How do I check in on KLM?

KLM provides several check-in options to board your flight, such as:

  1. Online check-in
  2. Mobile app check-in
  3. Airport kiosk check-in
  4. Airport desk check-in
  5. SkyPriority check-in

KLM Check-in Time 

What is the KLM flight check-in time?

  1. When can I check in online? 
  • For U.S. Flights, you can check in 24 hours – 1 hour before departure. 
  • For Other Flights, you can check in 30 hours – 1 hour before departure.

Exceptions

For flights to/from Mumbai, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, you can check in 30 hours – 1.5 hours before departure.

  1. When can I check in with the mobile app?
  • For U.S. Flights, you can check in 24 hours – 1 hour before departure. 
  • For Other Flights, you can check in 30 hours – 1 hour before departure.

Exceptions

For flights to/from Mumbai, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, you can check in 30 hours – 1.5 hours before departure.

  1. When can I check in at the self-service kiosk?
  • For European Flights, you can check in from 2 hours – 40 minutes before your flight’s departure. 
  • For Intercontinental Flights, you can check in from 3 hours – 60 minutes before your flight’s departure.

Important

  • Reach the airport at least: 
    • 2 hours before departure from an airport in Europe.
    • 2 – 3 hours before departure from an airport in the Middle East, The Antilles, or the Caribbean. 
    • 3 – 4 hours before departure from an airport in Asia, North America, South America, or Africa. 
  • The self-service kiosks are open throughout the day of departure at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, and the check-in counters and baggage drop-off open at 04:30am.

Exceptions 

  • Check-in start time 
    • Osaka: Check-in starts 2 hours before departure
    • Moscow: Check-in starts 2.5 hours before departure
    • Split: Check-in starts 3 hours before departure
    • Delhi and Lagos: Check-in starts 4 hours before departure
    • Mexico-City: 4 Check-in starts 5 hours before departure
    • Paramaribo: Check-in starts 5 hours before departure
  • Check-in and baggage drop-off cut-off deadline
    • Amsterdam: Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for non-Europe flights
    • Istanbul: Check-in closes 60 minutes before scheduled departure
    • Bonaire: Check-in closes 70 minutes before departure
    • Guayaquil: Check-in closes 70 minutes before departure
    • Freetown: Check-in closes 80 minutes before departure
    • Lagos: Check-in closes 90 minutes before departure 
    • Accra: Check-in closes 120 minutes before departure
    • Paramaribo: Check-in closes 120 minutes before departure
  1. When can I check in at the airport desk?

You can check in from an airport desk:

  • For European Flights, you can check in 2 hours – 40 minutes before departure. 
  • For Intercontinental Flights, you can check in 3 hours – 1 hour before departure.

When you check in at the airport desk, you can:

  • Check-in your luggage 
  • Pay for extra/overweight bags 
  • Collect your boarding pass
  • Make a seat selection 
  • Change your seat selection 

Note

  • Some airports in the United States do not accept boarding passes printed at home, but only those printed at an airport check-in desk or a self-service kiosk.
  • Airport desk check-ins can be busy, so be sure to reach the airport early. 
  • You will need to check in at the airport’s service desk in the following cases: 
    • If your airport doesn’t have online or self-service kiosk check-in.
    • If you have requested special assistance and are traveling alone.
    • If you travel by train from Brussels South Railway station/Antwerp Central Station to Amsterdam Schiphol airport.  
    • When flying with a pet (in which case you must arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure with all your completed forms.
  1. When can I check in with SkyPriority? 

If you qualify for SkyPriority (which appears on your boarding pass)— the quickest way to check in—you can check in at the airport: 

  • For European Flights. 2 hours – 40 minutes before departure. 
  • For Intercontinental Flights. 3 hours – 1 hour before departure.

Passengers who are eligible for SkyPriority check-in include:

  • Business and First Class passengers
  • Platinum and Flying Blue Gold members 
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members

KLM Online Check-in Process 

How do I check in online for a KLM flight?

A screenshot of the KLM Check-in page for checking in online via KLM.com

You can check in online through KLM.com from 30 hours to 1 hour prior to your flight’s departure. However, if your flight is to or from the USA, online check-in starts 24 hours prior to departure.

