Check-in is the operation of presenting your plane ticket -for classic tickets - or itinerary receipt - for the electronic tickets – to the airline company's counter at the terminal. A staff of the aforementioned company will validate your passage and check your luggage in.

Even if you travel without luggage, you still have to check-in at the airline company counter before boarding. Though,  airline companies are authorized, with certain flights exception, to make check-in easier for passenger with a single hand luggage or those paying full price - automatic terminal check-in at air terminals or even in certain stations’ halls etc.) If interested by these services check with your airline company.

Check-in deadline is the time beyond which passengers boarding is no longer safe. If you are flying national and have no luggage, then the check-in deadline is twenty five to thirty five minutes before flight departure considering recent air security and safety measures intensification. 

For international flights or long-haul aircrafts, your carrier can ask you to show up at least one to three hours before plane takeoff. A two hours deadline is frequent for scheduled flights.

Check-in deadlines vary so widely depending on companies and destinations. Great care need to be taken in observing airline company’s ticket regulations and notices written on the ticket. If not sure ask clear information from your travel agent regarding check-in deadlines.

If you are carrying an animal, you should consider an additional half an hour.