How long before boarding does check-in begin? Online registration rules

After completing the check-in procedure and other formalities before departure, you go directly to the departure area or waiting room, where you will wait for the boarding announcement. Even if there is enough time left before departure, you won’t be bored there - in the departure area there are cozy cafes and duty-free shops for shopping lovers. To avoid unforeseen situations and not to be late for departure, it is worth knowing what time boarding begins. As a rule, boarding of the plane is announced after the completion of the passenger check-in procedure for the flight. Having arrived in advance at the waiting room where the “gate” or gates are located, the first thing you have to do is find your gate, so that you don’t have to look for it at the last minute and, God forbid, get lost. Once the required gate has been found, you need to compare the flight number on the sign at the gate with the number indicated on the boarding pass. The data must match.

Important! Gate numbers sometimes change for unknown reasons, so it is important to arrive at the boarding gate no later than half an hour before departure and constantly monitor the announcements and information on the board.

Boarding pass

Without a document such as a boarding pass, you will not be allowed to board. It is issued to each passenger after completing the registration procedure. If check-in is successfully completed through terminals or the Internet, you can print your boarding pass yourself. You can do this in the following ways:

  • at the registration desk at the station;
  • through the self-check-in terminal;
  • via an online service.

In unforeseen situations, when your boarding pass is forgotten at home, or for unknown reasons it becomes damaged (it gets wet, torn, wrinkled), you always have the opportunity to print out a new one. This document contains important information for passengers:

  • flight number (denoted as Flight);
  • number and location of the seat in the aircraft cabin (Seat);
  • Boarding time & Gate closes, sometimes only one thing is indicated, for example, the start time of boarding;
  • Gate number for passengers to board.

You should always keep your boarding pass handy along with your passport, as sometimes your identity documents may be double-checked before your flight.

Features of boarding passengers on an airplane

The boarding pass must indicate the start time of passengers boarding. This information will be announced over the airport's public address system several times, but it is better to arrive five to ten minutes earlier than the time indicated on the ticket so as not to be late. Upon arrival at the gate or “gate” leading passengers to board, it is important to double-check your flight number and gate number to make sure you are on the right track. When exiting, you will be required to present your boarding pass, and in certain cases, your passport (more often than not, your identity document is checked before boarding on domestic flights). The ticket has two parts, the larger one will be torn off and the smaller one will be left to the passenger. To be sure, this part of the ticket should be checked again - it contains information about the luggage (luggage tags), which will make it possible to identify and find your suitcases among the luggage upon arrival.

After passing through the Gate at large airports, you will board the plane either by bus, which delivers all passengers on the flight to the ramp, or along an accordion air corridor connecting directly the station terminal and the aircraft. Having climbed the stairs or walked along the “sleeve” to the plane, you will be warmly greeted by flight attendants who welcome you on board the plane and will help you find and take the seat in the cabin indicated on your boarding pass. Hand luggage should be carefully placed on the shelf to avoid inconvenience and discomfort during the flight.

Start and end time of boarding

As a rule, the exact start and end time for passengers boarding an aircraft is indicated on the boarding pass, written on all the airport’s numerous information boards, and announced verbally over a loudspeaker. But you don’t have to look at your ticket or wait for an announcement to rationally calculate your time and not be late for boarding. For those unlucky enough to be late due to their own fault, the ticket price will not be refunded. It is worth taking care of timely arrival at the desired gate in advance. You just need to know the departure time of the plane and the end time of passenger check-in.

Attention! International flights board 10-20 minutes earlier than domestic flights.

Passengers traveling internationally should arrive at the gate no later than 40 minutes before departure, while those traveling domestically should arrive at the gate half an hour before departure. At small airports, boarding sometimes begins 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 30 minutes for international flights. This is due to the fact that at international airports there is often a long queue, and at smaller ones there is a shorter queue, so the check-in procedure and subsequent landing takes much less time.