For checking in online, you need an internet connection to follow the steps below:

  1. Go to KLM.com 
  2. Select the Check-in tab 
  3. For checking in with your: 
    1. Ticket number or booking code, enter your flight number
    2. Loyalty program number, enter your loyalty program number and flight number
  4. Hit the Check in button
  5. Select your flight and check in

When checking in online, you can also select or change your seat, pay for baggage, book a meal, and download your e-boarding pass.

Note. In exceptional cases, you will only be able to check in at the airport’s check-in desk.

KLM Mobile Check-in


How to check in at KLM with the mobile app 

If you’re holding a confirmed booking, you can perform your KLM flight check-in with KLM’s mobile app from 30 hours to 1 hour before your flight’s scheduled departure time (24 hours for flights to/from the United States). Mobile check-ins work for most KLM flights and save you the hassle of printing your boarding pass (or standing in a line at the airport). 

You can also use the KLM mobile app to: 

  • Book your flights and other services 
  • Choose your seat 
  • Choose special meals and your baggage
  • Check in 
  • Get live flight information 
  • Get your electronic boarding pass
  • Cancel your reservation
  • Receive important flight notifications
    (delays, gate changes, etc.)
  • Manage your KLM and Flying Blue account
  • Contact KLM through WhatsApp and Messenger

After you check in, you will receive your electronic mobile boarding pass on your device that you can scan at the airport.

Note

If your airport does not accept online check-in, you will need to check in physically at the airport desk. 

Follow these Steps for Airport Kiosk Check-in
You can use a self-service kiosk:

  • At Schiphol—on the day of your flight’s departure.
  • At other airports—at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure.

How to check in from a self-service kiosk 

  1. Insert any of the following:
    1. Your passport 
    2. Your frequent-flyer card 
    3. Your booking code

You can also do the following:

  1. Choose your seat, special meal, and baggage 
  2. Upgrade your seat and pay for it 
  3. Get a printout of your boarding pass

Passengers Not Eligible for Self-Service Kiosk Check-in

The following passengers are not eligible for self-service kiosk check-in—and will need to physically check in at the airport desk at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:

  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Passengers traveling with pets
  • Passengers requiring special assistance and traveling alone 

Follow these Steps for Airport Desk Check-in

You can check in physically at the airport desk: 

  • For European Flights. From 2 hours to 40 minutes before your flight’s departure. 
  • For Intercontinental Flights. From 3 hours to 60 minutes before your flight’s departure.

After you show your valid travel documents at the airport desk:

  • You’ll be able to check in your bags 
  • You’ll be assigned a seat 
  • You’ll be given your boarding pass 

For details of check-in services for each airport, click here.

Follow these Steps for SkyPriority Check-in 

How to check in with SkyPriority

Passengers who qualify for SkyPriority can check in at the airport: 

  • European Flights. 2 hours – 40 minutes prior to departure. 
  • Intercontinental Flights. 3 hours – 1 hour prior to departure.

Eligibility 

Passengers who are eligible for SkyPriority check-in include:

  • Business and First Class passengers
  • Platinum and Flying Blue Gold members 
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members

Frequently Asked Questions on KLM Check-in

Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 before my KLM flight?

Check the embassy website of the destination country you’re visiting to learn about the exact COVID-19-related requirements.

How long before a KLM flight can I check in? Also, what are KLM’s cut-off times?

The table below provides a snapshot of KLM’s check-in and cut-off times—online via the website or mobile app, at the airport self-service kiosk, airport desk, and via airport SkyPriority.

