How early can you check-in with Thai Airways?
Thai Airways offers both online and airport check-in options, giving passengers flexibility based on their travel preferences. For most flights, online check-in becomes available 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before the flight is scheduled to leave. You can complete this process on the Thai Airways website or through their mobile app. Once checked in, you can select your seat and receive a digital or printable boarding pass. If you only have carry-on baggage, you can head straight to the boarding gate after passing through security.
If you have checked luggage, you’ll need to go to the airline’s baggage drop counter, which typically opens around the same time as airport check-in. For international flights, airport check-in counters usually open 3 hours before departure and close about 1 hour before the flight. For domestic flights within Thailand, the counters usually open 2 hours before the flight and close about 45 minutes before departure.
Thai Airways strongly recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights, even if they’ve already checked in online. This extra time helps with going through security, immigration, and any potential delays in the airport process.
It’s also important to note that not all routes support online check-in, especially if a visa needs to be verified or if you're flying with infants or need special assistance. In these cases, check-in must be completed at the airport.
In summary, Thai Airways allows you to check in online 24 hours before departure, and check-in counters at the airport generally open 2 to 3 hours before the flight, depending on whether the flight is domestic or international. To avoid any last-minute issues, it’s best to arrive early and complete the process well ahead of time.