The modern service “online check-in for a flight” allows passengers to independently check-in for a flight in the comfort of their own home, having at hand a convenient gadget with Internet access. This service is very convenient for those who do not have enough time to wait in line at the check-in counter at airports for a long time.

How to check in online for a plane: step-by-step instructions

To check in online for the ship, you must have an electronic ticket with information about the flight number and ticket number. Not all aviation companies provide this opportunity, so the passenger should first check with official representatives of the air carrier about the availability of the service for online check-in for the plane.

To check in for domestic and international flights via the Internet, you must follow the following procedure:

  1. We go to the official website of the carrier company from which the plane ticket was purchased.
  2. Find the “Online registration” tab and click on it.
  3. A form to fill out will appear in a new window. Following the prompts, enter the data from the ticket, full name and other requested information.
  4. We tick the necessary items (for example, the presence of luggage).
  5. Next, we select a passenger seat in the airliner cabin from the proposed options.
  6. By clicking on the special button, we complete the registration.
  7. You will receive a barcode by email for printing on a printer or saving on any device (you can use a mobile phone). It is scanned by airport security representatives to confirm completed registration.

Not all airports have scanning devices for barcode recognition, so just in case, we still recommend printing your boarding pass, which will eliminate unexpected difficulties during pre-flight inspection.

How long does it take to check in for a flight online?

Each airline company has specific deadlines for online check-in. For most carriers, this service on the website opens 24 hours before departure and ends 30-60 minutes before the flight departs. To obtain reliable information about the operating hours of the online check-in service, just visit the official website of the air carrier chosen for traveling by plane.

What to do after online check-in for a plane

At the final stage of check-in, you need to print out your boarding pass and properly plan your personal time to go to the airport. If you have luggage, you need to take into account the time it takes to check it in at the terminal.

The printed document is presented to an authorized representative of the company at the airport, after which you can go to a special baggage drop-off counter.

How to check in luggage when checking in for a flight online

At airports, special baggage collection counters are open for air passengers who have undergone standard check-in in the lounge and separate ones for people who have printed boarding passes in their hands through the online service.

This process takes a little time, and there are practically no queues at such counters.

Baggage is checked in according to standard rules. All personal items must be well packed. Suitcases must not contain items prohibited for transportation.

After baggage has been accepted, the passenger is given a paper receipt to receive personal items upon arrival. The last step before boarding the flight is to go through passport and customs control, which is carried out according to standard rules that apply to all airline passengers.

Useful articles about carrying baggage on an airplane:

How much does online check-in cost for a plane?

For this service, the passenger must pay a certain amount, according to the current tariff. The cost of online check-in for each airline varies.

The carrier has the right to independently regulate the pricing policy for the services provided. You can find out more information on the official website of the company chosen for the flight.

Why electronic check-in may not be available

Sometimes air passengers have difficulty registering online. Error information appears on the website.

The reasons for the unavailability of the service may be:

  • Internet problems;
  • technical glitches in the airline company's program.

According to the approved rules of carriers, there are some restrictions on the online registration service.

This is relevant for the following category of citizens:

  • flight is planned;
  • group of people of 9 people;
  • who require an escort service;
  • a connecting flight is planned;
  • You cannot register online using a ticket purchased through a travel company;
  • passengers planning to transport special cargo classified as dangerous or valuable.

How to cancel online check-in for a plane

Sometimes force majeure situations occur that force a person to urgently change plans for the coming days. For example, there are not isolated cases when a person has to cancel a flight to a chosen destination for certain reasons. According to the current rules of the carrier, each passenger can cancel online check-in for a flight, but no later than 40-50 minutes before departure.

This option can be done in several ways:

  • On the carrier's website, you need to find a special tab with settings, where information about canceling registration for the plane will be published. Following the prompts, a cancellation is issued indicating the reason. The carrier company has the right to withhold a fine at a certain percentage of the total cost of the ticket.
  • You can cancel your registration directly in the airport hall. You need to find special terminals and follow the prompts to cancel your scheduled flight.
  • The passenger can also contact the airline employee at the check-in counter with this problem. A specialist will quickly cancel your registration and tell you in detail about your rights to return your plane ticket.

