Alaska Airlines is increasing its minimum check-in time for customers on most domestic flights. Instead of 30 minutes, passengers will have to check in at least 40 minutes before, regardless if their bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains the same at 60 minutes.
Alaska Airlines is implementing the change so that travelers can expect the same minimum check-in time at almost every airport. Some of the exceptions, where the check-in time if 45 minutes before, include airports in Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Newark and Philadelphia. Passengers heading from Guadalajara have to check in at least 90 minutes before.
Alaska Airlines' boarding policy isn't changing. Passengers have to be present at least 30 minutes before a scheduled departure time for a flight.
"Our previous policy sent a mixed message by having different cutoff times, depending on the airport and whether a customer is checking bags," said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines' vice president of customer service - airports and cargo in a press release. "The new policy will make check-in times the same for everyone, making it easier for passengers to remember the cutoff, regardless of how they are checking in and whether they're checking a bag. A consistent cut-off time should make things easier for customers and employees alike."
A majority of Alaska Airlines' passengers tend to already follow the 40-minute minimum. However those who don't comply and miss the cutoff will be offered a $25 same-day confirmed seat on the next available flight, depending on availability.
Even the 40-minute minimum doesn't ensure that flyers will make it to their departure date in time to board as security lines and heavy passenger traffic make the process longer. The Transportation Security Administration recommends that passengers allow at least one hour for domestic flights and two hours or more for international flights.
Check-in has become slightly easier as travelers can now check in using the carrier's app for iPhone or Android, on the Web or at an airport kiosk.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
