New fangled online check in- how does it work?

So, I'm flying out on Emirates from Melbourne to Auckland (the beginning of a big trip woot!) and I have the option of checking in online before I get to the airport.

The groovy techie part of me is really excited about me, but the part that channels my mother is more suspicious.

Anyone done this? Loved it? Hated it? Please let me know!

(I will have one small suitcase and a carry on bag- if that matters.{yes small change of plans for those who have been following me})

In my experience of on-line check-in, it is only available if you aren't checking in any bags, i.e. you only have carry on baggage. This was the case with Ryanair but they are notoriously tight and it could be related to the fact that they charge to check in any bag, regardless of size.

I used online check in when flying with Virgin from Sydney to London and it was fabulous! Everyone else had to stand in line, and in the pre-checked in bit you just waltz up, show your passport and do all the regular stuff. Actually, I couldn't see that it was any different to regular check in, except that there was no line!

Oh, and I did have checked luggage too- lots of it... but my favourite part was that I was able to choose my seat before I got to check in!

Yeah - have used it. It wasn't a big deal really - I still had to queue to hand over my baggage, so it saved a bit of time but not much. You usually have the first pick of seats though if you check in before the hordes.

it was empty when I got there, but it was a no-hassle check in, but my whole trip wasn't really a hassle check in wise either- the nice thing was we were told we could arrive an hour later to hand over the bags, as opposed to an hour earlier than that for the non online check in.

it was nice.