Advantages and disadvantages of checking in for a flight online

Advantages of online registration service:

  1. Aviation company services are available around the clock, which allows passengers to check in at any time convenient for them.
  2. No need to stand in long lines at the registration counter.
  3. You can quickly check in your luggage at a special counter for passengers who have checked in online.
  4. You can choose a seat in the aircraft cabin for your flight, focusing on the available options indicated on the carrier’s website.

Disadvantages of online registration:

  1. This service is provided for a fee.
  2. The system may generate an error due to technical failures in the program, which will force the passenger to urgently change plans for pre-flight preparations.
  3. To carry out such an operation, you need not only a gadget and the Internet, but also a device for printing your boarding pass.
  4. Not all companies provide online registration services.
  5. Passengers of a certain category cannot use this service, which is associated with some restrictions.

Online check-in for planes of different airlines

Each carrier has the right to set its own rules for online registration and restrictions on service operating hours. It is better to clarify this information in advance.

Aeroflot

You can complete online check-in for the airliner of this company via the Internet 24 hours before departure, but no later than 40 minutes before departure of the flight. There are restrictions on this service for passengers under 2 years of age, with animals, and for people with disabilities. You can check in for flights anywhere in the world with the exception of two destinations: the USA and India.

Victory

You can register for this company's plane one day before departure. Registration ends in 40 minutes. This option can only be used by passengers who have indicated a seat in the aircraft cabin at the time of departure.

Red Wings

One day before departure, you can use the online service. The final validity period of the service is 3 hours. This option is available to all passengers who do not have special luggage and do not require additional services (for example, escort). You can use this service on the company’s website through a special section “Web registration”.

Pegasus Fly

The service is available 72 hours in advance and closes 1 hour before departure. The service is available to passengers of domestic and international flights who have an electronic ticket in hand.

Russia

Online registration starts 23 hours before flight departure, the deadline is 4 hours before departure. The company allows registration with small children, but there may be some restrictions on the choice of seat.

S7

This company has set the following time limits for registration via the Internet: the service opens in 30 hours, and the service closes in 50 minutes. The service is not provided in all directions. The list of available ones is published on the carrier’s official website.

Ural Airlines

You can go to the company's service for check-in 23 hours before the flight departs, but it is worth remembering that this service ends 4 hours before departure. Passengers under two years of age can use this service, but without receiving an electronic coupon. A notice will appear along with the printout, which will need to be presented at the check-in counter at the airport, where you will be issued a boarding pass for the flight.

UTair

A day before the planned trip, an air passenger can register on the company’s service and. The final deadline for online service is 60 minutes before flight departure. This company has some restrictions on directions, which can be clarified by phone or view the information of interest on the official website.

A very convenient online check-in service allows you to significantly save time on pre-flight fees, but in order to avoid unforeseen difficulties, we recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with what rules and restrictions apply to a particular carrier for this service.

It's no secret that you need to arrive at the airport in advance. This is necessary in order to timely complete check-in for the flight and the rather tedious security check procedure, check in your luggage without unnecessary haste and visit everyone’s favorite Duty Free store, where you can sometimes buy branded goods at a very good price. But if this is your first trip by air, then the question immediately arises of how long before departure you need to be at the airport.

There is no need to rush at the airport

It is quite difficult to name the most suitable time to arrive at the airport. It should be taken into account that this parameter is influenced by the direction of the flight, the presence and specifics of checked baggage, and, of course, the individual qualities of the passenger. Those who are going abroad, checking in their luggage and are not well versed in the area should arrive in advance. Those travelers who have already completed the registration procedure can afford to arrive at the airport a little later.

Many now have the first association with items that are usually sent in luggage: mobile chargers, some personal items, a wallet, etc. But we are talking about the documents required for the flight. First of all, you need to take your passport and ticket to the airport. When carrying out domestic flights, ordinary passports will be checked, but for boarding an international flight – foreign ones.

