How long does it take to check in for a plane? The subtleties of boarding Aeroflot aircraft - features and registration rules. Checking in for a plane: what is it?

In order to experience all the advantages of air travel, every passenger should know about the rules and regulations for using the aircraft. First of all, you need to understand that checking in for an airliner takes some time, especially if you are going to fly abroad. Therefore, it is better to have 2 hours in reserve in order to manage everything comfortably and slowly.

Remember that air registration does not mean showing a ticket and passport for a train or bus. During check-in, your luggage undergoes inspection, all documents must be in order, there must be visas, if any are necessary to visit a foreign country, and also remember the validity period of your passport.

Passengers with experience already know how much time it takes to go through all the services, therefore they always arrive at the airport terminal with a reserve of time, so as not to jostle in the crowd, but to calmly and as comfortably as possible go through registration, security screening, etc. Moreover, each air carrier has its own rules for checking in passengers.

For example, if you are flying from Sheremetyevo, then registration for international destinations begins in 2.5 hours and is completed in 40 minutes. before departure. As for flights within the country, the time allotted for them is much less: start - in 2 hours, end - in 40 minutes.

Where to start

So, you are already at the airport. What is important to have ready? The main thing is a ticket and a passport. If you are flying with children, then they also need to have a birth certificate, passport and additional documents required by the air carrier for registration.

Checking in to board a plane at the airport

If you are flying with friends or family, you should submit all documents at once so that all seats on board are nearby.

Information table

Upon arrival at the airport, you should familiarize yourself with the electronic display and the information on it, which indicates the flight numbers, check-in counters, check-in opening times and how long it takes to check in for the plane.

It is worth noting that all information boards have certain symbols, identical at each airport, for ease of use by passengers around the world, and they are written in English. Let's take a closer look at the columns and words:

• “Airline” is the name of the air carrier;
• “Flight” — flight number;
• “Departure” is the final destination of the aircraft;
• “Scheduled” — airliner departure time;
• “Counters”—reception number;
• “Gate” — boarding gate number;
• “Status” — flight status;
• “Gate Closed” — boarding completion status;
• “Boarding”—boarding continues;
• “Check-in” – check-in for the flight continues;
• “On-time” - the departure of an aircraft with the check-in time indicated next to the flight is expected without delay;
• “Delayed” - the flight is delayed and check-in is not yet open;
• “Canceled” - flight cancellation;
• “Remark” is additional information, footnotes, which also indicate the time for registration.

To have time to pass, you need to check with the air carrier for the exact time of its completion. Sometimes the registration process begins 2-3 hours before the plane’s departure, and sometimes even an hour. When does check-in for a plane end, how long before departure - we said above.

All information boards have specific symbols that are identical at each airport.

Each airport terminal check-in counter is identified by a number. To get to your counter, you should look at the board and find the counter number listed next to your flight.

Important! Business class has its own counter. But if there is no registration opposite, then you can go to any of the available ones and ask to register.

Therefore, if you have a business class or 1st class ticket, then such passengers are served either out of line or at special counters.

By purchasing a business class ticket, you have the right to check-in without queuing

Once you find your counter, you should present all documents for registration. Afterwards, you will be given a boarding pass indicating your gate number and seat in the air show. Next, you move to the waiting room for subsequent boarding.

Register on the Internet

Through the World Wide Web, you have the opportunity to register for an airliner yourself. Thanks to this system, you can purchase a Barcode boarding pass to your email.

This coupon must be printed using special devices that are located in front of the inspection or passport control line. This coupon is presented during baggage check-in, at the boarding counter and to the flight attendant upon boarding the aircraft.

Each check-in counter at the airport is identified by a number.

Important! Aeroflot has its own restrictions on online registration, access to which is opened in 24 hours and closed in 45 minutes. before departure. As for passenger boarding, it is completed in 15 minutes. before the airliner takes off.

What to do with luggage

If you are flying with luggage, the latter must be checked in. It is important to know that baggage weighing no more than 20 kg is free per person. At the time of check-in for your flight, you place your suitcases on the belt and they are sent to the luggage compartment; upon arrival at your destination, you will receive them at the airport terminal.

