TUI Flight Check-in: When, Where, and How to Register

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: August 28, 2024

Known for their affordable pricing and holiday destinations, TUI passenger numbers increased by 6% in the first quarter of 2024 with 3.5 million guests according to Travel Daily News International. They’re clearly doing something right, and part of their allure comes from offering convenient check-in methods. 

If you have an upcoming flight with this airline, then read on as we reveal the intricacies of their check-in process and important tips for making your TUI experience as seamless as possible. 

If your TUI flight has been delayed or cancelled, we’ll show you just how much compensation you could get. Our free calculator makes it fast and easy! Enter your flight details below. Check Your Flight

Checking-in With TUI

Seasoned passengers might not even think about the reasons behind checking-in for a flight, but the process might be daunting for new flyers. Admittedly, it can feel like an unnecessary step, especially when you’ve booked and paid for your tickets. 

Think of checking-in as a way of confirming your plans to fly with TUI on the flight you booked. The airline wants to know if you’ll be present for the flight as planned for operational reasons, but also because they need to ensure your identity and check your passport and other travel documents. If they allow passengers to travel to a country with incorrect documentation, and they are refused entry, TUI is responsible for taking you back to your point of departure.

Beyond that, check-in allows passengers to finalise any details before they board, including checking luggage and choosing seats.

What You Need for TUI Check-in

To make the process as efficient as possible, you’ll need to first have a valid TUI reservation. In most cases, if you booked your tickets on your own then you will likewise check-in by yourself. If you purchased your booking via an agency, then that agency should handle check-in for you, but always confirm with them just in case.

Required Documents

You will also have to have the following documents to complete the check-in procedure.

• Passport
• Your ticket with the booking reference number and your full name
• Visa documents if applicable

Check-In Options

You can choose one of 4 check-in methods: 

1. TUI Mobile App
2. Online check-in on the TUI site
3. At the airport
4. At an airport kiosk 

Most major airports have check-in kiosks, but you might not find them in smaller airports.

TUI Online Check-in 

Online check-in can be done on TUI’s app or on their website. You can use these methods as long as your ticket has a TB or FB flight number. Also, if you plan to check baggage, you will still have to stop by an airport kiosk or check-in desk to get your bag tags and deliver your belongings to the drop-off area. 

TUI has a Day-Before Bag Drop option, so for early flights, you can always check-in and then drop your bags a day ahead of time. Generally, drop off hours are from 2PM-9PM the day before your flight. Then, when you arrive for your flight, all you have to do is go through security. 

Day-Before Bag Drop option is available at the following airports for flights leaving before noon: 

Passengers who require more assistance, including those travelling with infants or pets or anyone with a mobility device or other considerations will have to visit the check-in desk at the airport.

Online Check-in Open and Close Times

With TUI, you have the option of checking-in as early as 14 days before departure if you upgraded to Premium, Extra Legroom, Extra Space seats or if you decided on the Select Your Seat option. 

Passengers who haven’t made the selections above can check-in for their flight 24 hours before departure.

Online check-in closes 1 hour before departure. 

The TUI App

One of the easiest and most popular ways to check-in is through the airline’s app. All you have to do is download it to your device, and you’ll have a convenient way to check-in for your flight but also monitor the status of it and get notifications of any sudden changes like gate changes, delays, or airline route cancellations. 

Sarah J. left the following comment on TripAdvisor about her experience with the app:

Checking in via the TUI app was straightforward and convenient. The mobile boarding pass made my trip to Tenerife smooth, and I appreciated not having to queue at the check-in desk.

The check-in process on the app is easy. After you download the app, here’s what you have to do to check-in via the app. 

1. Log into your account 
2. Select MANAGE MY BOOKING
3. Select CHECK-IN
4. Enter or confirm your Advanced Passenger Information (API). This is your passport and contact details.
5. You can also add or change your checked baggage 
6. Next you can pay for anything that applies
7. If you haven’t chosen seats, you can do so at this point
8. Confirm your seats and other details
9. You’ll be issued a mobile boarding pass that you can save or print 

On the TUI Website

Using the website is very similar to using the app. Simply choose CHECK-IN from the menu. You will then be taken to a new window that says: MANAGE MY BOOKING at the top of the page. To check-in, just enter your departure date, booking reference number, and lead passenger’s name and click: LOG INTO YOUR BOOKING.  

Next, you’ll be guided through the steps to make additions or changes to your booking. Once you reach the end and confirm your flight, you can either download or print your boarding pass. Ideally, you should do both so you have the printed copy as a backup. 

Remember to arrive at the airport early enough to get your bag tags and drop your luggage at the designated area.

Checking-In at the Airport

To check-in with TUI at the airport, you can choose between the self-serve kiosks and the check-in desks. Both are open 3-4 hours before your flight and close 1 hour before departure. Be sure to arrive as early as possible, especially if you will be flying from one of the larger airports.

Has your TUI flight been cancelled or delayed?You may be eligible for up to €600 in airline compensation. Enter your flight details in our free compensation calculator to see how much you could receive!
Check Your Flight

Self-Service Kiosks 

Kiosks provide a convenient alternative to in-person check-in because they typically don’t have long queues and allow you to complete the process quickly. Not every airport has kiosks, but the following airports do.

Airports with TUI Kiosks

• Aberdeen
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Gatwick (North Terminal)
• Glasgow
• Leeds Bradford
• London Luton
• Manchester (Terminal 2)
• Newcastle

How to Use TUI Kiosks

1. Touch the screen to begin
2. Follow the prompts like scanning your passport, entering your frequent flyer information, last name and booking number.
3. Choose the correct flight
4. Choose or confirm your seat
5. Add luggage preferences and pay for any fees
6. Print your boarding pass and bag tags
7. Attach the bag tags to your luggage
8. Leave your baggage at the designated drop-off area.

TUI Check-in Desk

By choosing the check-in counter at the airport, you will be able to be able to work with a TUI agent who can help you with any special needs or considerations you might have. The downside? You might have to queue for long periods of time, so if you need or want to confirm your flight this way, be sure to allow extra time and get to the airport early.

When to Arrive at the Airport?

The answer depends on where you’ll be travelling, but the following timeframes should help you plan. 

Managing Your TUI Flight

After you’ve purchased your ticket, you can always make certain adjustments to your booking via the website. Look for the BOOKINGS menu option at the top right of the page. When you select it, a new window will open. Once it does, you can do any of the following. 

• Add extra services
• Check flight details
• Change your flight
• Upgrade your seat
• Add luggage
• Download boarding pass 

Checking-In: Essential Tips

If you’ve never flown or haven’t flown with TUI, here are a few hacks that will make your travel experience much easier.

1. If possible, download the TUI app.
2. Check-in as early as you can.
3. Using the kiosks to print your boarding pass and drop your bags (where available).
4. Take advantage of Day-Before Bag drop. This will save you time at the airport before your flight.
5. Save your mobile boarding pass to your phone’s wallet.
6. Keep your travel documents together and close to hand so you will have them ready when you need them.
7. Make copies or take photos of your boarding pass and other important travel documents. If you lose anything, you’ll be so glad you made extra copies.
8. Get to the airport early, especially if you’re leaving from a large and busy hub.

Did you know you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation?It’s true! If your TUI flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you could qualify. Enter your flight details below and see how much you could claim.Check Your Flight

Frequently Asked Questions