Quite often, trips abroad require another travel document - a visa. It is obtained by the passenger at embassies or visa centers. But there are a number of countries that issue visa stamps directly at the airport.

Checking in for a flight

The answer to the question of how long before departure you need to be at the airport in order to check in with a minimum of worries and unnecessary fuss is approximately the same for most airlines: at least 2 hours before departure.

Registration for foreign flights ends 40 minutes before departure, in rare cases – an hour. Registration for flights within our country closes 30-40 minutes before the flight. Typically, information about the exact time for completing this procedure is provided by the air carrier's help desk or posted on its official website. Boarding stops approximately 25 minutes before departure. Therefore, if a traveler arrives for check-in or boarding later than this time, then his are considered latecomers and are not allowed on board the plane.

It’s unpleasant to be among the late passengers

Many airlines now offer the option of checking in online. All the passenger needs to do is enter their details and receive a boarding pass. Electronic check-in is available on the websites of air carriers, and less often on the websites of airports.

The main advantage of this online procedure is that it is already available 24 hours before departure, so travelers have the opportunity to complete this procedure at any convenient time. Many are also attracted by the fact that they can avoid the queues that always accompany check-in for a flight. Since the boarding pass is issued in advance, the passenger has the opportunity to independently choose the most comfortable seats on board the aircraft.

But online check-in is not available on all routes and not at all airports. Also, passengers cannot pass through it:

  • accompanying disabled people;
  • transporting works of art;
  • transporting animals;
  • with whom a small child flies on a free ticket.

Security screening at the airport

A mandatory procedure before boarding a plane is a security screening. This regulation applies worldwide to ensure maximum safety for travelers. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that your checked baggage and carry-on baggage do not contain prohibited or dangerous items.

Travelers should be aware that at some airports, baggage inspection is carried out without the presence of the passenger. This rule applies if the passenger simultaneously receives a boarding pass and checks in luggage. In this case, only the contents of hand luggage will be inspected in front of the passenger, and then just before boarding.

Currently, there are still no uniform standards regarding the rules for carrying baggage on board an aircraft. Many nuances vary depending on the country and the chosen airline. But there are a number of rules that are the same for all states and air carriers. This includes list of items and substances that are not allowed to be transported on an airplane. You can view them on the website of any airline. This mainly concerns explosives and gases, flammable liquids, toxic and oxidizing substances and weapons. Things are a little more complicated with what you can take into the cabin as hand luggage. If you have any doubts, you should review in advance the list of things that the selected airline allows you to bring on board. Passengers should also remember that liquids can only be carried in the aircraft cabin in strictly limited quantities. Airport administrations and airlines reserve the right to introduce additional restrictions for passengers. You just need to be prepared for this.

For leisurely passengers, it is best to arrive at the airport at the start of check-in.

Two hours before departure– this is the best time for domestic flights. But if the passenger has already checked in for the flight, he may even arrive at the airport a little later. Do not forget that you must be at the airport before departure in Russia before registration is completed, and it ends approximately 40 minutes before the flight. Well, a natural factor in our country that affects the time of arrival at the airport is traffic jams.

How long before you arrive at the airport for an international flight?

With international flights, things are a little more complicated. Usually, before a flight, passengers need to go through customs control, then registration, and finally, present documents at passport and visa control. Upon arrival, the traveler goes through the same procedures, only taking into account that they follow in reverse order. The check-in time before departure may be slightly longer, so it is recommended to show up at the airport at least 3 hours in advance.

What other reasons should you arrive at the airport early?

It is worth considering the fact that at an unfamiliar airport it may take a lot of time to find all the necessary authorities. Some large airports have a very serious security checkpoint at the entrance, which can also cause a queue.

Finding the right authority takes time

Additional time will also be required for passengers who wish to pack their luggage on site. Shoppers who intend to wander around the Duty Free hall should also be on their guard.

