Kenya · KQ / KQA · SkyTeam
Kenya Airways Online Check-in Guide
Kenya's flag carrier and SkyTeam member, the 'Pride of Africa'. Hub in Nairobi — major sub-Saharan African gateway. Online check-in opens 24 hours before on kenya-airways.com or in the KQ app.
Opens on kenya-airways.com in a new tab.
Is Kenya Airways check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Kenya Airways check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Kenya Airways
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit kenya-airways.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Kenya Airways app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Kenya Airways baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 30×25×15 cm | 5 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 55×35×25 cm | 12 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | Yes |
Common Kenya Airways check-in problems
Yellow fever vaccination required
Problem: Most Kenya Airways routes require yellow fever vaccination certificate. Especially KQ flights from Africa to Asia.
Solution: Get yellow fever vaccine + certificate (yellow card) at least 10 days before flight. Border control checks at NBO and onward.
JKIA Terminal 1A vs 2
Problem: Nairobi JKIA (NBO) has Terminal 1A (international + KQ premium), Terminal 1B (regional African), Terminal 2 (domestic).
Solution: Most international KQ flights from T1A. Verify on booking. Inter-terminal transfer ~15 min by free shuttle.
Kenya Airways check-in FAQ
When does Kenya Airways check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 60 minutes before for international, 45 minutes for domestic Kenya.
Is Kenya Airways part of SkyTeam?
Yes — Kenya Airways joined SkyTeam in 2010. Earn miles in Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) or Delta SkyMiles. Codeshare with Air France, KLM, Delta on Africa-Europe routes.
Is Kenya Airways safe?
Yes — Kenya Airways is on the EU Air Safety List as compliant. Modern Boeing 787 fleet for long-haul, Embraer 190 + Boeing 737 for African regional. SkyTeam membership requires safety audits.