Important! If the baggage weight is more than necessary, you will need to pay extra for each kilogram in excess.

Completing check-in for your flight

When purchasing a ticket, you need to clarify what time check-in for the plane begins and ends, so as not to be late and be on time. It is important to understand that each airport has its own rules and time frames may vary. Also, the ticket contains all the necessary information (but not all of it); you should also read the information on the web resource where you purchase the ticket or on the airport website.

Important! If you fail to check in at the specified time, your seat may be occupied at the discretion of the air carrier. Therefore, it is ideal to arrive at the airport in advance, taking into account the traffic on the roads, in order to avoid troubles.

When does check-in for international flights begin and how many hours before does it end? The registration process for overseas travel opens in 2-3 hours and closes in 40 minutes. before departure. If we talk about flights within the country, then the registration process on board begins in 2 hours and ends in 40 minutes. before departure. But small airports complete registration for an airliner in 20 minutes.

Passage rules

Now let's find out how check-in at the airport takes place.

The beginning is when passengers receive boarding passes and baggage check-in. Further, passengers must undergo customs inspection and passport control. This applies to flights. But, if you are flying within the country, then, in fact, everything ends at registration.

The process of registration, customs inspection and passport control for flights abroad

After customs control, passengers are directed to the gate, the number of which is indicated on the boarding pass, and spend time in the waiting room (transit area) before boarding the airliner.

After all inspections, passengers move to the transit zone (this only applies to those flying abroad), where Duty Free is located. There are many branded products that you can buy; they are packaged according to special rules so that they can be transported in the cabin of an airliner. Passengers who do not wish to go shopping can simply wait for an invitation to board.

They can go to the mother and child room, where there is everything necessary for a comfortable pastime. There are game rooms and specially designed changing tables.

Always remember your boarding pass, as before boarding the plane you will need to show it to the flight attendant, who will point to your seat on board, written on the pass.

Actually, this is the entire process of registering for a plane from A to Z. Next, the flight stage begins.

A few important points

To overcome check-in quickly and without delays, you need to remember the important rules of check-in at the airport.

1. It is important to keep your tickets and passports ready.
2. Luggage should be equipped so that everything you might need in the cabin is at hand. should not exceed 8 kg for budget class and 10 kg for business class.
3. Well, when registering, stay calm.

For information about prohibitions and transportation of items available for transportation in hand luggage, read the article on the rules for transporting hand luggage

For many passengers, boarding Aeroflot planes and checking in for a flight raises many questions. It is not always clear when to arrive at the airport and what actions to take before the aircraft departs. It is important to understand that the process of registering passengers and boarding them takes more time when compared with a similar process at a train station or bus stop. This is due to the need to go through security and baggage checks. Below we will look at how long it takes to board, as well as when to arrive to avoid being late for your flight.

Arrival time

To avoid delays in departure, it is advisable to arrive for check-in and security at the airport in advance in order to have time to check in for boarding at Aeroflot. These rules may vary depending on the airport. For example, in Sheremetyevo (Moscow), check-in for the flight starts:

• 2 hours in advance - for a domestic flight.
• 2.5 hours for an international flight.

Popular destinations of Aeroflot airline

What to do at the airport, and how long before boarding on Aeroflot planes ends?

After arriving at the terminal, the passenger must go through all the formalities and proceed to board the flight. You must first study the information provided on the special display. If you have luggage, you must check it in at the check-in counter. To avoid delays in departure, it is worth checking the baggage rules in advance, and also making sure that the cargo being transported meets the requirements for dimensions and weight. Otherwise, you will have to pay extra.

Find out in advance when registration ends. The deadline is 40 minutes before the plane departs. Many people forget that upon arrival they are required to go through security control, and in the case of a flight between countries, border and customs clearance. Please also note that on Aeroflot planes, boarding ends 20 minutes before the aircraft departs (indicated on the ticket). There is an exception for flights to St. Petersburg - here check-in ends half an hour before departure.

As for things, you can check in your checked baggage at Sheremetyevo no later than 45 minutes before departure. Registration is carried out at special DROP OFF counters. If the airport does not have one, check-in is carried out at a regular counter. When boarding an Aeroflot flight, it is recommended to present your boarding pass and personal document (passport).