How to reduce the time required to complete formalities at the airport

In order to avoid trouble upon arrival at the airport, just follow a few simple rules. To begin with, you should make sure that your luggage and carry-on luggage do not contain any items or substances that are prohibited for transportation or that may be considered potentially dangerous. You should also print out all necessary travel documents that were completed online in advance. And the last piece of advice applies to those who have all the necessary documents in hand and are traveling light (without checked baggage) - go straight to security control and then just wait for the landing to begin.

What services can you get while waiting to board?

In addition to generally accepted procedures (check-in, transfer, baggage delivery), passengers can no extra charge:

  • go to the mother and child room;
  • make a couple of phone calls and get free drinks (if the flight is delayed by more than 2 hours);
  • request a hot meal (if the flight is delayed by more than 4 hours);
  • get a hotel room and transfer to it (if the flight is delayed for more than 8 hours);
  • put your luggage in storage.

In contact with

Air travelers setting off on the road for the first time in their lives are wondering how to fly an airplane, what rules and nuances exist. Although this is not difficult at all, in order to feel more confident, it is better to stock up on the necessary knowledge and advice on the eve of the flight.

Step-by-step instructions, right up to the end of the journey, have several strictly sequential stages:

  • check-in;
  • baggage check-in;
  • security screening;
  • passport control;
  • waiting for boarding;
  • boarding the aircraft;
  • flight;
  • passport control at the destination airport;
  • baggage claim and exit.
Important! The stages are completed in full only when performing international flights. On domestic flights the procedure has been simplified. In particular, there is no border control of passports.

check-in

To describe how to board a plane step by step, you need to start with registration. So, if a passenger can say to himself: “This is my first time flying on an airplane,” then he already knows that he must arrive at the airport. Moreover, in large cities there may be several airports and terminals. The name of the airport and terminal number are indicated on the ticket, which must be carefully studied.

Having reached the airport, you need to find an electronic board in its hall, which contains information about flights departing in the near future. Usually the scoreboard is placed near the entrance in a visible place. The English version of the name is “Departures”. To get your bearings, you need to look for your flight number in the list, then down the line its current status.

Important! You cannot navigate by the destination airport and departure time. Different flights may depart to the same city, and times sometimes change.

State Meaning Passenger actions
Check-in, Check-in open, Open Registration in progress. You can go to the registration desks, the numbers of which are indicated right there. Usually there are several of them.
Delayed The flight is delayed. The expected departure times are also indicated here. But these are not opening hours for registration; it will start earlier. If the delayed flight time is not listed, you must go to the airline counter to find out more information.
Canceled Flight cancellation. Contact the airline representative, they may offer to fly on a different flight.
Empty column Registration is not yet open due to early passenger arrival. Wait at the airport until check-in opens.
Boarding The flight has begun boarding. Registration is completed. The passenger can contact airline representatives. Some airports have counters for late arrivals. But there is no guarantee that you will still be able to get on the plane.

There are three options for registration:

  • at the registration desk;
  • in the terminal for self-registration;
  • via the Internet from home.

Airport check-in

At the indicated check-in counters, the passenger presents his ticket with his passport. Sometimes, when flying internationally, they check whether you have a visa from the destination country; you may be asked to present a return ticket and even the bank card used to pay for the travel document. The procedure for registering and boarding a plane with an electronic ticket is no different. The only difference is that at the registration desk you only need to show your passport without presenting a ticket.

After this, the passenger will be given a boarding pass, which contains important information:

  • boarding gate number (Gate);
  • a seat in the aircraft cabin;
  • boarding start hours.
Important! The start time of registration procedures at the airport is 3 hours before departure, the end time is 40 minutes before the departure of the plane.

Transit passengers are issued a boarding document for their connecting flight.

The second way to check in at the airport is at the self-check-in machine. It is necessary to find the terminal of the airline with which the air traveler is flying. It looks like terminals for paying mobile phone bills and other services, only the device will have the airline logo. There you step by step enter your last name, ticket code, you may need to scan your passport, then you are asked to select a seat. A boarding pass will be automatically printed with the same information as issued at the check-in counters.

