Phrasal verb
check in at
Definition
phrasal verb. To register your arrival at a place like a hotel or an airport, so they know you are there.
phrasal verb. To register one's presence upon arrival at a hotel, airport, or event, often as a required procedure.
Examples
“We need to check in at the hotel now.”
“You should check in at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs.”
“After a long journey, the weary travelers were relieved to finally check in at the quaint seaside inn they had booked months in advance.”
Examples
simple
“We need to check in at the hotel now.”
contextual
“You should check in at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs.”
complex
“After a long journey, the weary travelers were relieved to finally check in at the quaint seaside inn they had booked months in advance.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'at' for a location or 'for' for a service like a flight.
Teaching tip
Contrast with its direct opposite, 'check out' (to leave a hotel), and the related phrasal verb 'check on' (to see if someone is okay).
Pitfall
I need to check in the airport.
I need to check in at the airport.
Use the preposition 'at' to specify the location where you are registering your arrival.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
check + in (+ at + location)