“Wait—Swoop charges you to check in at the airport?”
That was literally what one of our team members blurted out at Edmonton airport last month. They’d flown other airlines before, but Swoop? It plays by its own rules.
If you’re flying Swoop for the first time—or even the third—you need to know that check-in isn’t just a step. It’s a potential landmine of fees, deadlines, and annoying surprises.
We’ve flown Swoop more times than we care to admit. This guide? It’s not the usual airline copy-paste stuff. It’s what we wish we knew before stepping up to that kiosk and realizing our boarding pass was a no-show.
🧭 Your 3 Ways to Check In (And Which One Actually Makes Sense)
You’ve got three options. Only one of them won’t test your patience—or your wallet.
1. Online Check-In – The Smart Way (Trust Us)
This is the route most seasoned Swoop flyers take. And for good reason: it’s free, fast, and doesn’t make you line up behind someone arguing about their carry-on.
- When? Opens 24 hours before departure.
- Closes? 1 hour before domestic, 90 minutes before international.
- Where? flyswoop.com → “Manage My Booking”
🧠 Our tip? Check in the moment that 24-hour timer hits.
We’ve seen seats vanish fast—and if you’re flying with someone, early check-in is the only way to (maybe) sit together without coughing up a seat fee.
🧩 Want to talk to a real human at Swoop if check-in messes up?
Read this: How to Speak to a Real Person at Swoop Airlines (2025)
2. Swoop Mobile App – The “Why Didn’t I Do This Sooner?” Option
If we’re honest, we didn’t even download the app the first couple of times we flew. Big mistake.
- It works just like the website, but faster.
- Boarding pass goes straight to your phone.
- Saves you when you’re already en route and forgot to print anything (been there).
📱 Get it on iPhone | Get it on Android
3. Airport Check-In – Only If You Love Paying Extra
This one’s rough. Unless you’re literally allergic to tech or your phone died on the way to the airport, don’t rely on airport check-in.
- Fee? Usually $20+ (CAD). Seriously.
- When? Opens 3 hours before departure.
- Closes? 45 mins (domestic) / 60 mins (international).
- You’ll likely need to use a kiosk anyway—so skip the drama.
⚠️ Real moment: One of our team members once almost missed their flight from Hamilton to Halifax trying to sort out airport check-in because the line wrapped around the terminal. Not worth it.
🎒 Bag Check + Boarding Times: The Stuff You Really Can’t Screw Up
Swoop is not forgiving when it comes to being late. Like… not even a little bit. Miss the baggage cutoff? They’re not holding that plane.
| 🕒 Flight Type | Online Check-In Closes | Airport Bag Drop Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 1 hour before departure | 45 mins before departure |
| International | 90 mins before flight | 60 mins before flight |
And don’t forget: Swoop charges for both carry-on and checked bags.
If you add them during online check-in, it’s cheaper than at the airport.
🎯 Want to save more on bags?
Don’t miss: How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees in 2025
🤯 What Can Go Wrong (And How to Dodge It)
❌ “Why won’t the site let me check in?”
It happens. Refresh the page. Try a different browser. Or just open the mobile app.
❌ “I checked in but didn’t get my boarding pass.”
Happened to us once—email glitch. Go back into the check-in portal and re-send or screenshot it from the app.
❌ “I’m traveling with a friend—why are our seats on opposite ends?”
Because you didn’t pick seats when checking in. If sitting together matters, you’ll need to pay or check in exactly when that 24-hour window opens.
👀 Bonus read: How to Contact Swoop Airlines – Real Person Support Guide
🧭 TL;DR – Quick Advice From Us
- Use online or app check-in. Always.
- Check in right at the 24-hour mark.
- Don’t wait to add bags. It’ll cost more later.
- Avoid airport check-in unless you love chaos.
🧳 Quick Comparison Table
| Method | Fee | Ideal For | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Check-In | Free | Everyone | ✅ Use this |
| Mobile App | Free | Anyone with a smartphone | ✅ Even better |
| Airport Check-In | ~$20+ CAD | Tech issues or emergencies | ❌ Avoid unless needed |
Final Thought
Flying Swoop isn’t complicated—once you learn the rhythm. It’s a low-cost carrier, which means you’re in charge of doing things right. Check in early, plan your bags, and don’t rely on the airport to bail you out.
Trust us—we learned this the hard way so you don’t have to.
✈️ Explore more Swoop Airlines Help Guides from the Jupiter team.
We’ll see you at 35,000 feet.
– Team Jupiter @ FlightDeskFinder
You wanna see these as well:
| How to Speak to a Real Person at Swoop Airlines (2025) Swoop Airlines Baggage Policy 2025 Swoop Airlines Toronto Office – Your Gateway to Affordable Air Travel |
