SunExpress Check-In: A Simple Guide for Smooth Boarding
Booked a flight with SunExpress? Well, you’re not alone. Considered one of the top leisure airlines, SunExpress carried 12.6 million passengers in 2023, breaking their own record. In fact, they expect to see as many as 15 million passengers in 2024!
Additionally, the airline was deemed the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the World Airlines Awards in London. Pretty impressive! But as a passenger you’re probably more interested in the flight experience they offer, specifically how easy it is to check-in for your flight, and what conveniences do they offer. We answer these questions and more, so keep reading to find out how to check-in for your SunExpress flight.
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Why is the Check-in Process Important
Before we get into the details of the process, it’s worth explaining why you have to go through check-in. In short, you’re re-confirming your intention to travel with the airline on the day and time stated in your booking details.
SunExpress also needs you to check-in because they can verify you are with your passport, and review other related travel documents. They do this to make sure you meet flight requirements. You also check-in to get your boarding pass and check your baggage as well as confirm any other in-flight or other options you want or need.
So in order to complete the process, you’ll need to have the following documents and information:
- A valid SunExpress ticket and reference number
- Your passport or ID card
- Visa documents if this applies to your situation
SunExpress Check-in Options
You can check-in using the carrier’s mobile app or online services. As well, you can complete the process at the airport by using a self-serve kiosk or the check-in counter.
Is Check-in Free?
In most cases, SunExpress check-in is free.
Domestic (Turkey) and international passengers can check-in for free on the app, online, and on kiosks.
International passengers will be charged €5 per passenger, per route if they check-in at the desk.
It’s worth mentioning that you might not always be charged for using the check-in counter. Craig G left a TripAdvisor review about SunExpress on August 16, 2024 saying:
I checked in online 2 days before flying, no problems using the site and easy to check in. [Boarding passes were] not printable as it says they will be printed by the check-in desk when at the airport. So, 2 days later we checked in, friendly staff, and boarding passes were given to us (no charge as some people say).
Our return flight I again checked in online 2 days before and did not print out tickets. Antalya airport was busy, but we did not spend long at check-in . . .and again no charge for not having a printed ticket. The family in front of us did not check-in online and were not charged as some people post this is what happens.
According to the SunExpress check-in policies, you can complete the process at the airport for FREEif your departure airport doesn’t offer online check-in.
As well, the service is free for SunPriority and SunPremium passengers, children travelling without a parent or guardian, anyone who requires assistance, anyone travelling with a pet, or passengers using a codeshare partner.
SunExpress Online Check-in
Conveniently, you can check-in online between 36 and 72 hours before your flight depending on your departure airport. Online methods include SunExpress’ website service as well as the mobile app, and it’s available for all flights from the following places.
- Germany
- Turkey
- Amsterdam
- Copenhagen
- Brussels
- Basel
- Eindhoven
- Tallinn
- Vienna
- Zurich
However, the online method won’t work for some passengers. In particular, anyone with reduced mobility or needing extra help, those travelling with a pet, and children between age 5 and 12 years flying without an adult will have to check-in at the desk with an agent.
While some SunExpress passengers have had an easy time of checking-in online, other passengers like Luke H. didn’t fare as well as seen in his TripAdvisor review from August 18, 2024.
Organisation is quite poor. Check-in online or you will be charged a fee. This is frustrating as even if you check-in, the desk still has to reprint the boarding pass because the airport cannot process the printed-at-home boarding passes. Friendly staff though.
How To Check-In Online
- If you choose to use the SunExpress website, all you have to do is select the CHECK-IN tab in the upper middle of the page.
- If you want to use the SunExpress app, download it to your device.
- Next, enter your booking code and last name (or surname) exactly as you see it on your ticket.
- Tap CONFIRM and you’ll be prompted through the next steps.
On the app and the website, you’ll be prompted to complete the following:
- Confirm your passport and travel documents,
- Select or change your seats,
- Add or edit your baggage choices
- Select any additional services
- Download and/or print your boarding pass
The earlier you complete online check-in the better, but you’ll need to figure out the exact timeframe for doing so as it can be different depending on the airport.
Manage Your Booking Online
If you want or need to make any alterations to your SunExpress flight, you can do this online as well! Just look for MY BOOKING on the website or app. After you enter your details, you can add or edit your baggage preferences, upgrade seats, and add additional services.
When Can You Check-in for SunExpress Flights?
Domestic Flight in Turkey
- Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure.