Three categories of passengers board first:

• Adults with children.
• Passengers with Sky Team cars (Elite class and Elite Plus).
• Business class clients.

When deciding to use air transportation services, you will have to take into account some features related to check-in for the flight. Completely different rules apply here compared to land transport. If you do not take these nuances into account, you may simply be left behind.

Registration procedure

Even if you have a ticket in hand, this does not guarantee presence on board the aircraft. To get there, you need to pre-register and receive a boarding pass in exchange for your ticket. The check-in procedure for a flight also includes other aspects that cannot be circumvented.

• First, all passengers are registered at the airport at a specially designated counter (or at a self-check-in terminal), if they did not have time to go through the online procedure in advance;
• Then the weight and dimensions of the luggage, which will fly separately, are checked. If there is a deviation from the norm, a fee will be charged for the excess quantity. The passenger is given 2 coupons: the 1st is attached to the luggage, which is immediately checked in, the 2nd remains in his hands (they receive the luggage at the point of arrival);

• Then the passenger must go through passport control, which is mandatory when flying abroad;
• If an international flight is involved, you will also need customs inspection, which can be completed both before and after check-in;
• Immediately before boarding the plane (when passing to the departure waiting area), passengers' hand luggage is also inspected by the airport security service.

All these procedures carried out before flights take a lot of time due to forced standing in queues, which should be taken into account when deciding when is the best time to arrive at the airport. Another point that needs to be taken into account is whether it is necessary to do additional packing of the luggage so that it arrives intact (this will also require extra time).

To ensure that all passengers have time to complete travel processing, start and end time standards are established. The sooner travelers are at the check-in counter, the better their chances of boarding the airliner. But those who are late should not despair - there will be an appropriate counter for them (provided that the passenger showed up not a few minutes after registration closed, but 15-20 minutes before the end of the procedure).

If a passenger did not check in because he did not have time or forgot how long it takes to check in for the plane, he will not get on board, but he still has the opportunity to get his money back by returning an unused ticket or changing it to the next flight (if this is imply fare rules).

Online registration

You can make the registration procedure easier by using the Internet service. Each airline has its own website, which provides not only information about flights, but also when check-in begins and ends. In the window that opens, you can quickly register yourself and your luggage without leaving your home, and also choose a comfortable seat on the plane. To do this, you must have a ticket for a specific flight (or its electronic version).

You can print your boarding pass at home or do it upon arrival at the airport at the self-check-in counter. A convenient option is to receive a photo of your boarding pass on your mobile phone. This opportunity will speed up the completion of all other stages of inspection, because there is no longer any need to approach the registrar. If you were unable to print the registration card the first time, you can try again by selecting the “Reprint” option.

To have a better chance of getting advantageous seats on the plane, it is better to start online check-in early. Information about how many hours before departure this procedure will begin and what time it will end can be easily obtained here on the company’s website. Most airlines begin online check-in 24 hours in advance, but there are others that open access in 2-3 days.

Virtual check-in can close, like the real one, 45 minutes before departure (as is practiced by Aeroflot), or maybe an hour - it all depends on the company. But this does not mean that you need to wait until the last minute, because you also need to take into account the time it takes to get to the airport (and here any unforeseen situations may arise).

Note! Online check-in is a good opportunity to avoid the queue while already at the station if you have a laptop with you.

A period of time

Check-in time covers the entire flow of passengers who have already purchased tickets for the flight. But even this document will not save you if one of the tourists is late and appears at the airport after registration has completed. Although there are exceptions to any rule - at the discretion of the airline representative, who is required to be located near the check-in counter.

This is allowed if boarding has not yet been completed. It will continue until all registered passengers are on board. Up to 45 minutes are allotted for this, since travelers still encounter a duty-free zone along the way, where passengers can get stuck at some kiosk.

To avoid any mishaps with your flight, it is better to arrive at the airport long before the end of check-in. You can find out the exact time it closes on the airline’s website or call the airport information desk. You should not rely on the knowledge of your friends, because there are many nuances in this issue, and they are associated with various factors.

