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.  
  1. 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.  
  1. 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Kenya Airways Check-in

What are the starting and closing online check-in times for Kenya Airways flights?

Online check-in starts 30 hours before departure (24 hours in case of United States) and closes 1 hour before departure for international flights but 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights within Kenya. However, online check-in is currently closed for passengers traveling to the United States due to security reasons.  

Remember, the check-in counters typically close 60 minutes before departure for international flights and 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights.  

Do I need to reconfirm my flight?

Yes, all passengers are required to reconfirm their flights. If you’re traveling on an international flight, you must reconfirm 7 days before departure, and 72 hours before departure for domestic flights. 

What’s the best time to check in at the airport for my Kenya Airways flight?

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

What is Kenya Airways’ check-in policy?

According to Kenya Airways check-in policy: 

  • Passengers must be at the airport check-in counters at least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights and at least 90 minutes before departure for flights within Kenya. 
  • The online and mobile check-in time for international flights is 30 hours (24 hours in case of the U.S.) to 1 hour before departure. For security reasons, passengers travelling to the U.S. must check in physically at the airport. 
  • The online and mobile check-in time for domestic flights within Kenya is 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure.
  • All passengers must reconfirm their flights 7 days before departure for international flights and 72 hours before departure for domestic flights. 
  • Check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure for international flights and 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights. 
What is Kenya Airways’ check-in time at Heathrow (LHR)?

It is advised that you reach the airport check-in counter at London Heathrow Airport at least 3 hours before departure for European and intercontinental KQ flights. 

What is Kenya Airways check-in time at Nairobi Airport?

You must check in at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) 2.5 hours before departure for an international flight and 90 minutes before departure for a domestic flight within Kenya.

What are Kenya Airways flight check-in options?

Kenya Airways allows you to check in for your flight online (via the airline’s website), with the airline’s mobile app, and at the airport check-in counter. 

What is Kenya Airways have internet check-in?

Yes, you can check-in for your Kenya Airways flight with an internet-enabled laptop or mobile device— either through the airline’s website (Kenya-Airways.com) or mobile app.

Can you tell me about Kenya Airways’ online check-in in UK?

You can check-in online for your Kenya Airways flight from the United Kingdom from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure. However, if you’re flying to the United States, you will have to check in physically at the airport and should reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Can you tell me about Kenya Airways’ online internet check-in?

You can check-in for your Kenya Airways flight online using an internet-enabled laptop or smartphone. To check in online through the airline’s website, go to Kenya-Airways.com, select Check-in, enter your booking reference number/E-ticket number/frequent flyer number and departure date, click on the Continue button, and follow the prompts to confirm your check-in. After you check in online, you will have the option to print your boarding pass, or receive it via SMS or email.

You can check in online from 30 hours (24 hours in case of the U.S.) to 60 minutes before departure for an international flight and from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure for flights within Kenya.    

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