Difference between revisions of "Check Flight Reservations"
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# 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. | # 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. | #* 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. | ||
| − | # Check your boarding information. At this point, you can also view your boarding pass, and find out your seat assignment and boarding zone.<ref>https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/how-tos/book-and-manage-air-pol.html</ref> 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. | + | # Check your boarding information. At this point, you can also view your boarding pass, and find out your seat assignment and boarding zone.<ref name="rf1">https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/how-tos/book-and-manage-air-pol.html</ref> 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. |
| − | # 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.<ref | + | # 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.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* 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,” <ref>https://www.southwest.com/flight/lookup-air-reservation.html?clk=GSUBNAV-AIR-MNGRES&forceNewSession=yes</ref> “My Trips,”<ref>http://www.delta.com/</ref> or “My Trips/Check-In.” Each airline will have a different name for this tab, but it should be easy to locate. <ref>https://www.aa.com/homePage.do</ref> | + | #* 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,” <ref name="rf2">https://www.southwest.com/flight/lookup-air-reservation.html?clk=GSUBNAV-AIR-MNGRES&forceNewSession=yes</ref> “My Trips,”<ref name="rf3">http://www.delta.com/</ref> or “My Trips/Check-In.” Each airline will have a different name for this tab, but it should be easy to locate. <ref name="rf4">https://www.aa.com/homePage.do</ref> |
# 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. | # 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. | #* If your flight has been substantially delayed, the airline will likely inform you through email or a text message. | ||
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# 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. | # 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. | #* 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. | ||
| − | # 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.<ref>http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/a-guide-to-airline-meals-and-snacks</ref> | + | # 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.<ref name="rf5">http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/a-guide-to-airline-meals-and-snacks</ref> |
#* 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. | #* 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. | #* International flights often offer complimentary meals. | ||
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# 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. | # 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. | #* 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. | ||
| − | # 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.<ref>https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/pets.jsp</ref> | + | # 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.<ref name="rf6">https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/pets.jsp</ref> |
#* 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. | #* 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.<ref>http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/pets/pet-requirements-restrictions.html </ref> | + | #* 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.<ref name="rf7">http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/pets/pet-requirements-restrictions.html </ref> |
===Checking In the Day of Your Flight=== | ===Checking In the Day of Your Flight=== | ||
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#* 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. | #* 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. | ||
# 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. | # 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.<ref | + | #* 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.<ref name="rf1" /> |
# 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. | # 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. | #* 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. | ||
| − | # 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.<ref>http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/pets/pet-requirements-restrictions.html</ref> | + | # 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.<ref name="rf8">http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/pets/pet-requirements-restrictions.html</ref> |
#* Pets usually need to be a minimum age to fly. Most airlines suggest 6 to 8 weeks. | #* 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. | #* 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. | ||