Airports

Each airport has its own check-in rules, which differ from each other. The lower the passenger flow, the less time is spent on registration. At small airports, the procedure begins 1 hour before departure, and it closes 20 minutes. At large airports there is always a large influx of passengers, and in order to process them all, it will take more time to register.

If we consider the Moscow “air gate”, then at Sheremetyevo (as well as at Domodedovo) check-in at the airport for international flights begins 2.5-3 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes before departure, and at Vnukovo it opens 2 hours before and closes 2 hours before departure. 30-40 min.

Airlines

Airlines may have their own requirements, and they do not always coincide with the airport regime. Here, the significance of the route is also taken into account - international or domestic, charter or regular. It also matters whether the passenger uses the services of a low-cost airline or chooses a more cost-effective option.

• Check-in for domestic flights is faster, as there is no need for customs inspection. And sometimes the procedures end later – 20 minutes before departure;
• Charter flights are launched between regular flights, so priority in check-in is given to passengers of recent movements. If there is a disruption in the schedule, the charter flight will be shifted. Tour operators are responsible for issuing tickets for these flights. They also determine when the client should arrive at the airport for check-in;
• Low-cost flights are often delayed, but you shouldn’t rely on this and delay check-in. It is better to arrive in advance and go through all the procedures in order to be able to take a more comfortable seat if you are not satisfied with the option on the boarding pass (this is possible on a board that is not fully loaded).

You can also be late with online registration if you use the services of low-cost airlines. They usually close check-in for a flight 3-4 hours before the scheduled departure. For many companies this time is shorter - 1 hour or 45 minutes before the flight.

How not to turn registration into a nightmare

Experienced passengers already know all the nuances associated with the upcoming flight, so they feel at ease in the airport building. It’s more difficult for newcomers - they get lost in the diverse stream of similar travelers. Even if you arrive at the airport in advance, you may not have time to check in if you panic and miss the moment when check-in ends.

Note! Only balance and prudence will help you cope with the situation. In order not to panic, you need to develop a plan of your actions in advance and know exactly how long before the landing begins.

• When you arrive at the airport, the first thing you need to do is look around for the board. This will help you understand which direction to register you should take. It will not be difficult to decide - just find your flight number on the board (it is indicated on the ticket);

• If you don’t know your way around the airport building, you can find information stands that display maps of the station. They will definitely indicate the registration area;
• As a backup option, contact any port employee who catches your eye. He will definitely help with the search;
• Having reached the counter, you should not immediately rush to register - it is better to first prepare the necessary documents (passports, children's birth certificates, tickets). When the whole family or company goes on a flight, documents must be submitted as a group in order to get seats next to each other;
• For passengers traveling in first or business class, check-in at the airport is carried out at a separate counter. If they do not have one, then they have a priority right to receive registration out of turn.

Important! If you don't know what to do next, contact the registrar and ask them to explain your next steps.

When you reach the duty-free zone, you should not get carried away by the offers there, so as not to be late for boarding and not to make other passengers wait for you.

If you have free time before departure

Having found out how long it takes to check in for a plane, and managed to complete it and all further procedures on time, the passenger realizes that he still has a lot of free time before departure. You shouldn’t complain about this - it’s better to think about what you can do while you wait. Experienced passengers are already prepared for this situation, but beginners can be given several recommendations. They will also be useful for those who arrived at the airport long before check-in began:

• You can keep yourself busy with “excursions” to the shops operating at the airport. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, this option will help pass the time;
• It’s worth relaxing before check-in is completed by relaxing in a cozy cafe, and at the same time having a snack while waiting for your flight. At international airports, such establishments offer a large selection of fresh, good quality food;
• If, while preparing for the flight, you were unable to grab an interesting book from home, you can buy it at the station (or a couple of interesting magazines);
• A passenger with a laptop is more fortunate - he can chat on the Internet while waiting. Some airports have a free Wi-Fi zone;
• For mothers traveling with small children, there is a rest room where you can not only change the baby, but also give him the opportunity to sleep a little;
• There is also a corner at the airport to entertain little passengers. Playgrounds will distract them from tedious waiting and relieve them of the need to be capricious;
• A number of airports also have paid rooms for adult passengers, equipped with comfortable beds. If you don’t want to sleep, you can watch TV;
• Many passengers on international flights prefer to walk through the duty-free zone, where many interesting duty-free goods are sold.