- Airport check-in desks open 2 hours prior to departure and close 20 minutes before departure.
SunExpress Check-in Times for International Flights
The following table will show you the different operating hours for both online and airport check-in for SunExpress’ international flights.
AIRPORT | ONLINE Check-in Hours (Times indicate hours before departure) | AIRPORT Check-in Hours (Times indicate hours before departure) |
Aalborg (AAL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Adana (ADA) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Arlanda (ARN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Amsterdam (AMS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Ankara (ESB) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Antalya (AYT) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Athens (ATH) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Bahrain (BAH) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Barcelona (BCN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Basel (BSL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Belgrade (BEG) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Berlin (BER) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Birmingham (BHX) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Bodrum (BJV) (no digital boarding pass) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Bristol (BRS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Brussels (BRU) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Bucharest (OTP) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Budapest (BUD) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Cairo (CAI) (no digital boarding pass) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Cologne (CGN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Copenhagen (CPH) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Dalaman (DLM) (no digital boarding pass) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Dortmund (DTM) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Dresden (DRS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Dubai (DXB) (no digital boarding pass) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Dublin (DUB) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Dusseldorf (DUS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Edinburgh (EDI) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Eindhoven (EIN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Elazig (EZS) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | |
Geneva (GVA) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Gothenburg (GOT) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Graz (GRZ) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Hamburg (HAM) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Hanover (HAJ) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Helsinki (HEL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Krakow (KRK) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Leeds (LBA) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Leipzig (LEJ) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
London Luton (LTN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | |
London (STN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Lyon (LYS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Manchester (MAN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Marseille (MRS) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Milan (MXP) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | |
Münster (FMO) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Newcastle (NCL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Nuremberg (NUE) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Oslo (OSL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Paderborn (PAD) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | |
Prague (PRG) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Pristina (PRN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Roma (FCO) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 4 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Rotterdam (RTM) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Saarbrücken (SCN) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Samsun (SZF) | Opens: 36 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 2.5 hours before Closes: 45 minutes before |
Sarajevo (SJJ) (no digital boarding pass) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Sofia (SOF) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Stuttgart (STR) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Tallinn (TLL) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Tel Aviv (TLV) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 6 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before | |
Vienna (VIE) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Warsaw (WAW) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Zurich (ZRH) | Opens: 72 hours before Closes: 3.5 hours before | Opens: 3 hours before Closes: 1 hour before |
Airport Check-in
If you need to complete the check-in process at the airport, you can do this at the desk or at one of the self-serve kiosks. Many travellers prefer the kiosks because they tend to offer a faster solution as the desks usually have considerable wait times.
Either way, try to get to the airport as early as possible. Larger, busier airports require more time before departure because of the queuing for check-in and for security. This brings us to the next topic . . .
When to Arrive at the Airport
- Domestic and European flights: Arrive 2 hours prior to your flight time
- International flights outside Europe: Arrive 3 hours before your flight
- Flights to the USA: Arrive 4 hours before departure because of the more stringent security measures and extra documentation required.
Using SunExpress Kiosks
Kiosks are free and easy to use, but not every airport will have them. If you choose this method, you can either complete the entire check-in process or check-in online and then use the kiosk for bag tag and boarding pass printing.
The Check-in Counter
As mentioned earlier, you might be required to use the desk service if you need special assistance of any kind. Some passengers simply prefer this method as it allows you to be looked after by a real person who can address any questions or concerns you might have.
If you need to use the desk, be sure to arrive at the airport early, and allow time for queuing and getting through security.
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Make Your Flight Easier: Helpful Tips
- Download the Eurowings app. It’s useful even if you check-in at the airport.
- Check-in early and allow for extra time at the airport
- Utilise the Night Before bag drop option if possible. Your airport experience will be much smoother.
- Download your mobile boarding pass to your phone’s wallet AND print a copy as a backup.
- Pack all your travel documents together and keep them close to hand in a special bag or pocket of your carry-on or hand baggage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you miss the SunExpress check-in deadline?
Missing the check-in deadline could result in denied boarding! This is why it’s so important to check-in for your flight as early as you can to avoid unforeseen problems that lead to delays later at the airport.
If you only have hand baggage and you checked in with the app, do you still have to go to the check-in desk?
No, if you completed check-in on the app and have your boarding pass and no luggage to check, you can go directly to security and through to your gate for boarding.
Does SunExpress have a day-before bag drop service?
No, the airline does not yet offer this service to its passengers.
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