Through the Internet

Online registration is available even by mobile phone. It opens at different times for different air carriers. At least one day before the plane departs, and for some companies - 1 month. On the airline’s website, you need to find the “Check-in” button or tab and step by step enter the ticket code, personal data, and select the seat you like. The process ends with a printed boarding pass.

You can also print your boarding pass at the airport's electronic terminals or ask at the check-in counter.

Important! Any method of electronic check-in is not suitable for travelers flying with animals accompanying disabled people. According to the rules of individual air carriers, it is impossible to check in at the terminals with children under two years of age.

Baggage check-in and hand luggage

Baggage is left at the check-in counters regardless of the check-in method. For passengers who have already checked in online, there are special baggage drop-off counters - “Drop off”, where suitcases are accepted according to an expedited procedure. With the usual check-in method, luggage is accepted at the counters at the same time. The suitcases will be weighed and provided with a special tag. A baggage receipt is also issued to the passenger. It is often stuck on the boarding pass. You can use it to identify your suitcase. The luggage will then be sent to be loaded onto the aircraft via a conveyor belt.

Baggage allowance must be clarified when purchasing a ticket. Hand luggage is also weighed, tagged and returned to the passenger. As a rule, its weight should not exceed 5-8 kg.

What you need to do to avoid problems when checking in your luggage:

  1. Weigh the suitcase and if its weight exceeds the norm, transfer individual items to hand luggage without violating the baggage rules.
  2. Study in advance the rules for transporting fragile and oversized cargo, which must be securely packaged. In this case, you may need to independently take oversized luggage to another counter - “Oversized baggage desk”.

Security screening

At Russian airports, passport control is usually carried out first, followed by security screening. At many foreign airports it’s the other way around: security is inspected first.

Pre-flight screening is a thorough check by airport employees of the passenger's personal belongings - what is on them and in their hand luggage. Outer clothing, often shoes, belts, watches must be removed and placed on a conveyor belt, which will transport them through the scanning machine. The passenger himself is directed to pass through the metal detector frame.

  1. Take plastic containers, put bags, clothes and other things there, and place them on a conveyor belt.
  2. Check to see if you have any liquids in containers exceeding 100 milliliters in volume, piercing or cutting objects, etc. All this is packed into baggage checked in at the check-in counters. Baby food and vital medications are carried in as an exception.
  3. A passenger with a pacemaker alerts the security officer. He will be searched in person by an employee of the same gender without going through a metal detector.
Important! During security screening, the passenger must be as serious as possible. Remember that jokes about bombs, weapons, etc. may be perceived as a reason to remove him from the flight.

International flights

The main difference between pre-flight inspection on international flights is customs control. If the passenger does not carry items that are subject to customs declaration, he goes through the “green corridor”.

If there is cash currency (or rubles) in an amount equivalent to 10 thousand US dollars, value, etc., according to the transportation rules, a declaration is filled out in the “red corridor” of customs.

Important! You must fill out the declaration before checking in for your flight.

Passport control

Border control of passports is carried out during international flights. It is usually designated "Passport control". Here you need to show the border guard a passport with a boarding pass. He will check the document against the database to see if the air traveler has any obstacles to leaving the country. Then he will put a stamp there indicating the place and date of crossing the border.

Departure area

In the departure waiting area there are cafes, restaurants, and Duty Free shops, but first you need to:

  1. Find your gate. His number is changed sometimes. This is announced over the loudspeaker and duplicated on information stands.
  2. Remember the location of your Gate and then walk around the pre-flight area, remembering to return strictly to the time indicated on the boarding document (Boarding time).

Landing

When boarding the plane begins, the flight number and the name of the destination airport appear on the board at the desired Gate. The passenger must make sure that this is his flight and show his passport with boarding pass at the exit. The larger side of the coupon will be torn off, the other must be saved until you arrive at your final destination and receive your suitcases.

