How to Do Online Check-in: Step-by-Step Process and Deadlines

Online check-in is done by entering your reservation code (PNR) and surname on the airline's website or mobile app. On Turkish Airlines, the process can be done between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the flight, while on Pegasus it starts 7 days before the flight and continues until 60 minutes before departure. In this article, we explain step by step how to do online check-in, along with its exceptions.

In short

• On THY, the check-in window opens 24 hours before the flight and closes 90 minutes before departure.
• On Pegasus, you can check in starting 7 days in advance until 60 minutes before departure.
• If you're checking a bag, online check-in isn't enough; go to the airport according to the counter closing time.
• Log in with the airline's PNR code and the surname on the ticket, not the agency's order number.
• For round-trip tickets, don't forget to check in separately for the return flight.

What is online check-in, the essence of the rule

Online check-in means completing your flight registration online without going to the airport. The airline confirms through this registration that the passenger will arrive for the flight; you also select your seat and obtain your boarding pass.

The process works the same way on all airlines:

• You log in to the airline's website or app with your PNR code and surname.
• Passenger information, and passport details if required, are verified.
• A seat is selected.
• The boarding pass is downloaded to your phone or printed.

Three things vary from airline to airline: the opening and closing time of the check-in window, the conditions for seat selection, and baggage drop-off rules. So don't assume "it's the same everywhere"; check the rules of the airline on your ticket.

An important distinction: doing online check-in does not eliminate checked baggage drop-off. If you're checking a suitcase, you'll still need to stop by the baggage counter at the airport and must comply with the counter's closing time. If you're flying with cabin baggage only, online check-in lets you go straight to security without waiting in line.

If you don't have a ticket yet, you can use the flight ticket search page to compare airlines and schedules; check-in rules are determined by the airline you purchase your ticket from.

Online check-in on Turkish Airlines

On Turkish Airlines, online check-in is done via the THY website or mobile app between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the flight. The system does not open the process before 24 hours; when less than 90 minutes remain before departure, online check-in closes and you must go to the counter at the airport.

To log in, enter your reservation code (PNR) and surname in the relevant field. With this type of check-in, you can select one of the seats included in your flight class. In other words, you choose among the seats covered by your ticket, excluding extra-fee seat categories.

Points to note on THY:

• If you purchased your ticket through an agency or another airline, the code you have may not be the airline's PNR. Ask the agency for the airline reservation code.
• Enter your surname exactly as written on the ticket; if you have issues with Turkish characters, try the version without special characters.
• Checking in as soon as the window opens increases seat options, especially for groups wanting to sit together.

Check the airline's current rules for checked baggage drop-off and counter closing times; these may vary by airport and flight type.

Online check-in on Pegasus

On Pegasus, online check-in starts 7 days before the flight and can be done via the mobile app or the Pegasus website until 60 minutes (1 hour) before the flight. This long window is an advantage for passengers who finalize their plans early: you can arrange your seat and get your boarding pass a week in advance.

The PNR code and surname containing your ticket information are sufficient to log in. Whether seat selection is included in your ticket and additional services are displayed on the check-in screen; read the conditions before making a selection.

If you're flying with baggage, counter times are critical. For check-in and baggage drop-off at the Pegasus counter:

• You must be at the counter at the latest 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights,
• You must be at the counter at the latest 60 minutes before departure for international flights.

These times are final deadlines, not recommended arrival times. Security queues, passport control and walking time to the gate are added on top of this. Even if you've done online check-in for an international flight, the 60-minute rule applies to you if you're checking a suitcase; online check-in does not extend this time.

Our editorial recommendation: for international flights, head to the airport well before the counter closing time.

Differences: baggage, flight type and destination country

Although the steps of online check-in are simple, three variables affect the process.

Cabin baggage and checked baggage

A passenger flying with cabin baggage only goes straight to security after online check-in. A passenger with checked baggage, however, must stop by the baggage drop-off counter and is subject to the counter closing time. Check the airline's current rules for cabin baggage size and weight limits; excess baggage at the gate may be sent to cargo for an extra fee.

Domestic and international flights

On international flights, passport number, validity date and nationality information may be requested during check-in. As seen in the Pegasus example, the counter closing time is longer for international flights.

Document requirements of the destination country

The airline is obliged to check whether you are allowed to enter the destination country before letting you board the plane. Even if online check-in is completed, you may be directed to the counter for document checks in countries requiring a visa. Learn the rules of your destination in advance: for example, Hong Kong visa requirements or South Africa visa information. If you travel frequently to Schengen countries, also check the conditions for a long-term Schengen visa.

Exceptions and common mistakes

Not every passenger can do online check-in in every situation. In the following cases, the system may halt the process or direct you to the counter:

• Traveling with an infant or an unaccompanied child,
• Wheelchair or special assistance requests,
• Flying with a pet or special equipment,
• Connecting (codeshare) tickets operated by different airlines,
• Flights requiring document checks at the destination country.

