Contour ticket counters open two (2) hours prior to the scheduled departure time. We recommend arriving at the airport 60 minutes prior to departure to enjoy a smooth travel experience. Passengers and baggage are accepted for check in at the Contour ticket counter until 30 minutes before to departure. For flights departing Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), passengers and baggage will be no longer accepted for check in past 45 minutes prior to departure.

All passengers are required to be present at the gate at least 15 minutes prior to departure or be subject to cancellation of their reservation. Boarding doors close 10 minutes prior to departure time.

We want your travels to be as stress free as possible, so we recommend leaving some extra time to complete the check-in process if you are travelling with a pet or as an unaccompanied minor, as there is additional documentation that must be completed at the ticket counter.

All passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have a valid government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in. A driver license, state non-operator ID, active-duty military ID, or passport are all accepted forms of identification.

Beginning 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before your flight, you can check in from your computer in four steps or less:

• Select the "Check In" tab on the homepage.
• Enter your last name and confirmation number to access your itinerary. At this time, you can select passengers and number of bags and make any necessary changes (e.g.: view/change seat assignments and upgrade status or pay for excess baggage, if applicable).
• You may save or print your boarding passes. If you're not ready to print, you will be able to come back and print (or re-print) your boarding pass(es) at any time.
• When you get to the airport, drop off your checked baggage at the Contour Airlines ticket counter at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

When you travel internationally, you’re responsible to make sure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home.

To start:

• Everyone traveling, regardless of age, needs their own set of travel documents.
• Always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and fill out any documents).
• Check with the consulate of every country you’re entering (or passing through) to make sure you meet all travel requirements.
• Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay.

Documents and requirements you need to travel

Travel alerts

Travel requirements and documents

Make sure to check entry requirements with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. You’re responsible for bringing the correct documents for international travel. If you don’t have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and would be responsible for any resulting costs.

Passport

A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

Passports must be:

• Valid for at least 6 months after the date you enter a foreign country.
• Kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.
• U.S. citizens can use any government-issued form of identification to travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

More information on U.S. passports

Visa and Visa Waiver Program

In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a stay less than 90 days, the Department of Homeland Security requires eligible travelers to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must submit your application no later than 72 hours before departing for the U.S., but we suggest you apply for authorization when you start planning your trip. You will be denied boarding if you arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

• Valid for up to two years or your passport expires, whichever comes first
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
• Not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S., approval only authorizes you to board a carrier for travel to the U.S.
• To enter the U.S. under the VWP, each passenger must have a machine-readable passport. If you don’t have a machine-readable zone, a valid visa is required.
  Each passenger traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must have a:
• Valid electronic (e-Passport) with this symbol on the passport cover
• Valid ESTA
• If you present a non-electronic passport, a valid U.S. visa will be required or you will be denied boarding and entry into the U.S.

Apply for the Visa Waiver Program

More about the Visa Waiver Program

Health requirements

To travel, vaccinations may be required depending on where you’re traveling to and from.

Travel information from the CDC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Learn about regulations and procedures that apply to all travelers that enter or depart the United States.

Travel tips

Advanced Passenger Information (API)

To enhance border security, passenger information will be passed through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system and sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review passenger information before the flight arrives.

• All international flights arriving and departing the U.S. are required by law to provide API data.
• API data for American Airlines/American Eagle flights is also transmitted to Customs and Immigration agencies in other countries where required by law.
• The information sharing is mandatory as part of the U.S. Aviation and Transportation Security Act.

US-VISIT program

All visitors to the U.S., except nationals of Canada, will have their photograph and fingerprints taken, and will automatically be registered under the US-VISIT program when they pass through Customs and Border Protection.

Learn about U.S. - Visit program

TSA Secure Flight Passenger Data

Secure Flight Passenger Data is basic personal information the TSA requires for you to travel. The information is collected during booking or ticketing.

TSA Secure Flight

International travel with infants and children

To travel internationally, all children, regardless of age, must have a passport and any travel documents required by the countries visited. If you’re traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.
Traveling with Children