Turkish Airlines Check-In: The Ultimate Passenger Handbook

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

Checking in is an important component of any flight experience. We’ll explain every detail of the Turkish Airlines check-in procedures to make sure that your next trip goes off without a hitch.

And luckily, Turkish Airlines is taking steps to make check-in more efficient. In 2024, they introduced self-bag drop kiosks that also allow passengers to complete the Turkish Airlines check-in at the same time. In a social media statement, according to FTN News, the airline’s head of Product & Service Management, Emre Çevik, said:

As a world first, we are proud to offer the ability to perform both the check-in and bag drop processes via our self-service devices. This initiative is a testament to our long-standing commitment to improving the passenger experience through innovation.

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Why is Turkish Airlines Check-in Essential?

Like with any airline, passengers won’t be able to travel without first checking in. At the end of the Turkish Airlines check-in process, passengers receive a boarding pass. This paper or e-document is used for bag drop, security, and boarding.

Your Turkish Airlines Boarding Passes

Once you complete check-in, a unique boarding pass is issued. It will contain information like your boarding time, flight number, gate, boarding group, and seat. When you do online check-in, Turkish Airlines will provide a downloadable pass and you have the choice to either print it at home or just keep the digital version on your phone.

Turkish Airlines Seat Selection

Source: play.google.com

There are many chances to select a specific seat when you fly with Turkish Airlines. You can do it when you book up until 6 hours before the flight. So, as long as you’re checking in for your flight at least 6 hours before departure, you can simultaneously check in and select your seat. Advanced seat selection with Turkish Airlines is always chargeable unless you’re flying business class or are a Miles&Smiles Elite or Elite Plus member.

Add Your Checked Bags

If you didn’t pay to add checked luggage to your booking, you can purchase the service during online check-in. 

Turkish Airlines Check-in Policy

Wondering how early you can check in for Turkish Airlines flights? If you do it online, you can start as early as 24 hours in advance of the flight. Checking in early has some benefits, aside from just ticking one item off your travel to-do list: 

• More available seats to select from.
• Online check-in avoids airport queues.
• Increased choices for last-minute upgrades
• A lower chance of getting bumped because you’re already checked in.

Turkish Airlines Check-in Regulations

1. Photo ID is always required: Regardless of where you’re flying, proper ID is needed to check in at the airport and board. You’ll need a valid Turkish ID card or passport for domestic flights and a passport is always needed for international flights. A notable exception is on flights to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where a Turkish ID card is acceptable. Sometimes a travel visa is also needed internationally. 
2. Gate arrivals: You need to be at the boarding gate no less than 20 minutes ahead of the flight. The gates close at this time.
3. Checked luggage drop-off: Your bags must be checked no later than 45 minutes before the flight for domestic routes and no later than 60 minutes for international trips.
4. Group check-ins: If you’re using the airport kiosks, you can check in up to 8 passengers at the same time.

Turkish Airlines Check-in Time Requirements

These are the Turkish Airlines deadlines you need to keep in mind:

Initial Check-in Deadlines

• Turkish Airlines check-in online: Open from 24 hours to 90 minutes before the flight.
• Kiosk check-in: Open 12 hours before a flight; closes 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes prior to international flights.
• In-person counter check-in: Open at least 3 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes/60 minutes before domestic/international flights. Note that at some airports, like Caracas, in-person Turkish Airlines check-in closes 2 hours before departure, but this type of exception should be explained to you on your booking confirmation.

How Early Can Passengers Check Bags with Turkish Airlines?

Technically, the self-service kiosks open 12 hours ahead for check-in, and if there is an available bag drop counter, you can deposit your checked luggage. Your bags must be dropped off no later than 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international ones.

Turkish Airlines Boarding Close Times

Boarding closes 20 minutes before a Turkish Airlines flight. It’s recommended that you don’t wait until the last minute as some airports are large. It can take 15 to 20 minutes just to get to your gate from the security lines.

How to Check in with Turkish Airlines

There are 3 different ways to check in with Turkish Airlines: online/app, kiosks at the airport, and at the counters. 

Turkish Airways Online Check-in and Mobile App

Online check-in is the favoured method for most passengers and you can easily pull up your booking or log in to find your trip. Enter the ticket number or PNR reservation code plus your last name and click to proceed.

From there, you can check in quickly and easily, and just make sure you have your ID handy for international routes. You’ll answer questions related to:

• Banned items or hazardous materials.
• Seats (plus a payment if applicable).
• The number of checked bags (plus payment).
• Your interest in a potential upgrade if available.
• Your passport information for international flights.

As long as there are no issues, at the end of this process, you’ll receive a digital boarding pass. 

The procedure for Turkish Airlines check-in online with the app is virtually the same - you find your trip and click check-in. Then, follow the same prompts and receive your mobile boarding pass once complete.

