Check-in and boarding

38 articles

​How does online check-in work?

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure. To check in online , you must enter your departure airport, your booking reference or e-ticket number and your surn…

Updated 2 months ago

​How do I check in?

There are several options when it comes to checking in with Brussels Airlines: Online check-in which opens 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure. Mobile check-in via our mobile…

Updated 2 years ago

​Why can't I check in online?

If you are unable to check in online, some of the most common reasons are:

Updated 2 years ago

​How can I check in with my smartphone?

If you want to check in with your smartphone, you can either do it online or use the Brussels Airlines mobile app. In both cases you'll need an internet connection for check-in and to create your boa…

Updated 2 years ago

​Do I need to check in if I'm only travelling with hand baggage?

Even if you're only travelling with hand baggage, you still need to check in for your flight. If you've checked in online, you can directly go to the gate after arriving at the airport. Make sure tha…

Updated 2 years ago

​When is the earliest I can check in online?

Online check-in for all flights operated by Brussels Airlines opens 24 hours before departure. If you made your booking online, you should receive an email, reminding you to check in online.

Updated 2 years ago

What is a 'no show'?

A no show is when you don't show up for a flight without informing the airline beforehand. In this event, the airline may cancel your return flight or your onward journey. However, if you do inform u…

Updated 5 months ago

Can I check in on behalf of my children?

Yes, you can check in on behalf of your children. Please make sure that you have the necessary travel documents for travelling with children.

Updated 10 months ago

Who is entitled to priority boarding?

Priority passengers can board first, along with families with small children (up to 2 years old). If you're a Miles & More Status member or a Star Alliance Gold member, you're also entitled to priori…

Updated 11 months ago

What is the procedure for boarding?

Priority passengers can board first, along with families with small children (up to 2 years old). If you're a Miles & More Status member or a Star Alliance Gold member, you're also entitled to priori…

Updated 11 months ago

How long before the flight do I need to arrive at the airport?

Check-in times depend on your departure airport and your flight type. We recommend you arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for flights within Europe and 3 hours for long-haul flights. More detai…

Updated 1 year ago

What is automatic baggage drop-off?

Passengers with a self-printed or mobile boarding pass can use our automatic baggage check-in units at London Heathrow and Copenhagen Airport. Avoid queuing at the check-in desk and check in your bag…

Updated 1 year ago

Are there priority check-in counters at the airport?

For intercontinental flights, Economy and Business travellers have separate counters. For flights to/from Europe, Armenia, Russia, Israel and Egypt, our Business Class travellers have separate counte…

Updated 1 year ago

Can I choose a seat during check-in?

Yes, if you haven't already chosen your seat during or after your booking, you can choose your seat during check-in. Of course, you'll only be able to choose from the remaining seats available in the…

Updated 2 years ago

What is API (Advance Passenger Information)?

Some countries’ governments require international airlines to provide all or part of their passengers' personal information. If you haven’t provided your Advance Passenger Information (API) when book…

Updated 2 years ago by FlorenceVanStaey

What's the difference between a ticket and a boarding pass?

After paying for your booking, you'll receive a ticket. If you book online, you'll receive an electronic ticket (e-ticket); if you book at a travel agency or ticketing office, you'll receive a paper…

Updated 2 years ago

What is automated check-in?

With automated check-in, you no longer have to think about checking in online or at the airport for your flight. We'll do the work for you by checking you in for your flight and sending you your mobi…

Updated 2 years ago

Can I check in online on brusselsairlines.com if I’m travelling with another carrier?

No, you must check in using the system of the operating carrier of your next flight. Should you have an onward connection with Brussels Airlines, the first airline will provide you with your boarding…

Updated 2 years ago

What happens if I'm late for check-in?

At Brussels Airlines, we do our utmost to adhere to our flight schedule: punctuality is an important part of a reliable service. As a result, if you're late for check-in, we won't wait for you and yo…

Updated 2 years ago

What is city check-in?