Check-in ModeKLM Flight Check-in and Cut-off Times 
Online
(KLM.com) 		From 30 hours to 1 hour before departure. For U.S. flights, online check-in starts 24 hours before departure.
Mobile AppFrom 30 hours to 1 hour before departure. (24 hours for flights to/from the U.S.).
Airport Self-Service Kiosk From 2 hours (Europe)/3 hours (intercontinental) to 40 minutes (Europe) and 60 minutes (intercontinental) before departure.
ExceptionsCheck-in start time Osaka: Check-in starts 2 hours before departureMoscow: Check-in starts 2.5 hours before departureSplit: Check-in starts 3 hours before departureDelhi and Lagos: Check-in starts 4 hours before departureMexico-City: 4 Check-in starts 5 hours before departureParamaribo: Check-in starts 5 hours before departure
Check-in and baggage drop-off cut-off deadlineAmsterdam: Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for non-Europe flightsIstanbul: Check-in closes 60 minutes before scheduled departureBonaire: Check-in closes 70 minutes before departureGuayaquil: Check-in closes 70 minutes before departureFreetown: Check-in closes 80 minutes before departureLagos: Check-in closes 90 minutes before departure Accra: Check-in closes 120 minutes before departureParamaribo: Check-in closes 120 minutes before departure
Airport Desk From 2 hours (Europe)/3 hours (intercontinental) to 40 minutes (Europe) and 60 minutes (intercontinental) before departure.
Airport SkyPriority From 2 hours (Europe)/3 hours (intercontinental) to 40 minutes (Europe) and 60 minutes (intercontinental) before departure. 
EligibilityBusiness and First Class passengersPlatinum and Flying Blue Gold members SkyTeam Elite Plus members
What is SkyPriority, and what are its benefits?

SkyPriority on KLM flights is a special service available at 1,000-plus airports. It is offered exclusively for:

  • Passengers traveling on KLM Business Class tickets
  • Passengers traveling on Economy Class Flex tickets within Europe
  • Flying Blue members (Gold and Platinum)
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members

If you are eligible for this special service: 

  • You will find the SkyPriority logo on your boarding pass
  • You can use the SkyPriority Finder to enjoy the services
  • You will find the SkyPriority signage displayed at the airport

SkyPriority allows you to enjoy the following services:

  • Priority boarding
  • Priority check-in via a dedicated desk
  • Priority handling of baggage 
  • Priority baggage drop at special drop-off spots
  • Priority ticketing and transfer desk services 
  • Faster passport clearance and security
Can I change or select a seat with online check-in?

Yes, when you check in online, you can select your seat or change it.

Can I check in online if I have to check in bags?

Yes, you’ll be able to check in online at home and also print your boarding pass. However, you’ll have to drop your bags at KLM’s airport check-in counter before the check-in desks close.

If I want to check in at the airport, how much time should I plan for?
  • If your flight is within Europe, you must have checked in with your baggage at least 40 minutes before your flight’s departure.
  • If your flight is intercontinental, you must have checked in with your baggage at least 1 hour before your flight’s departure.
What if my KLM check-in is not working?

If your KLM online check-in is not working, it could be because: 

  • You’re not eligible to check in online
  • Your airport doesn’t accept online check-ins
  • You require special services/assistance at the airport

If you’re not eligible to check in online for your flight, you must check in at the airport. 

The problem could also be related to internet connectivity or browser issues. In case of the latter, refresh your browser and try again or try checking in through a different browser.

What is the KLM check-in time for international flights?

KLM’s online check-in time for international flights is 30 hours to 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes before departure for flights to/from Mumbai, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya) and from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure for U.S. flights.

Can you tell me about KLM check-in at Heathrow?

KLM has moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport, so you’ll need to check in from Terminal 3.

Can you tell me about KLM check-in at Edinburgh Airport?

KLM’s check-in desks at Edinburgh Airport open 2.5 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before departure.

How do I find my ticket number on KLM?

You will find your KLM ticket on your ticket as well as in the confirmation email you would have received after booking your ticket. It starts with 074 and is followed by 10 more digits.

How long before a flight should you check in online at KLM?

You can check in online for your KLM flight anywhere between 24 hours to 1 hour before departure for a U.S. flight and from 30 hours to 1 hour before departure for other flights. However, if your flight departs to or from Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, or Mumbai, you can check in from 30 hours to 90 minutes before departure. If you don’t complete your check-in formalities within the 60- or 90-minute deadline, you may not be allowed to board your flight.

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Travomojo
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
 by Alina Maria de Almeida Souza
Information

I am flying Dulles IAD from Madrid on flight Kl3390 with a stop in the Schiphol Airport living on the flight KL651 to the final destination. My question is:
To complete the bording documetns shell I calculate 24 hours before the first flight or the second?
The docs. have to be in paper or eletronic?
Thank you for your attention. Alina