Finnair Online Check-In Guide (2026)
Finnair online check-in opens 36 hours before departure (24 hours for US flights) and closes 45-75 minutes before departure depending on the destination. You can check in via finnair.com, the Finnair app, or airport kiosks using your booking reference and family name.
Check-In Timing
| Airline | Finnair (AY) |
|---|---|
| Check-In Opens | 36 hours before departure (24 hours for direct flights to the United States) |
| Check-In Closes | 45 minutes before departure for flights within Europe; 1 hour before departure for flights to Asia, Central America, and Middle East; 75 minutes before departure for flights to the United States. |
| Check-In URL | https://www.finnair.com/us-en/check-in |
| Mobile App | Finnair app (iOS, Android) |
| Mobile Boarding Pass | Yes |
| Airport Kiosk | Yes |
Step-by-Step Check-In Guide
1. Go to finnair.com/check-in or open the Finnair app. 2. Enter your booking reference or e-ticket number and family name. 3. Select the passengers you want to check in. 4. Choose or confirm your seat and add any travel extras like bags or meals. 5. Get your boarding pass on your phone or print it.
Documents Needed
Booking reference or e-ticket number, family name. Passport, visa (if applicable), and ESTA for US-bound flights.
Seat Selection
If you haven't purchased a seat in advance, Finnair will assign you a seat during check-in. You can purchase an available seat to your liking before checking in. Flex tickets, Award tickets, and certain elite members get complimentary seat selection. Silver members get a 50% discount on Standard and Preferred seats.
International Check-In Rules
Advance Passenger Information (API) is required for some countries. This includes passport information, full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, country of residence, visa information, and address of first night's stay (for USA). You can provide basic details through Manage booking before check-in or during online check-in.
Group Check-In
You can check in several people on the same reservation by selecting the passengers from the list displayed during online check-in. If travelling with children under 12 and you don't reserve seats in advance, the system will assign them to sit next to at least one adult on the same reservation. Note that the Finnair mobile app is currently not available for group travellers.
Troubleshooting
1. "Why can't I check in?" - It may be more than 36 hours to departure (24 hours for USA flights), your name/booking reference doesn't match, or the flight is operated by another airline. 2. "Travelling with pets" - You can check in online but will receive the boarding pass at the airport. 3. "Check-in not available" - Online check-in is not available for flights departing from Burgas, Dubrovnik, Rimini, Salzburg, and Split.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I check in online for flights to the USA?
- Yes, online check-in for direct flights to the USA opens 24 hours before departure.
- What if I am travelling with pets?
- You can check in online but will receive your boarding pass at the airport.
- Why can't I check in online?
- It may be too early, your name/booking reference doesn't match, or the flight is operated by another airline. Online check-in is also not available from certain airports like Dubrovnik and Split.