What is early bird check-in for airlines and how does it work?

Early bird check-in is a service offered by some airlines that allows passengers to check-in for their flight ahead of time, usually online or via the airline's mobile app. The purpose of this service is to allow passengers to avoid long check-in lines at the airport and get through security and boarding more quickly.

Here's how early bird check-in works:

1. Eligibility: Not all airlines offer early bird check-in, and it may only be available for certain flights or for passengers who have met certain criteria, such as booking a certain fare class or traveling with certain airlines.
2. Online or mobile check-in: Passengers can typically check-in online or via the airline's mobile app up to 24 hours before their flight. During the check-in process, passengers can select their seat, print their boarding pass, and/or download it to their mobile device.
3. Baggage drop-off: If the airline allows early bird check-in, passengers may be able to drop off their baggage at a designated baggage drop-off area, avoiding the long lines at the airport check-in counter.
4. Security and boarding: After completing the early bird check-in process, passengers can proceed directly to the security checkpoint and then to the boarding gate, potentially saving time and hassle compared to traditional check-in processes.

It is important to note that early bird check-in policies and procedures can vary by airline, and passengers should check with their airline for specific details and restrictions.