check-in desk

Meaning

This is the counter or desk at an airport or hotel where travelers register their arrival, show their documents, and drop off their large luggage. At an airport, this is also where you receive your boarding pass. It can also be called a 'check-in counter.'

Examples

• We should head straight to the check-in desk to drop off our suitcases.

  We should head straight to the check-in desk to drop off our suitcases.

• There was a massive queue at the airline's check-in desk this morning.

  There was a massive queue at the airline's check-in desk this morning.

• The receptionist at the hotel check-in desk was extremely helpful and polite.

  The receptionist at the hotel check-in desk was extremely helpful and polite.

• Which check-in desk do we need to go to for our flight to London?

  Which check-in desk do we need to go to for our flight to London?

• You can skip the check-in desk if you checked in online and only have hand luggage.

  You can skip the check-in desk if you checked in online and only have hand luggage.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Where is the check-out desk for my flight?

  ✓ Where is the check-in desk for my flight?

  'Check-out' is only used when leaving a hotel. For flights, you always 'check in' before departure.

• ✗ I waited at the registration table for an hour.

  ✓ I waited at the check-in desk for an hour.

  While descriptive, 'registration table' is not used for airports or hotels; the standard term is 'check-in desk' or 'check-in counter.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please show your passport and booking confirmation at the ___.

  💡 The place where you get your boarding pass and drop off bags.

  Show answer

  check-in desk

• The hotel ___ is open 24 hours a day, so you can arrive at any time.

  💡 The counter where you get your room keys.

  Show answer

  check-in desk