checkin

Check-in is the act of reporting arrival or submitting status information to a place or system. The term is used across contexts to describe the initiation of a process, including physical arrival, service access, and digital updates.

In travel and hospitality, check-in marks the formal start of a stay or journey. Hotels require identification and a booking reference, and may issue keys or digital access. Online or self-service check-in options shorten arrival times, while check-out completes the stay and may involve settling charges. In aviation, check-in also involves obtaining boarding passes and confirming baggage allowances.

In events and venues, attendee check-in verifies registration, issues badges or tickets, and records presence. This helps with capacity control, access management, and post-event analytics. Digital check-ins often use QR codes, NFC, or contactless methods and may integrate with event apps or access-control systems.

In healthcare, patient check-in begins the visit process. Front-desk staff collect identity details, reason for the visit, insurance information, and consents, and may perform initial triage or screening before the appointment proceeds. Check-in data can influence wait times and the sequence of care.

In software and information systems, check-in refers to submitting changes to a shared repository, making them available to others. The term is common in centralized version-control systems; in many modern workflows, it is called a commit. Check-ins may include messages, trigger builds or tests, and require review or approval.

Privacy and security considerations accompany check-in processes, as personal data may be collected, stored, and accessed. Organizations typically publish policies on data use, retention, and access controls, and implement measures to protect information and prevent misuse.