Kenya Airways Check-in

Kenya Airways’ check-in policy allows you to check in for your Kenya Airways flight in several ways: 

1. Online check-in
2. Mobile check-in (Android or iOS)
3. Airport counter check-in 

Check-in Times at Kenya Airways

You must physically check in at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights, and at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights within Kenya.

1. Online Check-in Time (Web Check-in Time) 

You can check in online for your Kenya Airways flight: 

• For international flights—from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure. 
• For flights to/from the United States—from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure
  (online check-in for flights to the United States is currently closed, so you can only check in physically at the airport). 
• For domestic flights (within Kenya)—from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure.

Note

• Passengers traveling to the United States must check in at the airport—they are not permitted to check in online due to security reasons.
• All passengers must reconfirm their flights: 
  • 72 hours before departure for domestic flights. 
  • 7 days before departure for international flights.
• Check-in counters close: 
  • 60 minutes before departure for international flights.
  • 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights.  

2. Mobile App Check-in Time

You can check in with the KQ mobile app: 

• For international flights—from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure. 
• For flights to/from the United States—from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure
  (mobile check-in for flights to the United States is currently closed, so you can only check in physically at the airport). 
• For domestic flights (within Kenya)—from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure.

Note

• Passengers traveling to the United States must check in at the airport—they are not permitted to check in online due to security reasons.
• All passengers must reconfirm their flights: 
  • 72 hours before departure for domestic flights. 
  • 7 days before departure for international flights.
• Check-in counters close: 
  • 60 minutes before departure for international flights.
  • 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights.  

3. Airport Counter Check-in Time

You must check in physically at the airport counter: 

• At least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights, regardless of travel class. All international check-in counters close 1 hour before departure. 
• At least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights (within Kenya). All domestic check-in counters close 30 minutes before departure, regardless of travel class.

Kenya Airways Web Check-in (Online Check-in)

How to check in online at Kenya Airways 

A screenshot of Kenya Airways’ web check-in functionality 

You can web check-in (i.e., check in online) for your Kenya Airways flight from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure for international flights (24 hours to 1 hour for flights to/from the United States), and from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. However, if you’re traveling to the United States, you must check in at the airport due to security reasons—you cannot check in online.

On the day of travel 

If you’ve already checked in online or with the mobile app for your KQ flight, you must drop your baggage at the baggage drop-off counter at least 2 hours before departure for an international route, and at least 1 hour before departure for a domestic flight. If you’re not travelling with checked baggage, you can head straight to the boarding gate per the time indicated on your boarding pass.

To check in online from Kenya Airways’ website:

1. Go to Kenya-Airways.com 
2. Click on the Check in tab
3. Enter your:
   1. Booking reference number, or
      E-ticket number, or
      Frequent flyer number 
   2. Departure date 
4. Click on the Continue button 
5. Follow the prompts to select your flight and confirm your check-in 

After checking in, you can:

• Print your boarding pass.
• Receive your boarding pass by SMS.
• Receive your boarding pass by email.

Passengers Not Eligible for Online Check-in

You will not be able to web check-in if:

• You’re traveling to the United States
• The web check-in facility is not available at the departure airport
• Your KQ flight booking is not confirmed 
• You have a physical disability 
• You have requested assistance and are traveling alone 
• You’re travelling as an unaccompanied minor 
• You’re traveling with an infant
• You’re holding a group booking of 10 or more passengers

Note

• If your airport does not allow boarding passes to be printed at home, you will need to collect your boarding pass at the airport. 
• If your flight booking includes a return flight within 30 hours, you can check in for it at as well with your first flight.
• You can web check-in for your flight whether you’re travelling with just carry-on luggage or checked luggage.

How to Check in with Kenya Airways’ Mobile App

 

You can check in with the mobile app from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure for international flights (24 hours if you’re travelling to/from the United States), and from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. However, if you’re traveling to the United States, you must check in at the airport due to security reasons—you cannot check in online.

After you check in with the mobile app, your mobile boarding pass will show up on your smartphone’s screen (as shown). Simply save it to your device and show it at the airport to go through the security checks.

Passengers Not Eligible for Online Check-in

You will not be able to check in with the mobile app if:

• You’re traveling to the United States
• The online check-in facility is not available at the departure airport
• You’re holding an unconfirmed booking
• You have a physical disability 
• You have requested assistance and are traveling alone 
• You’re an unaccompanied minor 
• You’re traveling with an infant
• You’re holding a group booking of 10 or more passengers

You can use the mobile app to: 

• Search and book flights 
• Select a preferred seat 
• Upgrade your seat
• Check in for your flight 
• Check your flight status 
• Change your travel dates 
• Pay for excess baggage in advance 
• Cancel your flight booking 
• Request a refund
• Request special meals 

(at least 48 hours before departure)

• Add extras 
• Update your contact information 

Airport Counter Check-in For Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways recommends that you check in physically at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights and at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights (within Kenya).

Priority Check-in. If you’re a Flying Blue Elite member (Gold or Platinum) flying to any destination from Nairobi, you are entitled to: 

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access with one guest

To register your Miles, you must present your Flying Blue card at the airport check-in. You can also upgrade (subject to availability) from Economy S, B, or M booking class to Business Class if you have sufficient Miles in your account. 

Note 

• If you’ve already checked in online or with the mobile app, you must drop your baggage at the baggage drop off counter: 

• At least 2 hours before departure if you’re flying on an international route.  
• At least 1 hour before departure if you’re flying on a domestic route.
• If you’re traveling without any check-in baggage, reach the boarding gate per the time indicated on your boarding pass. 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Kenya Airways Check-in