Millions of people are expected to go on holidays this summer – and it’s important to be aware of the rules before you do
The summer holidays have finally arrived, and families across the nation are gearing up to jet off in search of sunnier climes and a well-deserved break. And while going away is an exciting time, it can also bring with it a lot of stress, especially if you’re in charge of things like passports and boarding passes.
If you don’t have these, you won’t get far, so it’s important to be aware of the latest rules and information. To obtain your boarding passes, you’ll need to check in, and different airlines have different rules for doing so.
To help UK holidaymakers who are planning to go away this summer, we’ve listed the check-in and boarding pass processes for airlines including TUI and Ryanair below.
TUI
TUI flyers can check in 48 hours before departure, or 24 hours if flying to Mexico or Jamaica. That said, if you’ve paid extra for Premium, Extra Legroom seats or Extra Space seats, or selected the Choose Your Seat option, online check-in will become accessible 14 days before your flight is scheduled to depart – so you can get your boarding pass earlier.
Guidance on TUI’s website reads: “In either case, you’ll need to check in for your outbound and inbound flights separately. Online check-in closes six hours before your flight departure time.”
Holidaymakers are encouraged to download the TUI app to “stay updated on things like your departure gate number”. Should you have any issues when checking in online, you should make your way to the airport where TUI will “check you in as normal and issue your boarding pass”.
easyJet
easyJet asks customers to “please check in online”, and this can be done anytime from 30 days up to two hours before your scheduled departure. Once checked in, you can download or print out your boarding passes.
You’ll need your passport details handy when checking in. easyJet advice adds: “You cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass on your mobile device as the airport security team will be unable to scan them.
“If you lose your boarding pass don’t worry, you can simply print them again.” People should also make sure their boarding passes are printed clearly, easyJet adds.
And if you’ve already downloaded your boarding pass but want to make a change, for example adding another bag, you’ll need to check in again and get a new boarding pass, according to easyJet. Children under two who will be sat on a parent’s lap won’t need their own separate boarding pass, but if you’ve booked them their own seat – they will.
In this instance, “you may not be able to check in online so if you have any difficulty please check in at the airport at least two hours before your flight”.
Jet2
Jet2 allows customers to check in online from 28 days up to six hours before the flight departs. If preferred, passengers can also check in at Jet2 airport desks from three hours to 40 minutes before the plane is set to jet off.
To complete online check-in with Jet2, you’ll need to access “Manage My Booking” via a computer, tablet, smartphone, or the Jet2 app. After entering the required information, boarding passes can be downloaded to a smartphone or printed out.
Jet2 says passengers with checked baggage must arrive at check-in desks “no later than the minimum check-in time shown on your itinerary or at least 2 hours before your departure time, whichever is the earlier”. Guidance continues: “These check-in times vary by airport so please do check your itinerary carefully.
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“You must allow sufficient time after check-in to proceed through security, customs and immigration in order to present yourself at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.”
Ryanair
Ryanair passengers must check in online and either print or download their boarding passes, unless they have paid for a Flexi Plus ticket, which allows them to check in at the airport free of charge. Travellers who have paid for a reserved seat can check in online from 60 days before the flight is due to depart.
However, if you’re happy to be assigned a seat without cost, you’ll need to wait until 24 hours before your flight to check in, with the window closing two hours before takeoff for all travellers. Once checked in, flyers can print their boarding passes or save them on their mobiles.
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Ryanair guidance states: “Your boarding pass must be printed on a single A4 page or downloaded through the Ryanair app.” Without a Plus or Flexi Plus ticket, failing to check in online more than two hours before your flight will result in an airport check-in fee.
It’s also crucial to remember that check-in desks shut firmly 40 minutes before the flight is due to leave.