Online check-in for a flight is a relatively new way for travelers to use the Internet and computer capabilities to make travel easier and faster.

Airlines have various methods for online check-in, but the end result is that the traveler alerts the airline that he or she will be taking the flight, and also has a valid boarding pass upon entering the airport terminal. With a valid boarding pass, the traveler can check bags — if necessary — at the curb, then can go directly to the security checkpoint and proceed to the gate, all without having to check in at the terminal. Aside from saving the traveler a great deal of time, it also allows travelers who have ticketing issues or who are buying tickets to receive faster service at the ticket counter. All the traveler needs is Internet access, a printer and an e-ticket for his flight.

Online check-in is usually a simple procedure. The traveler goes to the airline's Web site and looks for the online check-in link. He should always make sure he is in the correct window for the online check-in process. Most airlines allow online check-in from 24 hours to about 90 minutes before the flight. Once the traveler has accessed the online check-in site, she may enter her reservation confirmation number for her e-ticket, her frequent flyer number, or just her name, and the system will access her reservation and ask her to confirm her itinerary. She can also make any seating changes at this time.

When she confirms, she will be prompted to print her boarding passes for the outbound leg of her journey. She will need to go through the online check-in procedure again before she leaves, if she has the option to do so. If her flight isn't non-stop, she will be issued boarding passes for each of her flights on the outbound leg. The boarding pass(es) will print and she will receive a confirmation she has checked in. The only remaining task is the drive to the airport!

Online check-in is a boon to large airports. With so many people flocking to ticket counters to change or upgrade reservations, use their paper tickets, buy tickets, ship goods and to conduct other business, every person who can check in online means shorter wait times for those who must check in at the counter and better use of the airline's resources. Online check-in is a great option for the computer savvy traveler.