How to Check In in Explore the World

Missing a flight in Explore the World usually starts with a slow check-in. This guide focuses on the Saltmere / New Saltmere passenger flow: how to check in at a kiosk or desk, unlock the Boarding Pass badge, clear security with carry-on, and board before the gate closes. Use it together with Getting Started for the full first-session loop and Controls if prompts feel hard to click on mobile.

Why check-in matters

Check-in is the second major badge after Welcome to Saltmere. Completing it at a kiosk or desk awards Boarding Pass, which marks you as a ticketed passenger ready for security and boarding. Skipping or delaying this step is the fastest way to trigger a missed flight and the Running Late rebook path. Running Late is a real badge - and some collectors want it - but if your goal is a clean Wheels Up takeoff, treat check-in as non-negotiable early in the session.

Step-by-step: kiosk check-in

1. Arrive at Saltmere and press Play if you have not already (Welcome to Saltmere).
2. Locate a self-service kiosk in the terminal. Follow on-screen prompts to select your journey.
3. Confirm the details the UI asks for. Stay at the kiosk until the process finishes - walking away mid-flow can force a restart.
4. When check-in completes, confirm you received Boarding Pass.
5. Head toward security with your carry-on ready instead of immediately diving into arcade games.

Kiosks are ideal when the desk line is busy or you prefer a short interaction. If a kiosk looks occupied or unresponsive, switch to a staffed desk rather than waiting forever.

Step-by-step: desk check-in

1. Find the check-in desk area in the terminal.
2. Interact with the desk agent flow and complete the same passenger confirmation steps.
3. Wait for completion feedback and the Boarding Pass badge.
4. Proceed to security without assuming the badge will appear later - verify it before you wander.

Desk check-in is useful if you are learning the UI with friends nearby or if kiosks are contested in a full server (up to 50 players). Both kiosk and desk paths are valid for Boarding Pass; pick whichever is free.

Security and carry-on

After Boarding Pass, move to security. Pass screening with your carry-on. The fantasy here is a real airport: do not treat security as optional flavor. Clearing it unlocks the airside terminal where snacks, massage chairs, and arcade machines live. Those activities are safe only if you still watch for boarding. Build a habit: security first, light entertainment second, gate awareness always.

If controls feel sticky while interacting with scanners or prompts, revisit Controls for PC, mobile, and console tips. Mis-taps on mobile are a common reason players think check-in “failed” when they simply never finished the prompt.

Boarding timing and avoiding Running Late

Boarding is the next hard checkpoint after security. When the call comes, move to the gate, board the aircraft, and watch the safety demonstration. Takeoff grants Wheels Up. If you miss the flight and get rebooked, you are on the Running Late track. That badge is listed with the rest of the collection on Passport & Badges and the badges list.

Practical timing tips:

• Finish check-in before long arcade sessions.
• Keep the gate direction in mind after security.
• If friends are shopping for snacks, set a party rule: one person watches boarding.
• Use the flight checklist so Saltmere steps stay consistent every run.

After you are airborne

In-flight, order meals, play games, and watch the live flight map toward Paris or London. Landing and the city bus hand off to exploration guides: Paris Guide for the Eiffel Tower lift and Welcome to Paris stamp, London Guide for the London Eye, Big Ben cues, and Welcome to London. Returning travelers who already know check-in can jump straight to city goals or cabin upgrades.

Cabins do not replace check-in

Economy, First Class, and Private Jet change comfort and party size, not the need to check in. First Class lounge access and lie-flat suites still sit after a proper Boarding Pass. Private Jet parties (host + up to four friends) still benefit from everyone understanding Saltmere timing so the group does not scatter. Read First Class & Private Jet and the cabin classes tier list when you are ready to upgrade - after check-in is second nature.

Party and friend tips

• Meet at Saltmere before anyone starts a long terminal minigame.
• Decide Paris vs London before check-in so the group is aligned.
• If someone wants Running Late on purpose, let them miss a flight solo instead of blocking the whole party.
• Host on Private Jet only after the group can finish Boarding Pass without coaching.

Codes and updates while you wait

Terminal downtime is a good moment to verify whether Tartan Studios published a promo. Check the Codes Hub and how to redeem. Do not invent codes. Patch notes that change kiosk UI or boarding windows will appear on the Updates Hub and changelog.

Quick recovery if something goes wrong

• No Boarding Pass yet: return to a free kiosk or desk and complete the flow again.
• Stuck at security: confirm carry-on interaction and retry; check platform controls.
• Missed boarding: accept rebooking if offered, claim Running Late if it pops, then treat the next loop as a clean run.
• Friends already airborne: join their next flight plan rather than forcing a broken session.

Mastering check-in turns Explore the World from a stressful race into a smooth airport ritual. Once Boarding Pass and Wheels Up feel automatic, spend your attention on postcards, dual-city stamps, and the longer badge ladder described across the Guides Hub.