The Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist: 7 Things to Do 24 Hours Before Your Flight

The day before your trip can be hectic, but a little organization goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free travel day. Running through a pre-flight checklist can save you from last-minute panic and unexpected issues at the airport. Here are seven essential things to do in the 24 hours before you head to the airport to catch your flight.

 A pre-flight checklist with a passport, phone, and travel documents.

1. Confirm Your Booking Details (PNR Check)

First, do a final check to ensure there have been no last-minute changes to your flight schedule. The easiest way is to check your flight PNR status. You can go directly to your airline’s website, like the SpiceJet PNR check portal, enter your 6-digit PNR code and last name, and confirm that all details are correct.

2. Complete Your Mandatory Web Check-In

In India, web check-in is mandatory for all domestic flights. This process usually opens 24 to 48 hours before departure. During check-in, you’ll confirm passenger details, select your seats, and receive your boarding pass.

  • Each airline has its own portal, so you’ll need to search for the specific one, like “SpiceJet web check-in” or “Air India web check-in.”
  • Completing the web check in for SpiceJet or other airlines is the only way to get your digital Air India boarding pass or ticket from another carrier sent to your email.

3. Check Your Baggage Allowance (Again)

Avoid expensive surprises at the airport by double-checking your baggage allowance. The rules for a full-service carrier like Vistara might be different from a low-cost carrier like Air India Express. Review your ticket confirmation to see the exact weight limits for both your cabin and checked bags.

4. Check Your Real-Time Flight Status

Before you leave for the airport, it is crucial to check your live flight status. This will tell you if your flight is on time, delayed, or has had a gate change. All major airlines provide this service on their websites. The IndiGo flight status and Air India flight status trackers are generally very accurate and updated in real-time.

5. Organize and Charge All Your Devices

Ensure your phone, tablet, power bank, and headphones are fully charged. Download any movies, music, or podcasts you want for the flight beforehand. A fully charged phone with your digital boarding pass is your most important tool on travel day.

6. Gather Your Essential Documents

Create a dedicated folder or pouch for all your essential documents. This includes:

  • Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar, Driver’s License, etc.)
  • A printout of your ticket or your digital boarding pass
  • Any necessary health or travel certificates

7. Keep Customer Care Numbers Handy

In case of any last-minute issues, it’s helpful to have the correct contact numbers saved. If you have a problem with your IndiGo flight booking, having the IndiGo customer care number is essential. If you booked through a travel agency, you may need their support line, such as the HappyEasyGo customer care number, instead of the airline’s.

Conclusion

By taking a few minutes to run through this checklist, you can handle the administrative parts of your trip in advance. This leaves you free to relax and look forward to your journey, whether you’re flying with IndiGo, GoAir, or any other airline.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you forget to do web check-in, you will be required to do it at a kiosk or assisted check-in counter at the airport. Most airlines in India, especially low-cost carriers, now charge a significant fee for this service (often ₹200-₹500 per passenger). To avoid these extra charges and save time, it is always best to complete your web check-in online before leaving for the airport.

Yes, for all domestic flights, a digital or mobile boarding pass on your smartphone is perfectly acceptable. After you complete your web check-in, you will receive the boarding pass via email or in the airline’s app. Security personnel (CISF) and airline staff are equipped to scan the QR code directly from your phone screen.

Even after completing web check-in, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight’s departure time. This gives you enough time to drop off any checked baggage, clear security (which can have long queues), and walk to your gate. For major metro airports like Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), arriving even a little earlier is a wise decision.

Recommended Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *