Airport check in

[justchecking1]

I'm flying tomorrow and just realised I've no idea what I'm doing! I've got my boarding pass and seat allocation on the app. I've got carry on luggage only.

Do I still need to go to the normal check in desk? Or do I just go straight towards departures through security?

Do I still need to be there 3 hours before like I would if I hadn't done on line check in?

I realise the night before is probably a bit late to be asking this, and I'm very grateful for any advice

No if you have checked in and only have hand luggage go straight to security and scan your boarding pass. Make sure liquids (100ml max each) are separated into a small clear bag (they have them there). Take out electronics , remove belt and jacket and place with bag in tray before passing through xray scanner.

If you have already checked in online, you can go straight through security to the gate...unless they have told you not to. Some countries (depends where you’re flying and what passport you hold) require a visa check at the check in gates. If you are British flying to Spain, you can go right through. If you were say, flying to China, there would probably be an extra check.

no, you 'just' go through security and then on to the gate.

you need to arrive at security at least one hour before the gate closes.

If you are hand luggage only you just need to ensure you have your boarding pass and passport with you and head to security. You won’t need to be there three hours in advance but I would suggest two for a first time flier- very unlikely to be necessary but it gives you plenty of time to make sure you know where you’re going etc. Make sure you have any electricals (iPad, kindle, laptop or similar) easily accessible and any liquids in small quantities (less than 100 ml) and in a separate transparent bag as you will need to put them through the scanner separately. You will probably have to remove shoes and belt too so be ready for that. Once you’re through security, you’re pretty much home and dry. Find out where your gate is so you are confident about getting there when you need to and grab a coffee/hit the shops. Keep an eye on the screens but most flights board about half an hour before they take off. Don’t assume you can rock up five minutes before take off time! Enjoy your trip

Does your airline say 3 hours? I go with whatever they say.

No it doesn't give a time, I've always just worked on 3 hours because the check in lines open 3 hours before.

Thank you all, I thought that was probably the case but I haven't flown for ages and have never done on line check in. Didn't want to get there tomorrow and find out I was in completely the wrong queue!

I have never done 3 hours for checking in ever. 2 hours max. 1/1.5 hours if hand luggage and boarding pass all printed.