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If you’re traveling with lots of bags, kids, or simply want to avoid the hassle of long lines inside the terminal, curbside check-in is a fantastic option. In today’s fast-paced travel environment, many airlines and airports offer this service to make your journey smoother and quicker.
But what exactly is curbside check-in? As part of our ongoing series on airport tips and help, let me walk you through how this service can make your travel day less stressful.
Curbside check-in allows you to check in for your flight and check your bags right at the airport’s drop-off zone, even before stepping foot inside the terminal. Assisted by dedicated airport staff, often called 'Skycaps,' this service saves you the trouble of hauling your luggage through crowded airport lobbies and standing in long lines at check-in counters.
Whereas I’ve never used this service, but many travelers I've spoken to insist its the way to go. For them, it not only streamlines the check-in process but also helps them if they have lots or heavy bags, and/or are travelling with th ekiddos. An added bonus which helps people like me is that by reducing congestion at the check-in counters, curbside check-in can actually keep things from getting clogged up (and delayed).
Curbside check-in availability can vary depending on the airline and airport. Generally, airlines offer this service at their hub airports. For example, Southwest Airlines provides curbside check-in at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Las Vegas (LAS), Houston Hobby (HOU), Nashville (BNA), Oakland (OAK), and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX).
Before you head to the airport, it’s always a good idea to check online with your airline to confirm whether curbside check-in is available at your departure airport. Trust me, a little planning ahead can save you a lot of hassle.
VIDEO:
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The curbside check-in process is designed to be as straightforward as possible. When you arrive at the airport, simply drive up to the designated drop-off zone where you’ll find the Skycaps ready to assist you. They’ll handle your check-in, including checking your bags and printing your boarding passes. You’ll need to present a valid form of identification, such as a passport for international flights.
One of the perks of some curbside check-ins is that you can often take care of other tasks that you’d normally do at the check-in counter. For instance, you can choose your seat, specify dietary requirements, and pay for any upgrades or baggage fees. From my experience, having everything taken care of at the curb means you can head straight to security and on to your gate without any further delays.
Real-Time Flight Status
The biggest advantage of curbside check-in is the convenience it offers. Being able to hand over your luggage right at the curb not only saves time but also reduces the stress of navigating crowded terminals with heavy bags. The Skycaps take care of your luggage from the curb to the check-in point, meaning you don’t have to stand in line at the baggage drop desk inside the terminal.
Many airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, and Southwest, offer curbside check-in. While the service itself is usually free, keep in mind that you’ll need a credit card to pay for any baggage fees, as curbside check-in stations typically don’t accept cash or checks. Also, don;t forget to tip the posters!
In addition to the convenience, using curbside check-in means you can arrive closer to your flight time. This is particularly helpful if you’re running late or if you want to maximize your time outside the airport.
If your airport and airline offer this service, it’s definitely worth considering.
Also, if you're interested, check out these other helpful travel resources:
