Flight Questions

Customer Care
Flights
Hotels
Car Rentals
Packages
Cruises
Searching on Hotwire
After I've Booked
Changes/Cancellations
Trip Protection
Payment/Billing
Account/Password/Email
International Travel

email us
Check-in, reconfirmation, documentation, arriving at the airport, luggage...
1. How do I reconfirm my flights?
2. What do I need to check in for my flight?
3. How early should I check in for my flight?
4. How much luggage can I bring?
5. What documents do I need to travel outside of my country of citizenship?
6. Can I add passengers to the flight I already booked?
  More flight questions



Q: How do I reconfirm my flights?

A: You never have to. After you book with Hotwire, we'll send you a confirmation email. Print that email and take it with you to the airline counter. Show them the email and your government-issued ID and they'll give you your boarding pass. And you're done. You don't need to pick up the phone at all.

We strongly recommend that you verify the status of your flight on the day of departure. You can check for last-minute delays by either calling the airline or checking the airline's status site -- there's a link to it in your confirmation email.

back to top

Q: What do I need to check in for my flight?

A: You'll need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport) and your ticket or e-ticket. For the smoothest check in, bring your ID and your confirmation email we sent you after you booked your plans. You can check in and get your boarding pass at the airline ticket counter. Curbside check-in and check-in kiosks also may be available. Hotwire customers can check in any way they like.

Traveling internationally? Be sure to check you have the proper documents for entry/re-entry into a country (e.g., correct visa, up-to-date passport). United States and Canadian citizens can check the Western Hemisphere Travel initiative for information on travel documentation requirements.

We strongly recommend that you travel with your confirmation email we sent you after you booked because it has your Hotwire itinerary number and all the contact numbers for the travel suppliers you booked with Hotwire.

back to top

Q: How early should I check in for my flights?

A: For domestic flights within the U.S., it is recommended that you check in at least 60-90 minutes prior to the flight's departure. Note that airlines reserve the right to deny boarding if you have not checked in and boarded (or are in the process of boarding) 20 minutes prior to departure time.

For flights to or originating from airports outside of the U.S., arrive at least 3 hours before departure time. During peak travel periods (such as the holidays), allow yourself extra time for check-in. For flights to or originating from airports outside of the U.S., it is recommended that you be checked in and boarded (or are in the process of boarding) at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Airlines reserve the right to deny boarding if you are not in the boarding area within this timeframe.

back to top

Q: How much luggage can I bring?

A: The airlines limit passengers to one carry-on bag and one smaller, personal item (e.g., briefcase or purse). Carry-on baggage must easily fit within the sizing boxes located at the airline ticket counters and departure gates (approximately 9"x14"x22" and no more than 50 pounds). Please note that carry-on baggage restrictions vary by airline. All carry-on baggage must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Most airlines also allow for two bags to be checked in. For all checked baggage, make sure that your name, address and telephone number are attached (inside or outside).
Oversized items (e.g., bicycles or surfboards) may be subject to a special handling charge because of size, fragility, or other handling requirements. Excess baggage may also be assessed at an additional fee. Some airlines impose an excess baggage embargo that restricts excess baggage to select international destinations. If you have questions or are interested in bringing an oversized item with you, please contact the airline directly.

back to top

Q: What documents do I need to travel outside of my country of citizenship?

A: Each passenger in the flight itinerary must have the proper documents for travel outside their country of citizenship (e.g., correct visa, up-to-date passport). To obtain travel documentation requirements, contact the embassy or consulate of all countries involved in your travel itinerary, including all countries in which you may be transiting. You can also contact your carrier(s) for further information on travel documentation requirements, embargos, travel advisories and/or additional requirements that may apply to the country or countries in your itinerary.

For U.S. passport requirements, application forms, where to conveniently apply, and other passport and international travel information, visit the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services at http://www.travel.state.gov.

Since all Hotwire bookings are final, we recommend checking your visa and passport status (to ensure they are current/valid) prior to booking on our site.

Note on paper tickets and non-U.S. addresses: Hotwire generally issues e-tickets. However, if our airline partner must issue a paper ticket, please provide a U.S. address where the ticket can be sent. We currently cannot ship paper tickets to a non-U.S. delivery address. If you cannot supply a U.S. delivery address, the booking will not be completed and your credit card will not be charged.

back to top

Q: Can I add passengers to the flight I already booked?

A: Hotwire cannot guarantee that you will get the same flight itinerary if you book another Hotwire Limited Rate at a later time. For example, if you book one ticket and get Flight #123 and then book another ticket (with the same exact preferences), you could get flight #234 for this second booking. However if the flight you booked is our other fare, you may be able to add passengers to that flight depending on availability.

If you need to book more than one seat on a flight, be sure to specify the exact number of airline tickets you wish to book on the Flights Preferences page. (You can book up to eight seats at a time.)

back to top

J.D Power and Associates
"Highest Customer Satisfaction
Independent Travel Web Sites"
2006 - 2007