IMPORTANT: Not all airports on Turkish Airlines’ routes accept online or mobile boarding passes. To be safe, double-check ahead of time here.

What if You Can’t Check-in Online?

Sometimes you’ll encounter an issue with Turkish Airlines online check-in. This could be related to system outages, special requests, or the type of fare, like unaccompanied minors or passengers travelling with pets. 

If you run into trouble, switch to the app or the website, depending on which one you tried first. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to check in at the airport. Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time as this could be happening to other passengers as well, creating long lines.

Turkish Airlines Airport Check-in

Whether you can’t get online check-in to work or you don’t like technology, you can get your boarding pass and check luggage in person at the airport. The main downside to this is that you’ll likely be lining up with many other passengers, so the process takes much longer. 

The upside is that you can check in and drop your bags at the same time and the counter agent can assist you with any questions in real-time. To be prepared, have your ID ready as they will use this to pull up your booking. Once you answer a few questions, you’ll be issued your boarding pass. There are no exclusions as to where this printed pass will work in the airport.

Turkish Airlines Check-in Kiosks

Source: turkishairlines.com

A good option to minimize the potential wait times in the counter lines is to use the self-check-in kiosks that are available at most airports. These machines act essentially the same as online check-in at home, except you will receive a printed boarding pass, not an electronic one.

Additionally, at select airports currently, and more as they roll out the program, you can also check in at the bag drop kiosks.

The usual check-in kiosks (not bag drop ones) are available at the 2 main Istanbul international airports and these others:

• Amsterdam Schiphol
• Athens
• Barcelona-El Prat
• Birmingham
• Boston Logan
• Budapest
• Copenhagen
• Frankfurt
• Lisbon
• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• Madrid-Barajas
• Manchester
• Munich
• Nice Cote d’Azur
• Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Venice Marco Polo

Note that all of the above airports also accept both mobile and online boarding passes.

How to Manage Your Turkish Airlines Booking

Source: play.google.com

Many of the things you may think you need to do at the airport or by calling can be addressed by managing your Turkish Airlines booking online. This means using either the app or the website to log into your account.

Alternatively, you can find an existing booking using your ticket number/reference and last name if you prefer not to have an account. And if you want an account, it’s easy to sign up by clicking on the icon on the bottom right of the sign-in window.

Some of the things to can do once you locate your booking include:

• Seat selection and seat changes.
• Check baggage allowances.
• Purchase in-flight add-ons like food.

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Timing Airport Arrivals for Turkish Airlines Flights

In general, Turkish Airlines recommends that you arrive at your departure airport at least:

• 2 hours before a domestic flight.
• 3 hours before an international flight.

Busier airports will potentially require more time. During popular travel times like summer weekends and holidays, it’s best to add half an hour to account for any congestion that may cause additional delays.

If you do not need to check luggage and have checked in online in advance, you can arrive a little later as you won’t have to line up at the counters, kiosks, or bag drop. Once you get to the airport, you’ll go straight to the security line.

Missing Your Turkish Airlines Deadline - The Consequences

Whether we’re talking about the gates, bag drop, or check-in, it’s important to respect the airline’s deadlines. These are put in place to give passengers enough time to navigate through security, get to the departure gate, and get seated on the aircraft so that the flight can depart on time.

The bottom line is that if you miss your Turkish Airlines deadline for check-in, it’s likely that you will miss your flight. Either your seat will be given away or the check-in counters will be closed.

If you arrive at the airport and the check-in window has already passed, always try to check in anyway. Turkish Airlines flight delays happen all the time, so you might get lucky!

Our Expert Tips for a Smooth Turkish Airlines Check-in and Travel Experience

1. Check-in early: Begin the check-in process as soon as online check-in opens (24 hours before your flight). This helps you secure your preferred seat and identify any potential issues early.
2. Meet visa requirements: Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for your destination. Make sure you secure the proper documents before you check-in and travel.
3. Download the Turkish Airlines app: Use the app to check in, select or change seats, and access your boarding pass digitally. The app also provides real-time updates on your flight status and gate information.
4. Pack smartly: Familiarize yourself with Turkish Airlines' baggage policies for both carry-on and checked luggage. Stay within the weight and size limits to avoid delays or additional fees at the airport.
5. Verify travel documents: Double-check that your passport, ID, visa (if required), and other travel documents are valid and meet your destination's entry requirements. Keep them accessible in a secure but easily reachable spot.
6. Prepare for security screening: Pack liquids, electronics, and other items following the airport security regulations to breeze through the screening process and save time.
7. Stay informed about your flight: Use the Turkish Airlines app or website to track your flight status for any last-minute changes in schedules, gate assignments, or delays.
8. Be at the gate on time: Arrive at your assigned gate well ahead of the 20-minute deadline. Then, you won’t have to rush and will have time for a restroom break or to purchase a drink or a snack. You’ll also be present for any important announcements or document checks.

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