Check-in and Boarding
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Check-in is the moment when you confirm that you will be on your flight. It can be done at the airline's counter, online, via mobile apps, self-service totems at airports and even by SMS.
When you check in, you will have access to your boarding pass.
Don't leave it to the last minute! Check-in closing times vary from one airline to another, but they are always earlier than your flight time. Check your ticket receipt for this information. Check-in is also the last opportunity to ask for your name to be corrected if there has been a mistake.
At the airport, if you haven't checked in yet or need to check in any luggage, look for the airline’s service desks. In addition to the traditional service counter, most airports offer self-service tools. There you can print out your boarding pass and, in some cases, even check your luggage yourself.
If you only have hand luggage and it complies with the rules, you can go directly to the boarding gate with your documents and boarding pass in hand.
As you’ve seen so far, your trip starts long before you get on the plane. And the inspection procedures at the airport are mandatory to ensure a safe journey and to comply with international security standards.
- Metal detector – To access the boarding gate, you must pass through the metal detector (except for people with pacemakers or cochlear implants). Before passing through the metal detector, remove coins, cell phones, keys, belts and other items from your pockets, which must be placed in the tray to pass through the X-ray channel. You may also have to remove your shoes when asked.
- Personal search – If you cannot be inspected by the metal detector for a justified reason, you will have to undergo a personal body search. Pregnant women can request a body examination or a manual metal detector. A physical search can take place even after you have passed through the metal detector, as an alternative or additional security measure. The search must be carried out by a police officer or civil aviation protection agent of the same sex as the passenger. It can be carried out in a private room, if requested by the passenger, in the presence of a witness. Passengers who refuse to undergo a personal search will not be allowed access to the departure lounge. Remember: these procedures are mandatory and are aimed at your safety.
- Hand luggage – Must be inspected by X-ray. The list of prohibited items is widely publicized by airlines at the time of ticket purchase and at check-in counters and must be observed by passengers when preparing their luggage. Check out the items that cannot be carried in hand luggage. If detected, prohibited items must be discarded at the time of inspection. Laptops, notebooks, and portable computers must be removed from hand luggage to pass through the X-ray equipment on domestic and international flights. Any item of hand luggage can be searched in the passenger’s presence. Always cooperate with baggage inspection to avoid inconvenience and delays.
- Firearms – Boarding a passenger with a firearm must be restricted to government employees authorized by specific ANAC regulations, considering aspects related to necessity, flight safety and civil aviation security. Government employees who carry a firearm as a result of their job must contact the airline operator when purchasing their ticket to check whether they are allowed to carry a firearm. If you are authorized to carry a firearm and do not meet the above requirements, you may be allowed to board by checking in your firearm and ammunition.
After going through the security procedures, you can leave the departure lounge if you need to. In this case, ask for instructions on how to proceed. When you return, you will have to go through all the inspection stages again.
Boarding time
Boarding is the moment when the passenger enters the aircraft, after having checked in and passed the airport’s inspection procedures.
Boarding must take place at the time stipulated by the airline. Check your boarding pass. Boarding time is always earlier than the flight’s departure time.
Be aware! Both the flight time and the boarding gate may change. Pay attention to local information boards and notices.
Boarding requirements
Get ready for your boarding. You need to be at the boarding gate at the time indicated by the airline. Take your boarding pass and the personal documentation you need to board. Always follow the airline’s instructions.
Attention! If you don’t comply with these requirements, the airline may deny you boarding and contractual fines may apply.
Had a problem with the airline? Contact the company through its customer service channels.
Have any questions? Contact ANAC on 163 (the call is free toll from any state in the country, every day from 8am to 8pm).
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