# check in at

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/check-in-at
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To register your arrival at a place like a hotel or an airport, so they know you are there.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to check in the airport." but "I need to check in at the airport." — Use the preposition 'at' to specify the location where you are registering your arrival.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.