EasyJet Check-In: The Essential Handbook

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: November 28, 2024

Check-in is an inevitable part of airline travel. But, things don’t always go smoothly, and even large airlines like easyJet aren’t exempt from certain issues. Long lines, technology challenges, and strict deadlines can disrupt your trip.

The airline experienced a recent check-in issue at Bristol Airport, according to the BBC. When the self-service easyJet check-in kiosks suffered a technical problem and became unusable, hundreds of passengers were affected. The result was extremely long check-in wait times. In a statement about the incident that lasted a few hours, easyJet said:

Due to a temporary technical issue impacting airlines at Bristol Airport this morning, for a short time, customers experienced a longer than usual wait at bag drop while our team checked in bags manually. The issue has been resolved and while this was outside of our control, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

EasyJet check-in problems can happen to anyone, but armed with the important airline-specific info, you can take steps to streamline the process. For example, traveling with only carry-on luggage and checking in online in advance could have helped you avoid the recent troubles in Bristol. 

Here’s what you need to know about easyJet check-in:

Why it is Important

If you don’t check in for an easyJet flight, you simply won’t be able to travel. Checking in confirms your seat, creates your boarding pass, and allows you to check bags, which are all crucial.

Your easyJet Boarding Pass

Before passengers can make their way through security, check bags, or board the plane, they must have either an electronic or paper boarding pass. This is true of all airlines. The boarding pass has the following information:

• Passenger name
• Flight number
• Flight date and times
• Departure and arrival airports
• Seat assignment
• Boarding group number, which indicates boarding priority.
• Gate information
• Barcode used for scanning during boarding
• Frequent flyer status
• Additional codes which relate to service requests or security

Seat Allocation

If you have not already picked your seat, you can do so once the easyJet online check-in window opens. Seat selection is always chargeable with easyJet unless you’re a Plus cardholder or have booked a FLEXI fare. If you opt not to pay, a seat will be automatically assigned to you when you check-in.

Add Checked Bags

Like with seat selection, if you did not add (and pay for) any checked bags when you booked your flight, you can add them at check-in. 

Was your easyJet flight delayed by 3 hours or more? We can help you claim up to £520 for the disruption.Check Your Flight

Check-in & Airport Arrival

Checking in for your easyJet flight as soon as possible is always recommended. Aside from allowing you to focus on other travel plans, early easyJet online check-in has advantages:

• Less chance of your preferred seat already being taken.
• No lines, as would be the case with easyJet airport check-in.
• More available upgrades (if applicable).
• Lowered risk of getting bumped due to overbooking.

EasyJet Check-in Policies

The easyJet online check-in window is generous. It opens 30 days before the scheduled flight. You won’t be able to check in any sooner than this, but you likely won’t need to. 

In general, you can’t check in with easyJet at the airport. Unlike many other airlines, as a discount carrier, easyJet does not offer in-person check-in desks at airports. The airline operates with online check-in only, so always do this in advance of your flight.

EasyJet online check-in is available between 30 days and 2 hours from the flight departure, so don’t leave it too late!

Regulations for easyJet Check-in

1. Photo ID required: You’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID for UK flights and a valid passport for international routes, plus applicable visas. Note that to be considered valid, the ID document for European destinations must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure date.
2. Meet gate arrival requirements: Passengers must arrive at the departure gate 30 minutes ahead of the departure. Otherwise, the gate will close and the flight will be missed.
3. Respect bag drop deadlines: Depending on the airport, passengers have to drop checked bags off between 40 and 60 minutes before scheduled takeoff. Note that for large groups, it’s recommended that you leave extra time for this.
4. Special assistance needs: If you or someone in your party requires assistance from personnel at the airport or on the plane, such as wheelchair access or another type of courtesy transport, allow extra time above the normal airport arrival requirements.

EasyJet Check-in: The Available Options

We know that the only way to complete your easyJet check-in is electronically, and the airline offers 2 options: their website or their mobile app.

EasyJet Online Check-in

The most common way to check in for your easyJet flight is online using the airline’s website. It’s simple to access your booking using your booking reference (emailed when you booked your flight) and the passenger’s last name. Alternatively, you can sign in if you have an existing account.

Once you start check-in for all passengers, easyJet will ask standard questions about banned and hazardous materials. Follow the prompts while verifying that your personal information is 100% correct and matches your ID documents. You’ll choose or upgrade your seat (if you want to) and confirm the number of checked bags. You’ll pay for any charges related to seats and bags before receiving your boarding pass.

Provided there are no hiccups, you will have the option at the end to print or save your boarding pass. 

