Guide to Auto Check-In
Skip the queue - we’ll check you in as soon as it opens
Auto Check-In with Alternative Airlines
We know flight admin isn’t fun, so we’ve made it easier. With Auto Check-In at Alternative Airlines, we’ll check you in automatically as soon as your airline allows, and email your boarding pass straight to you. No apps, no guesswork, no last-minute panic.
You’ll see the option to add Auto Check-In when booking with us, available on over 100 airlines, including Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines and more. All you need to do is enter your passport and contact details at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest.
Whether you’re travelling light or cutting it close to the gate, Auto Check-In saves you time and helps you avoid extra fees or missed check-in windows. It’s just one of the ways we’re making booking and flying that little bit simpler.
What is Auto Check-In?
What it is 💡
Auto Check-In is a service that checks you in for your flight automatically, without you needing to do anything manually. When the airline’s check-in window opens (usually between 24 and 50 hours before departure) we’ll check you in and send your boarding pass straight to your email.
Why it helps ✅
It’s designed to remove the hassle of remembering when to check in or navigating airline websites and apps. Once you opt in and provide the required details (like your passport and contact info), the rest is taken care of.
Where it’s available 🌍
Auto Check-In is offered by many major airlines and is available on over 100 airlines when you book with Alternative Airlines. It’s a simple way to save time and avoid last-minute stress, especially if you’re flying with carry-on only.
What to check ⚠️
The service does rely on having the correct travel details, so it’s important to double-check everything at the time of booking. If Auto Check-In isn’t available, or if you prefer to check in yourself, you can still do so manually.
How Does Auto Check-In Work?
Auto Check-In takes the hassle out of checking in for your flight. Instead of keeping track of airline rules or setting reminders, we handle it for you, from booking to boarding pass. Here’s how it works:
- Book your flight. Choose your flights on Alternative Airlines. If Auto Check-In is available for your airline, you’ll see the option during checkout.
- Add your details. You’ll need to enter a few key details - things like your passport number, date of birth, and contact info. We use this to check you in accurately and on time.
- We keep track of check-in. Each airline has its own check-in window, usually between 24 and 50 hours before your flight. We’ll monitor that for you.
- You’re checked in automatically. As soon as the window opens, we’ll check you in. No logins, no forms, no stress.
- Your boarding pass arrives. We’ll send your boarding pass straight to your email, ready to use at the airport.
Auto Check-In is quick, secure, and saves you time. It’s one less thing to think about before you fly.
Auto Check-In vs Manual Check-In
Auto Check-In takes the pressure off. Instead of keeping tabs on when check-in opens or rushing to do it yourself, we’ll handle it all for you. Once it’s available (usually 24 to 50 hours before your flight) we’ll check you in and email your boarding pass, so it’s ready when you are.
With manual check-in, it’s on you to remember when the window opens, log into the airline’s site or app, enter all your details, and download your boarding pass. If you forget or miss the deadline, you could face check-in fees at the airport, or worse, miss your flight.
Auto Check-In is the easier, stress-free option. There’s no need to set reminders, no last-minute panic, and no extra steps. Just book your flight, choose Auto Check-In at checkout (if available for your airline), and we’ll do the rest.
Benefits of Auto Check-In
Save time ⏱️
Skip the queues and forget the login screens. Auto Check-In means you’re checked in as soon as the airline allows (usually 24–50 hours before departure), and your boarding pass is sent straight to your inbox.
Less to remember 🧠
No need to set reminders or worry about check-in windows closing. We handle it for you, so there’s no chance of forgetting and no risk of missing out on your flight.
No check-in fees 💸
Some airlines charge extra if you wait to check in at the airport. Auto Check-In helps you avoid those last-minute fees.
Get your seat sooner 💺
Checking in early can improve your chances of a better seat, like a window, aisle, or extra legroom. If you haven’t chosen your seat in advance, Auto Check-In gives you a head start.
Boarding pass, sorted 📩
You’ll get your boarding pass by email, ready to scan from your phone or save to your digital wallet - no paper needed.
Whether you’re travelling often or flying just once in a while, Auto Check-In removes one more thing from your to-do list. Just book, add your details, and we’ll handle the rest, so you can focus on getting where you need to go.
Eligibility and Limitations
Auto Check-In is available on over 100 global airlines when you book with Alternative Airlines, including big names like Singapore Airlines, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and LOT Polish Airlines. But like all things in travel, it depends.
Not every airline or route supports Auto Check-In. Availability can vary depending on where you’re flying, the type of ticket and the airline’s own systems.
There are also a few situations where Auto Check-In isn’t available, including:
- Passengers needing special help (like unaccompanied minors or mobility support)
- Group bookings under one reservation
- Certain international routes that require in-person document checks
- Shared flights between airlines (also known as codeshares)
If Auto Check-In isn’t offered for your flight, or if it doesn’t go through for any reason, don’t worry - you can still check in manually through the airline’s website or app once the check-in window opens.
We’ll always show you at checkout if Auto Check-In is available for your flight. And if anything changes after booking, we’ll keep you in the loop.
💡Tip: Make sure your travel documents are up to date and entered correctly when booking. Missing or incorrect info can prevent Auto Check-In from working properly.
Things to Consider with Auto Check-In
Auto Check-In works smoothly for most straightforward bookings, but some travel scenarios need a bit more attention.
Connecting flights 🔁
If your connecting flights are all on the same booking and operated by the same airline (or partner airlines), Auto Check-In will usually cover the full journey. We’ll check you in for both flights as soon as the airline allows.
If your flights are booked separately or involve non-partner airlines, you may need to check in manually for each leg of your journey.
Codeshare flights 🤝
Auto Check-In might not work for codeshare flights, where one airline sells the ticket but another operates the flight. In these cases, we’ll let you know if Auto Check-In isn’t available at checkout.
Other special cases ⚠️
Auto Check-In isn’t available for passengers who need special assistance, unaccompanied minors, or travellers on certain international routes that require in-person document checks.
What to do ❓
If you’re unsure whether Auto Check-In applies to your trip, our Customer Service team is happy to help. And don’t worry - if Auto Check-In isn’t available, you can still check in manually through the airline.
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FAQs
Is Auto Check-In secure?
Yes, Auto Check-In is secure. We only use the information you provide during booking, like your passport details and contact info, to complete the check-in process with the airline.
Your data is encrypted and handled in line with strict security standards. We never share your information with third parties outside of what’s required to check you in.
Once check-in is complete, your boarding pass is sent straight to your email. If anything changes or there’s an issue with your booking, we’ll let you know right away. Your security and privacy are just as important as making travel easier.
Can I still choose my seat?
Yes, you can still choose your seat when using Auto Check-In. If you select a seat during the booking process, we’ll pass that information to the airline and do our best to secure it when check-in opens.
If you don’t pre-select a seat, the airline will assign one automatically during check-in, which may not always be your preferred spot. For the best chance at getting a window, aisle or extra legroom seat, we recommend choosing it ahead of time when booking your flight. That way, you’re all set when Auto Check-In kicks in.
What happens if I change my booking?
If you make changes to your booking, like switching flights, updating passenger details or changing travel dates, Auto Check-In may no longer apply. It depends on the airline and how far in advance the change is made.
If we haven’t checked you in yet, get in touch with our Customer Service team as soon as possible so we can update your details or reapply Auto Check-In where possible. If check-in has already been completed, changes may not be possible, and you might need to check in manually. We’ll always help guide you through the next steps.
Is Auto Check-In refundable?
Auto Check-In is non-refundable once we’ve checked you in and sent your boarding pass. That’s because the service has already been used. If your flight is changed or cancelled before check-in opens, we’ll review your booking and help where we can, including processing a refund if applicable.
If you no longer want Auto Check-In after booking but before it’s been used, contact our Customer Service team as soon as possible. While we can’t guarantee a refund in every case, we’ll always do our best to help. Just remember: timing is everything with check-in.
What if Auto Check-In doesn’t work?
If Auto Check-In doesn’t work, don’t worry - you can still check in manually through the airline’s website or app. This can happen if your travel details are incomplete, if the airline doesn’t support Auto Check-In for your route, or if extra document checks are needed.
We’ll let you know if there’s an issue, so you’re not left guessing. Just follow the airline’s usual check-in process and keep an eye on your email for updates. If you need help, our Customer Service team is here to support you every step of the way - just reach out.
Do I need to do anything after setting it up?
Once you’ve added Auto Check-In during booking and entered all the required details (like your passport number and contact info), you’re good to go. There’s nothing else you need to do - we’ll take care of the rest.
When check-in opens for your flight (usually 24-50 hours before departure), we’ll check you in automatically and email your boarding pass. Simply keep an eye on your inbox, and make sure your travel documents are correct and up to date at the time of booking to avoid any issues.
When will I receive my boarding pass?
You’ll receive your boarding pass as soon as the airline’s check-in window opens, usually between 24 and 50 hours before your flight. We’ll email it straight to the address you used during booking, so there’s nothing else you need to do. If you haven’t received it within that time, first check your spam or junk folder.
Still can’t find it? Get in touch with our Customer Service team and we’ll sort it for you. Some airlines may send boarding passes closer to departure, especially for international routes that require extra checks. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Can I use Auto Check-In if I booked for someone else?
Yes, you can use Auto Check-In if you’ve booked for someone else. Just make sure you enter the correct traveller details at checkout, including full name, passport information and contact details. We’ll use that info to check them in automatically when the airline’s check-in window opens.
Their boarding pass will be sent to the email address used during booking, so keep an eye on your inbox. If you're managing the trip for them, it’s a good idea to forward the boarding pass once it arrives. As long as the details are accurate, there’s nothing else you need to do.
Is Auto Check-In available for international flights?
Yes, Auto Check-In is available on many international routes, depending on the airline. However, some international flights may require in-person passport or visa checks, which means Auto Check-In might not be possible.
If it isn’t available for your flight, we’ll let you know during checkout. You can still check in manually through the airline’s website or app when the time comes. To avoid delays, make sure your travel documents are up to date and correctly entered during booking. If anything changes, our Customer Service team is here to help.
Can I use Auto Check-In for group bookings?
Auto Check-In isn’t currently available for group bookings made under one reservation. This is because airlines often require individual check-ins for each passenger, and group reservations can have extra rules or restrictions.
If you're booking for a group and want to use Auto Check-In, the best option is to make separate bookings for each traveller. That way, each person can be checked in automatically when the time comes.
Can I update my details after booking?
Yes, but it depends on the airline and how close you are to departure. If you’ve booked with Auto Check-In and notice a mistake in your passport details, name or contact info, get in touch with our Customer Service team as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to update your information before the check-in process starts.
If check-in has already opened, changes might not be possible, and it could affect your ability to travel. Always double-check your details at the time of booking to avoid any issues later.