Video

When you are ready to unwind while waiting for your flight, do not forget how long before departure you need to board the plane. If you happen to be flying low-cost, it’s better to hurry up so you have time to find yourself a comfortable seat.

Anyone who has ever flown on an airplane remembers the long lines at the check-in counter. Of course, first and business class passengers go through the check-in procedure many times faster than economy passengers. However, the latter have a very real chance not to languish in line, but to immediately move on to the next stage. The secret is in online registration.

Online check-in is available on most airline websites. Most often, online check-in opens 23 hours before departure. You can go through it at any time, but no later than 1 hour before the plane takes off into the sky. All you need to register an air ticket online is a stable Internet connection signal, knowledge of the airline’s website address and order details. Almost every airline has a separate section of the website for registering electronic plane tickets, so finding the right button will be easy. The online check-in procedure takes a few minutes versus half an hour or more in line at the airport.

When checking in for air tickets, you can choose comfortable seats on the plane. This is an absolute plus - you can wait for online registration to open and calmly choose that very coveted seat by the window.

You will receive your boarding pass by email. Sometimes you can print it out immediately after completing online registration, without waiting for an email. You must print your boarding pass, otherwise you will not be allowed on the plane. You can print your boarding pass at self-check-in kiosks at some major airports.

There are special programs for mobile phones that help you complete online registration yourself. However, not all airlines provide this service. The procedure differs in that after checking in you will receive an SMS with a barcode, which you can then use to print your boarding pass at the airport.

Registration of plane tickets via the Internet is not available for all passengers. If you need to check luggage, you will still have to stand in line. You checked in online, but you will check your luggage as usual. To check in your luggage, you will have to stand in a queue - at large airports in a separate line for those who, like you, checked in online, and in small ones - in a general one.

If you don’t have luggage, but have hand luggage, rejoice, you don’t need to stand in line. The second condition is that you are not bringing an animal with you. The third condition is that you do not need additional services (accompanied child, wheelchair, cradle, etc.). Some airlines do not support online check-in for passengers who have purchased a codeshare ticket.

Did you know

how to buy a plane ticket without leaving home?

On the Tutu.ru website, indicate the route, travel dates and number of passengers in the required fields.

The system will select suitable options from offers from several hundred airlines.

From the list, select the flight that suits you.

Enter your personal information - it is required to issue tickets. Tutu.ru transmits them only via a secure channel.

Pay for tickets with a bank card.

how to pay for an air ticket when purchasing online?

The fastest and most convenient way to pay for a ticket on the Tutu.ru website is with a bank card.

We accept cards of all types of international payment systems Visa and MasterCard - debit, credit, virtual (for example, QIWI Visa Virtual).

Why can you safely enter your bank card details on the Tutu.ru website?

Data entry takes place on secure pages. We do not store any information about bank cards, we only transfer them to the bank for payment.

The entire process occurs automatically, without human intervention.

Data is transmitted over a secure (encrypted) channel.

We guarantee that no information will be transferred to third parties or used for purposes other than issuing tickets.

What does an e-ticket look like and where can I get it?

After payment, a new entry appears in the airline’s database - this is an electronic ticket. Now all information about your flight will be stored by the carrier airline.

Electronic plane tickets are not issued in paper form and cannot be viewed.

You can see, print and take with you to the airport not the ticket itself, but the itinerary receipt. It contains your ticket number and all the information about your flight. We will send a receipt by email.

You will not need an itinerary receipt when checking in for your flight - all information is stored in the computer and at the airport you will only need your passport.

How to get on a plane using an electronic ticket?

An electronic plane ticket is an official document confirming the conclusion of an air transportation agreement.

To use your ticket, you only need to arrive at the airport on time and check in.

To register you will need:

• identification document specified in the order;
• birth certificate (when flying with children).

The itinerary receipt is not a mandatory document when registering. However, Tutu.ru recommends printing out the receipt and taking it with you.

You may need it at passport control abroad, as confirmation that you have a return ticket or that you are continuing on your route.

how to return a plane ticket?

An e-ticket can only be returned in accordance with the airline's rules, regardless of how it was booked and paid for.