City check-in is an exclusive service available in 3 cities in Africa: Kigali, Kinshasa and Monrovia. Instead of going to the airport, you can check in at one of our city offices, leave your baggage…

Updated 2 years ago

Can I check in online if my booking includes additional services?

Yes, Brussels Airlines will always allow you to check in online. In some cases, checked-in passengers will receive a receipt instead of a boarding pass. These passengers must go to the check-in desk…

Updated 2 years ago

Can I check in for my return flight?

If you’re returning within 24 hours and have a confirmed booking, you can check in for your outbound and return flight at the same time. If not, you must wait until 24 hours before departure.

Updated 2 years ago

Where are the check-in desks at the airport?

Check-in desks are usually located in the airport's departure hall. Find out more information about our airports.

Updated 2 years ago

Can I change a booking after I’ve checked in online?

Yes, if the fare conditions of your ticket permit it, you can change your booking after checking in online. To do so, please contact the Service Centre. More information on changing a booking.

Updated 2 years ago

Can I cancel my booking after I’ve checked in?

Yes, if the fare conditions of your ticket permit it, you can cancel your booking after checking in online. To do so, please contact the Service Centre. More information on cancelling a booking and r…

Updated 2 years ago

When does the boarding gate close?

The boarding gate's closing time is indicated on your boarding pass and depends on the departure airport and your destination.

Updated 2 years ago

Is Brussels Airlines TSA-approved?

Yes, Brussels Airlines is TSA-approved from US points of origin (New York JFK Airport and Washington D.C. Dulles Airport). More information on TSA.

Updated 2 years ago

Can I still add additional services after I’ve checked in?

If you've checked in online for your flight, you can't add extra baggage online; this can only be done at the airport. All the other additional services should usually be booked in advance; we strong…

Updated 2 years ago

How do I check in hold baggage?

You can check in your baggage by dropping them off at the airport check-in desks, even if you've checked in online or via the app. At Brussels Airport, London Heathrow and Copenhagen Airport, we reco…

Updated 2 years ago

What happens if I’m denied boarding?

If you're denied boarding, you'll need to find an alternative solution to reach your destination. If Brussels Airlines was the operating carrier and you were denied boarding and you don't agree with…

Updated 2 years ago

What do I need to check in?

You need your booking number or e-ticket number (included with the confirmation of your booking) to check in. You also need a valid passport or ID card.

Updated 2 years ago

How do I check in at the airport?

Simply head to the check-in desks at your departure airport. If you're travelling with checked baggage, you can check it in at the same time. Remember that there may be separate counters, depending o…

Updated 2 years ago

What is express check-in?

If you're flying from Brussels Airport to one of our European destinations, you can use the express check-in machines in the departure area. You can use these machines to choose your seat and print y…

Updated 2 years ago

I was able to check in but my boarding pass shows STANDBY status. Why?

There are several reasons which explain why your boarding pass shows STANDBY status: The aircraft cabin corresponding to your ticket's travel class is overbooked and there are currently no seats avai…

Updated 2 years ago

Can I check in for my flight if I don’t have a valid visa, ESTA, ETA, etc.?

Depending on your destination, a visa may be required to enter the country, in addition to a valid passport. You can check in for your flight without a valid visa, but Brussels Airlines may check for…

Updated 2 years ago

I need special assistance. How can I check in?

If you've requested special assistance, please be at the check-in desks at your departure airport at least 60 minutes prior to the latest check-in time indicated on your ticket. More information on s…

Updated 2 years ago

Do I need to present the credit/debit card I've used for purchase at check-in?

No, you don't need to present your credit or debit card at check-in.

Updated 2 years ago

Can I check in online when my flight is operated by a partner airline?

You can only check in online on brusselsairlines.com for flights operated by Brussels Airlines. For the flights or parts of your journey which are operated by one of our partner airlines, you need to…

Updated 2 years ago

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