Do not save your boarding pass separately as a PDF, as the airport staff likely won’t be able to scan it.

What To Do If You Can’t Check-in Online with easyJet

EasyJet positions itself as an online check-in airline exclusively. But, since technical problems can occur, you can still check in at the airport as an exception. The ground crew will assist you as a last resort, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

• You tried online check-in multiple times unsuccessfully (wait between attempts).
• You also tried to check in via the mobile app.
• You’re checking in before the bag drop deadline.

EasyJet App Check-in

If you travel a lot with easyJet, downloading the app can save you a bunch of time and hassle. In addition to an easy check-in, you can check your flight status, manage all your upcoming flights, and search for new flights all in one place.

Using the app for easyJet online check-in works the same as the website in terms of the prompts and information you’ll need to verify. At the end, your mobile boarding pass will be stored in the app for easy access at the airport. This mobile pass works everywhere a paper or online one does.

EasyJet Twilight Bag Drop

For added convenience and to save time when your easyJet flight departs early, the airline offers Twilight Bag Drop services. This allows you to check your luggage early on the evening before your flight. Then, proceed directly through security on the morning of the flight.

This feature is only available during specific hours and at certain airports:

How To Manage an easyJet Booking

There are a few ways to manage your flight once you’ve booked it. Managing your booking will allow you to switch or add a seat, add checked bags, or make flight changes. The first option is via the app:

Just select the appropriate booking and click on it to make adjustments. The other option is with the website, changes can be made by logging in to your account or looking up your reservation - the same way you would find it to check-in.

Selecting or Changing Your Seat

If you want to select a specific seat, you can do so anytime after booking until you’ve already checked in. Even if you have already selected a seat, but have changed your mind, you can usually choose a new seat and pay any difference in the amount. 

The Deadlines: How Long Do You Have to Check In Before an easyJet Flight?

EasyJet allows passengers to check in online up to 30 days before the flight is set to depart. The cut-off for easyJet online check-in is 2 hours before the flight.

When you can’t get EasyJet online check-in to work, you can seek assistance for airport check-in as long as you’re within the luggage drop timeframe. For most flights, that’s a minimum of 40 minutes, but can be up to 1 hour.

EasyJet Gates

Regardless of your destination, the gate will close 30 minutes before takeoff. If you’re arriving for airport check-in within the 40-minute bag drop deadline, that doesn’t give you very much time. The reality is that flights often get delayed or start boarding late. Always try to board even if there are fewer than 30 minutes before departure. 

Times You Can Check In Luggage with easyJet

The easyJet luggage drop-off times vary by airport. Generally, bag drop opens 2.5 to 3 hours before departure and closes between 40 and 60 minutes before departure. Here’s a summary:

Timing Your Airport Arrival

Arriving at the airport without enough time is risky. The bag drop closure times above don’t allow for any unforeseen events, so a good rule of thumb is to be at the airport for an easyJet flight 2 hours ahead for domestic and other European routes and 3 hours ahead for international ones.

During busy periods, like holidays, the summer, and weekends, try to allow a little extra time (up to half an hour) if you can. Whatever happens, you need to be at the gate and ready to board no less than 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.

Experienced a frustrating easyJet flight cancellation? Let us help you get up to £520 for the inconvenience.Start now!

What if You Miss the easyJet Check-in Window?

If you miss the online check-in deadline of 2 hours before the flight, you may still be able to check in at the airport using the bag drop counters. Then, you’ll have time to drop luggage and get through the security lines and still make it to the gate on time.

If you are unable to check in before the bag drop deadline (40-60 minutes, airport dependent), you will not be permitted to board the plane because you won’t have a boarding pass.

Tips From Our Experts for easyJet Check-in

Here’s how to streamline your check-in process with easyJet:

1. Begin check-in early: Start as soon as it becomes available if possible. Although 30 days is generous, time flies. At a minimum, try to check in about 24 hours before your flight, to secure your preferred seat and make sure you can get your boarding pass without issue.
2. Install the easyJet app: Use the app to check in, track flight updates, and access a digital boarding pass to reduce reliance on printed documents.
3. Understand luggage policies: Familiarize yourself with easyJet’s restrictions on baggage size and weight. Check your fare type for specific allowances to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Verify your travel documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and other essential documentation are current and readily accessible for a smooth international check-in process.
5. Arrive early for boarding: Be at your assigned gate ahead of time to accommodate any last-minute announcements or changes.
6. Track flight updates: Regularly review your flight’s status for adjustments to the schedule, gate locations, or potential disruptions.