To return a ticket, you must contact the operator as soon as possible.

To do this, you need to respond to the letter that you will receive after ordering tickets on the Tutu.ru website.

Please indicate “Ticket Return” in the subject line and briefly describe your situation. Our specialists will contact you. If you have not received the letter, write to [email protected].

The information letter that you receive after ordering also contains contacts of the partner agency through which your ticket was issued. You can contact him directly.

After completing the check-in procedure and other formalities before departure, you go directly to the departure area or waiting room, where you will wait for the boarding announcement. Even if there is enough time left before departure, you won’t be bored there - in the departure area there are cozy cafes and duty-free shops for shopping lovers. To avoid unforeseen situations and not to be late for departure, it is worth knowing what time boarding begins. As a rule, boarding of the plane is announced after the completion of the passenger check-in procedure for the flight. Having arrived in advance at the waiting room where the “gate” or gates are located, the first thing you have to do is find your gate, so that you don’t have to look for it at the last minute and, God forbid, get lost. Once the required gate has been found, you need to compare the flight number on the sign at the gate with the number indicated on the boarding pass. The data must match.

Important! Gate numbers sometimes change for unknown reasons, so it is important to arrive at the boarding gate no later than half an hour before departure and constantly monitor the announcements and information on the board.

Boarding pass

Without a document such as a boarding pass, you will not be allowed to board. It is issued to each passenger after completing the registration procedure. If check-in is successfully completed through terminals or the Internet, you can print your boarding pass yourself. You can do this in the following ways:

• at the registration desk at the station;
• through the self-check-in terminal;
• via an online service.

In unforeseen situations, when your boarding pass is forgotten at home, or for unknown reasons it becomes damaged (it gets wet, torn, wrinkled), you always have the opportunity to print out a new one. This document contains important information for passengers:

• flight number (denoted as Flight);
• number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin (Seat);
• Boarding time & Gate closes, sometimes only one thing is indicated, for example, the start time of boarding;
• Gate number for passengers to board.

You should always keep your boarding pass handy along with your passport, as sometimes your identity documents may be double-checked before your flight.

Features of boarding passengers on an airplane

The boarding pass must indicate the start time of passengers boarding. This information will be announced over the airport's public address system several times, but it is better to arrive five to ten minutes earlier than the time indicated on the ticket so as not to be late. Upon arrival at the gate or “gate” leading passengers to board, it is important to double-check your flight number and gate number to make sure you are on the right track. When exiting, you will be required to present your boarding pass, and in certain cases, your passport (more often than not, your identity document is checked before boarding on domestic flights). The ticket has two parts, the larger one will be torn off and the smaller one will be left to the passenger. To be sure, this part of the coupon should be checked again - it contains information about the luggage (luggage tags), which will make it possible to identify and find your suitcases among the luggage upon arrival.

After passing through the Gate at large airports, you will board the plane either by bus, which delivers all passengers on the flight to the ramp, or along an accordion air corridor connecting directly the station terminal and the aircraft. Having climbed the stairs or walked along the “sleeve” to the plane, you will be warmly greeted by flight attendants who welcome you on board the plane and will help you find and take the seat in the cabin indicated on your boarding pass. Hand luggage should be carefully placed on the shelf to avoid inconvenience and discomfort during the flight.

Start and end time of boarding

As a rule, the exact start and end time for passengers boarding an aircraft is indicated on the boarding pass, written on all the airport’s numerous information boards, and announced verbally over a loudspeaker. But you don’t have to look at your ticket or wait for an announcement to rationally calculate your time and not be late for boarding. For those unlucky enough to be late due to their own fault, the ticket price will not be refunded. It is worth taking care of timely arrival at the desired gate in advance. You just need to know the departure time of the plane and the end time of passenger check-in.

Attention! International flights board 10-20 minutes earlier than domestic flights.

Passengers traveling internationally should arrive at the gate no later than 40 minutes before departure, while those traveling domestically should arrive at the gate half an hour before departure. At small airports, boarding sometimes begins 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 30 minutes for international flights. This is due to the fact that at international airports there is often a long queue, and at smaller ones there is a shorter queue, so the check-in procedure and subsequent landing takes much less time.