It is always safest to check in early to avoid this. Most fares sold carry with them penalties if you wish to cancel your journey. It is therefore always advisable to ensure you have travel insurance that covers all eventualities. The airlines do not want to be seen to be discounting tickets themselves and therefore use these wholesale agents on their behalf. You should therefore ensure that any ticket you purchase is the correct ticket for yourself.
All airlines request their passengers to check-in well before the scheduled departure time.
Many of the airlines are now reducing their rates for luxury travel, and even creating new classes. We all know this one. All scheduled flights provide you with a meal and a drink for no charge. Comfort varies dramatically from airline to airline. More and more of the airlines, such as Cathay Pacific and Emirates, have installed television sets in the back of the seats on all long-haul flights.