Check-In Options at Arenal Airport
Arenal Airport offers multiple check-in options to make your journey as smooth as possible. Whether you prefer traditional counter service or digital convenience, we have solutions to meet your needs.
Important: Check-in requirements and cut-off times vary by airline. Please verify the specific requirements for your flight with your airline.
Check-In Methods
Counter Check-In
Traditional check-in at airline service counters.
- Location: Main terminal, check-in hall
- Hours: Counters open 3 hours before scheduled departures and close 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 1 hour for international flights
- Process: Present your booking confirmation and identification documents to receive your boarding pass and check in your luggage
Counter check-in is recommended for passengers with special requirements, group bookings, or those needing special assistance.
Self-Service Kiosks
Touchscreen kiosks for quick, independent check-in.
- Location: Throughout the check-in hall
- Hours: 24/7 (subject to terminal operating hours)
- Process: Enter your booking reference or scan your passport/ID, follow the on-screen instructions to print your boarding pass
- Baggage: After receiving your boarding pass, proceed to the bag drop counters if you have luggage to check in
Self-service kiosks are available for most airlines operating at Arenal Airport.
Online Check-In
Check-in through airline websites or mobile apps before arriving at the airport.
- Availability: Typically opens 24-48 hours before departure and closes 60-90 minutes before departure
- Process: Visit your airline's website or app, enter your booking details, select seats (if applicable), and download or receive your boarding pass via email
- Baggage: If you have checked baggage, proceed to the bag drop counters upon arrival at the airport
Online check-in can help you avoid queues and select your preferred seat in advance.
Baggage Drop
Dedicated counters for passengers who have already checked in online or via kiosks.
- Location: Main terminal, check-in hall
- Hours: Same as check-in counters
- Process: Show your boarding pass and identification, then check in your luggage
- Requirements: You must have already completed check-in and have a boarding pass
Bag drop counters typically have shorter queues than regular check-in counters.
Airline Counter Locations
| Airline | Counter Numbers | Terminal Zone | Check-In Opens | Check-In Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rican Airlines | 1-4 | North Zone | 3 hours before departure | 45 min (domestic), 60 min (international) |
| Arenal Express | 5-7 | North Zone | 2 hours before departure | 30 min (domestic), 60 min (international) |
| Tropical Airways | 8-10 | Central Zone | 3 hours before departure | 45 min (domestic), 60 min (international) |
| Central American Air | 11-12 | Central Zone | 3 hours before departure | 45 min (domestic), 60 min (international) |
Premium Check-In Services
Several airlines offer dedicated check-in services for premium cabin passengers, frequent flyers, and members of airline loyalty programs:
- Costa Rican Airlines: Priority check-in at counter 1
- Tropical Airways: Premium check-in at counter 8
- Central American Air: Elite check-in at counter 11
These services typically offer shorter queues and dedicated staff.
Standard Check-In Process
Prepare Your Documents
Before heading to check-in, ensure you have all necessary documents ready:
- Passport or identification document
- Booking confirmation (e-ticket or reference number)
- Visa documentation (if required for your destination)
Choose Your Check-In Method
Select from counter check-in, self-service kiosks, or online check-in based on your preference and needs.
Complete Check-In
Present your documents, receive your boarding pass, and check your baggage if needed.
- Verify your flight details and seat assignment
- Ensure your name is correctly printed on the boarding pass
- Check that your baggage tags are correctly attached
Proceed to Security
With your boarding pass in hand, proceed to the security checkpoint. Keep your boarding pass and identification document readily accessible.
Go to Your Gate
After clearing security, check the information screens for your gate number and proceed to your departure gate.
Mobile Check-In Options
Most airlines serving Arenal Airport offer mobile check-in through their dedicated apps, providing added convenience:
- Download your airline's mobile app before your trip
- Check in using your booking reference and name
- Download your mobile boarding pass to your smartphone
- Present your mobile boarding pass at security and boarding
Scan to download the Arenal Airport app
for flight information and check-in links
Check-In Deadlines: Most airlines require passengers to have completed check-in and baggage drop no later than 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Arriving later may result in denied boarding.
Special Check-In Considerations
- Group Travel: If traveling as a group (10+ people), contact your airline in advance for special group check-in arrangements
- Special Assistance: Passengers requiring special assistance should notify their airline at least 48 hours in advance and arrive at the airport earlier than the standard recommendation
- Unaccompanied Minors: Children traveling alone must use counter check-in services and follow the airline's specific procedures for unaccompanied minors
- Oversized or Special Baggage: Passengers with oversized items, sports equipment, or other special baggage should use counter check-in
Check-In Assistance
Phone: +506 2479 9050
Email: info@arenal-airport.com
Location: Main terminal, central concourse
Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Costa Rican Airlines: +506 2479 8100
Arenal Express: +506 2479 8200
Tropical Airways: +506 2479 8300
Central American Air: +506 2479 8400