There are two ways to get on the plane:

  • they are taken by bus to the liner, where they go up the ladder;
  • pass through a telescopic “sleeve” directly into the aircraft.
Important! If delivery to the plane is carried out by bus, it is advantageous not to rush, but to go at the end. The platform bus will be waiting for all passengers. When boarding through the “sleeve”, it is better to go first and calmly find your seat.

On board the aircraft, flight attendants will show where the passenger's seat is located. Personal items are stored on the luggage rack above the seat. If there is no space on the luggage rack above your seat, you can use other shelves.

Now that check-in and boarding are complete, it's time to enjoy your air travel.

Flight

While on board the aircraft, you must follow the general rules and instructions received on the plane:

  • fasten seat belts when required;
  • do not get up from your seats during takeoff and landing, or when entering turbulence zones;
  • no smoking, etc.

Depending on the level of service, breakfast, lunch or dinner, and drinks will be offered. If it is a low-cost airline, then for an additional fee. On board there are newspapers, magazines, sometimes monitors with video entertainment, blankets, and sets for children.

Important! During takeoff and landing, your ears may become blocked. Lollipops or chewing gum will help relieve discomfort.

Passing security upon arrival

After completing the flight, if it was an international flight, there are three types of procedures for obtaining permission to cross the border:

  • visa on arrival;
  • filling out an immigration card;
  • passport control.

Visa on arrival

At the airports of those countries where a similar procedure is provided for Russians, you must go directly from the plane to the “Visa on arrival” counters. Then - the usual passport control.

Filling out the immigration card

For states that require a completed immigration card from each foreigner, a form is most often issued on board the aircraft at the end of the flight. Filled out in English indicating the purpose of the visit to the country, time of stay, hotel or apartment address, arriving flight number, etc. Forms can also be obtained after leaving the plane, at special counters next to passport control.

Passport control

In a number of countries, the passenger goes straight to Passport control. Here you must present a foreign passport with a boarding pass and a visa (obtained in advance or upon arrival), and an immigration card (if required). An airport employee checks documents and marks the border crossing in the passport. Sometimes, in accordance with the rules for entering the country, you will be asked to present return tickets, medical insurance, etc.

Important! Foreigners should queue at the Foreign Passports or All Passports counters.

Receipt of baggage

Following the “Baggage” or “Luggage” signs, the passenger goes to the baggage conveyors. The information board at large airports will indicate the arriving flight number and baggage conveyor number. If there is any doubt about the identity of the suitcase, the numbers of the luggage tag and the one issued to the passenger upon check-in are checked.

Oversized luggage is issued at separate counters.

Important! If a passenger has items that are subject to customs declaration, he passes through the “red corridor” of customs. The rest go through the green one.

Transfer at a transit airport

Flights can be operated with connections using one ticket. A passenger who has received a boarding pass for the next flight at the airport of departure follows the signs to the Transfer area.

  1. There is no need to collect your luggage upon arrival at the intermediate airport; it will be reloaded onto another airliner.
  2. If the first plane is late, you need to go to the counter where transfer passengers are processed. There you will be asked to take the next flight.
  3. For Schengen countries, passport control is only required if the intermediate and final destinations are in Schengen countries.
  4. If a boarding pass has not been issued at the departure airport, it will be obtained in the transit area of ​​the intermediate airport. You just need to go to the transfer counter with your ticket and passport.
  5. You need to wait for your flight in the transit area, which is also the departure area, with cafes, restaurants and shops.
Important! When making transfers at airports in some countries (for example, the USA), a transit visa is required, and passengers are forced to collect luggage.

When two separate tickets for a connecting flight are purchased, different rules apply:

  1. Only one flight can be checked in at the departure point.
  2. Upon arrival at the intermediate airport, you must go through passport control and pick up your luggage. Then the registration and boarding procedure is repeated in full with the second ticket. Sometimes you will need to move to a nearby terminal or even to a different airport.
  3. If you are late for the next flight, the ticket is lost.

For a passenger flying on an airplane for the first time, it is better, if possible, to choose a flight without transfers or with a connection on one ticket.