The exact rule for these situations varies by airline; check your airline's current rules.

Common mistakes

• Missing the window: Online check-in closes 90 minutes before departure on THY and 60 minutes on Pegasus. Don't leave it to the last minute.
• Entering the wrong code: The agency's order number and the airline PNR are not the same thing.
• Name mismatch: The ticket must match the passport name exactly. If there's a mismatch, correct it with the airline before the flight.
• Forgetting baggage: Ignoring the counter closing time because you've done online check-in is the most common problem for passengers with suitcases.
• Skipping the return flight: On round-trip tickets, the check-in window opens separately for the return flight; repeat the process for the return as well.
• Leaving contact information blank: Delay, time change and cancellation notifications are sent to the phone number and email on the reservation; keep them up to date.

Step-by-step online check-in

The sequence below applies to THY, Pegasus and most airlines.

• 1. Confirm the window is open. On THY, the process opens 24 hours before the flight; on Pegasus, 7 days before.
• 2. Choose the right channel. The airline's website or mobile app. The app is convenient for keeping the boarding pass on your phone.
• 3. Enter your PNR and surname. The reservation code usually has six characters and appears in the ticket confirmation email. Enter your surname exactly as written on the ticket.
• 4. Select the passengers. If there are multiple passengers on the same reservation, mark the ones to be checked in.
• 5. Fill in document information. For international flights, enter passport details carefully; a single letter error can cause problems at the gate.
• 6. Select a seat. On THY, you can choose one of the seats included in your flight class. Skip this step if you don't want paid options.
• 7. Check additional services. See your baggage allowance on the screen; if missing, an option to add it may be offered at this stage.
• 8. Get your boarding pass. Download it to your phone, add it to a wallet app, or save it as a PDF. Also take a screenshot in case of battery or internet issues; some airports may require a printed pass.
• 9. Plan your airport trip. If you have a suitcase, factor in the counter closing time; if not, factor in the security queue when heading out.

Think about these steps even while buying a ticket: choosing fares that include baggage allowance while searching for flight tickets saves time at the airport.

Checklist before heading out

After completing check-in, review this list before heading to the airport:

• Boarding pass: Is it accessible on your phone, saved offline?
• Passport and ID: Do you have the same document with you that you entered during check-in?
• Visa and entry documents: Are the visa, hotel reservation or return ticket required by the destination country ready?
• Baggage: If you're checking a suitcase, do you know the counter closing time? Pegasus requires you to be at the counter at the latest 60 minutes before departure for international flights, and 45 minutes for domestic flights.
• Cabin baggage: Does it comply with the airline's size and weight limits? Are liquids packed according to the rules?
• Flight information: Have you double-checked the departure time, terminal and gate? Follow delay and time change notifications.
• Return flight: Have you added the opening date of the check-in window for the return flight to your calendar?
• Connections: Were all boarding passes issued for the connecting flight, or will a new pass be obtained at the connection point?

For long, multi-leg routes, such as the Cairo, Luxor and Aswan route or a connecting Maldives honeymoon trip, note the check-in window separately for each flight.

Frequently asked questions

What information is needed for online check-in?

On THY and Pegasus, a reservation code (PNR) and surname are sufficient for online check-in. Passport information may also be requested for international flights. The PNR code appears in the ticket confirmation email.

When does online check-in open and close on THY?

On Turkish Airlines, online check-in can be done between 24 hours and 90 minutes before the flight. The process can be done via the THY website or mobile app. You need to go to the counter when less than 90 minutes remain before departure.

How many days in advance does online check-in start on Pegasus?

On Pegasus, online check-in starts 7 days before the flight. It can be done via the mobile app or website until 60 minutes before the flight. The PNR code and surname are used to log in.

I did online check-in, how do I check in my baggage?

Online check-in does not eliminate checked baggage drop-off; you need to stop by the baggage counter at the airport. On Pegasus, you must be at the counter at the latest 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights for baggage drop-off. Check the current rules for other airlines.

Is seat selection paid during online check-in?

On THY, you can select one of the seats included in your flight class during online check-in; extra-fee seat categories are separate. On other airlines, conditions vary by fare. Read the conditions on the screen before making a selection.

Can I do online check-in with a ticket I bought from an agency?

Yes, but you need to use the airline's reservation code (PNR). The order number given by the agency may not be recognized in the airline's system. If you don't know the code, ask the agency for the airline PNR.

Is online check-in enough when flying to a country that requires a visa?

You can do online check-in, but the airline is obliged to check your entry documents for the destination country. For this reason, you may be directed to the counter for document checks. Keep your visa and documents with you and head to the airport early.

Sources

• Online Check-in and Reservation Operations | Turkish Airlines ® — turkishairlines.com
• Check-in | Pegasus Airlines — flypgs.com
• What is Online Check-in? How to Do It? | Pegasus Airlines — flypgs.com