often at great prices.
Remember, however, that some countries have restrictions on transporting alcohol or tobacco, so it is always worth checking the regulations.
Pre-Flight Meal : In the departure lounge, you will usually also find restaurants, cafes or bars where you can eat something before your flight. If your flight is long, this is a good time to eat, as food on board can be limited, especially on budget airlines.
Check Flight Status : Regularly check the status of your flight on the information boards. In case of a delay or gate change, this information will appear there the fastest. If your flight is delayed, you can use extra time to rest or shop.
Waiting to Board
As your flight gets closer to departure time, pay attention to boarding announcements. Carriers often inform passengers about the order in which they will board – for example, by row numbers, priority passengers (people with children, seniors, business class passengers) or loyalty card holders.
Boarding the Airplane
Once your group or row number is called, proceed to your designated gate. You will need to show your boarding pass and ID again upon boarding.
Depending on the airport, you will be directed to a jet bridge leading directly to the plane or to a bus that will transfer you to the plane on the tarmac.
What to Do After Boarding
Place your carry-on luggage : Once you board, find your seat and place your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Make sure you have all the necessary items for the flight on hand.
Prepare for Takeoff : Sit comfortably, fasten your seat belt and prepare for instructions from the cabin crew regarding safety procedures on board.
After these stages, all that is left to do is enjoy the flight and wait for arrival at your destination.
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