online/self service check at Helsinki Vantaa?

[dissy]

I'm flying from Helsinki to Dublin with Aer Lingus and I've never done this online/self service check in before. I'm basically hoping to get by without my carry on getting weighed, it's within the size limit but they only allow 6kg, and my luggage+laptop+DSLR camera weigh more, not things I want to check in! I think even if I carry the camera separate, the laptop and luggage are pushing it. Anyway how do these things work? I check in online, then I'm supposed to find some place to drop off my luggage? Are self service kiosks only for specific airlines? A run down of steps would be really helpful, I like feeling prepared

[tampereblue]

Only for certain airlines I believe. If you do it online you need to print your confirmation or have it sent to your mobile. At the baggage drop, they will normally weigh your bag anyway, so be careful...

[riku2]

I have never seen any airline at HEL weigh the carry on bags so basically that 6kg limit is for guidance only, just be careful if you get into the plane with something modest size but weighs 15kg and the flight attendant tries to put it in the overhead bin.

some airlines (although i've never had this at HEL) ask you to put your carry on bag on the belt to weigh it. perhaps if your suitcase is 4kg over they would allow some leeway if your carry on is only 2kg (since total is then 26kg). but no airline ever knows if you get onto the plane with the same carry on bags you had at check in. so leave your carry on bag with a friend/in the car/at left luggage. Then check in (with no carry on) and then go and get your carry on again. obviously if it's too big they might complain when you board but they will not guess the weight - remember to behave as if that bag on your back weighs only a few kg when in fact it's more like 15kg
some airlines give you a small tag at check in to show they've seen your carry on. but this is pointless since transfer passengers will not visit land side check in and not have that tag on their carry on. so don't worry about that.

the online/phone/self check in machines have nothing to do with the weight of the luggage. some airports (eg MUC) have fully automated machines where you put your bag on the scale, check in, print off the tag and then off the bag goes. no person in attendance. but online/phone/self check in machines at HEL just let you check in and PERHAPS print off a baggage tag. none of the machines for any airline weigh your bag. you take it to a check in desk and they weigh it and ask you some final questions. so with regards to weight/items of luggage there is no difference as to how you check in.

[Pete]

If your suitcase is well over the limit then be prepared for them to weigh your carry on bag as well.
It's quite common for people to try and get away with as much overall luggage weight as possible, so the checking of carry on bags isn't unusual.
Also, at the airport there are lovely Finavia ladies who will help you through the self-service process, if needed.

[Iseult]

I have never seen any airline at HEL weigh the carry on bags so basically that 6kg limit is for guidance only

I have to disagree. I have had my carry-on bag weighed several times at different airports, including HEL, where I once had my Marimekko shoulder bag (!) weighed even though it was obvious that it could not possibly weigh more than 6 kg. I think whether or not they ask to weigh your bag depends on how full the plane is, if you've got exit row seats (they have to put your bag in the overhead compartment during take-off and landing), etc.

Having said that, I feel for dissy as I've been in the same boat myself (taking a laptop AND an SLR camera AND the rest of non-checkable stuff when moving to Canada). What I usually do is I lay the suspect bag at my feet at check-in, as it won't be as obvious, and then make a quick exit once the check-in is done. No-one has ever called after me to weigh the bag. If dissy's bag really is within the size limit, I think they should be fine. However, just in case, it's a good idea to have a payment method handy, should you have to check another bag in and they want you to pay extra.

[Karhunkoski]

Also, at the airport there are lovely Finavia ladies who will help you through the self-service process, if needed.

Indeed there are, and they're even worth asking for assistance even if you have been "assisted" before

[Pete]

Indeed there are, and they're even worth asking for assistance even if you have been "assisted" before

Hahaa, sometimes it just pays to act dumb!