With millions of Brits set to fly abroad in the coming months, it is well worth reading up on all the rules, regulations and requirements of whichever airline you are flying with. Different carriers operate in different ways, so check-in deadlines may vary significantly between airlines such as easyJet and TUI. For example, easyJet and Ryanair share a similar stance on check-in closure. According to both airlines' websites, online check-in with each closes two hours ahead of the scheduled departure time.
Check-In Deadlines Across Airlines
For TUI, online check-in shuts one hour before take-off. However, if you are travelling with Jet2, online check-in will close a full six hours before your flight is set to leave. This extended deadline is a notable difference that passengers should keep in mind when planning their travel.
When Online Check-In Opens
The opening times for online check-in also vary from one carrier to another. TUI passengers can typically check in online from either 14 days or 48 hours before departure, depending on whether seats have been pre-booked. There are exceptions, including flights to Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica, where online check-in only becomes available 24 hours beforehand. For Jet2, online check-in opens 28 days ahead of the flight, while with easyJet this extends to 30 days in advance. Ryanair's online check-in opens either 60 days or 24 hours before the scheduled departure, depending on whether you have paid for a reserved seat.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the six-hour online check-in time with Jet2, you can check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before the flight is due to take off. Airport check-in rules with other airlines may vary, so it is always advisable to confirm with your specific carrier before heading to the airport.
