Solomon Airlines Boarding Pass and Check-In Guide

On the domestic network, Solomon Airlines counters open 90 minutes before departure and check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. On the smaller airstrips served by Twin Otter and Dash 8 aircraft, the window is short: once the counter closes, the seat is lost.

On international flights, according to the airline's published information, counters open roughly three hours before departure in Brisbane and Honiara, and a little earlier, about two and a half hours before departure, in Port Vila and Nadi. Check-in for all international flights closes one hour before departure. The airline recommends arriving at least two hours before takeoff to allow time for immigration and security checks.

These are the times published by the airline. During busy periods or when schedule changes are announced on the international network, check the exact time shown on your booking and plan to arrive early.

Solomon Airlines remains an airline where counter check-in plays a central role, particularly on domestic routes, where staff weigh bags and check load distribution on the smaller aircraft. There is no airline app that replaces this counter step.

The Manage My Booking area on the airline's website lets you use your booking reference and name to find your record, check your itinerary, change a flight or add services. It's the tool to use before heading to the airport to confirm the actual time of your flight.

If your trip includes a segment operated by another airline under a codeshare, the conditions of the carrier whose flight number appears on your ticket apply, including for check-in. Check with that carrier for that segment.

On international flights, Solomon Airlines requires passengers to present a confirmed return ticket if you do not have a visa, a passport valid for at least 6 months, a visa or other travel document if applicable, and proof of an onward international ticket where applicable. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months: this is the requirement stated by the airline, which also notes that it is up to travellers to check the entry rules of the countries on their route.

Two particular cases are worth noting. If you enter the Solomon Islands on a one-way ticket, you must be able to show a return ticket or a visa allowing entry without a return. And if you leave the archipelago by boat, the airline requires a letter of authorisation from the Solomon Islands government.

The boarding pass is issued at the counter once your documents and bags have been checked. Check your name, gate and boarding time on it, which is earlier than the departure time shown on your ticket.

Check-in is also when checked bags are accepted. Allowances depend on your fare and route: they are detailed in the airline's fare conditions and on your booking. On domestic flights, aircraft are small and weight limits strict, including for cabin baggage.

A few common situations:

• Counter closed: once the deadline has passed, staff can no longer accept the passenger. You'll need to contact the airline's sales department about a new flight, subject to your fare rules.
• Flight changed or cancelled: Solomon Airlines contacts affected passengers and offers an alternative. Check your booking before heading to the airport.
• International connection departing from Brisbane, Honiara, Port Moresby, Nadi or Port Vila: carry proof of your onward ticket, as it may be requested at the counter.
• Pregnancy, medical conditions, travelling with a child: supporting documents or medical clearance may be required before you're accepted on the flight, depending on the airline's conditions of carriage.

For a flight where online check-in is available, a traveller can have it done by iBoardingPass, which handles it as soon as the airline's check-in opens and sends the boarding pass by email.

Check-in rules vary from one carrier to another across the Pacific, and a connection often means a second set of deadlines to track. Here are pages covering a few neighbouring airlines: Aircalin's conditions departing from Noumea, Air Niugini for Port Moresby, Air New Zealand check-in for flights via Auckland, as well as the procedures for Air Tahiti Nui and those of the Polynesian airline Air Moana.