In plain English
It is a pre-flight confirmation done over the internet rather than in person. It means stating in advance that you will take the flight, and it usually includes getting your boarding pass before you reach the airport.
In context
Here, “online check-in” names the remote option to confirm before the flight on the internet that you will travel, usually by obtaining your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
- Situation
- Checking in, passing airport steps, boarding, connections, and flight status
- What it communicates
- names the remote check-in option in the trip workflow
Meaning limits
The term by itself does not show whether this process is available, required, or already completed.
Examples
“She completed online check-in the night before the flight and arrived at the airport with her boarding pass already on her phone.”
“Online check-in was still on his to-do list as he packed for the airport.”