Delta passengers with iPhones no longer have to check in. (Image: Delta)
The newest version of Delta’s iPhone app has added a handy new feature that ends the need to check in for your flight.
The airline said that with the new version 4.6 of its iOS app, “We’ve eliminated the check-in process. Your boarding pass will automatically appear 24 hours before your flight.”
Other enhancements to the app include the ability for the user to toggle between trips when he has several of them on the same day, and the ability to join SkyMiles from the app. The latest enhancements aren’t available for Android devices yet.
What’s unclear is how long Delta will tell its gate agents to wait for a no-show passenger who has been automatically checked in before releasing that seat to someone else, assuming there are stand-bys.
Earlier this year, Lufthansa developed a new website at AirlineCheckins.com that also provides automatic check-in – not just for Lufthansa, but for any airline that offers online check-in. Users who register with the website, providing personal details (including seating preference) and loyalty program information, will get a special email address to use when they book a flight. They will then be automatically checked in when the airline opens the flight for check-ins, with the boarding pass sent via email or SMS.
LOT Polish also has automated check-in. (Image: LOT Polish)
LOT Polish Airlines has an automated system that checks passengers in 36 hours before their scheduled departure time, sending the boarding pass to their phone or email address. It’s available to passengers who register at least 37 hours before departure, or with no registration required for business class and premium economy passengers as well as Star Alliance Gold and Silver members.
What do you think about not having to check in for flights? Does that make you happy or nervous? Please leave your comments below.
ICYMI, see the 25 most recent TravelSkills posts right here
Reassessing your card strategy? See our “Credit Card Deals” tab to shop around! It helps us help you!
Don’t miss out! Join the 185,000+ people who read TravelSkills every month! Sign up here for one email-per-day updates!
For those that change schedules a lot – another hassle.
I’m dumbfounded that they would add this feature while the ability to self-SDC is still basically not an option (you can try, but it will fail 99% of the time because of DL’s terrible IT). And there’s still no way to uncheck yourself in.
Yup. I am a frequent last minute flight-changer due to work schedule, and being checked in already adds an extra hiccup to that transaction.
Not quite sure I like it. On the outbound it will work the return is a different story as I rarely take the Booked flight. When ever I check i. And have to change it is a hassle to get unchecked in and rebooked. I typically don’t checkin for my return until I am almost to the airport. We will see.
This not a good update for several reasons. It deletes some good functionality and may cause issues with seat changes and upgrades
I’m not sure about the foreign airlines. Here in the US, mostly they all just do whatever Delta does, so it should happen soon enough
Yup. Glad they did. But wonder why it took so long and why nobody else does it.
Um, I think that’s exactly what Delta just did.
Checking in for flights is such a stupid process anyway. Checking in should be an opt-out process, not opt-in. AKA: airlines, assume that I will be there for my flight unless I say otherwise.