SriLankan Airlines commenced operations in 1979 as Air Lanka, and is a continuation of a former Sri Lankan airline named Air Ceylon, which was founded in 1947. It is the national flag carrier airline of Sri Lanka and from its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, serves more than 30 international destinations. To do so, the airline maintains a fleet of 21 planes made up entirely of Airbus aircraft that include a mixture of A320s, A321s and A330s.

Its destinations cover 20 countries in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, with some of the airline's most popular including the SriLankan Airlines London route plus Bangkok, Frankfurt and Paris flights. In 2014 the airline became a member of the oneworld alliance, along with airlines such as British Airways, Air Berlin and Cathay Pacific. On top of its oneworld membership, it also has codeshare agreements with several other non-oneworld member airlines, including Alitalia, Etihad Airways and Jetstar.

Online check-in

Passengers can check in online for their SriLankan Airlines flights, starting from as early as 24 hours ahead of takeoff. Online check in closes again 2 hours prior to a flight's departure. Passengers will need their booking reference and flight number in order to check in online, but can also choose their seats while doing so. Any passengers requiring special assistance or those travelling with pets cannot check in online. If passengers have luggage to check in, they should also be aware that the airline's airport check-in counters close 1 hour before a flight is due to depart. Airport check in is also an option.

Hand luggage allowance

SriLankan Airlines flights to all destinations have the same hand luggage allowance. Passengers traveling in Economy class are allowed 1 piece of hand luggage up to a maximum weight of 7 kg, while Business class passengers are permitted 2 pieces of hand luggage, each of which may weigh up to 7 kg. The maximum size for hand luggage is 46 x 36 x 20 cm. As well as the stated hand luggage allowance, all passengers may take on board a coat, umbrella, camera, handbag or a laptop. Passengers travelling with a small child may also bring a piece of hand luggage, weighing up to 5 kg and measuring smaller than 55 x 38 x 20 cm for the purpose of carrying the necessary items for the child's care during the flight. They may also bring a stroller. Any hand luggage that is too large or too heavy will have to be checked into the hold and will incur an extra cost to be paid by the passenger.

Checked baggage allowance

On most of the airline's routes, checked baggage allowance stipulations dictate that Economy class passengers have a 30 kg allowance, First and Business class passengers have a 40 kg allowance, and Infants have a 20 kg allowance. For adult passengers the items must be no larger than a combined width, height and length of 158 cm. For infants the maximum size is a combined width, height and length of 115 cm. On flights to or from North, Central and South America, checked baggage allowances permit Economy passengers to bring 2 items of luggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg each while Business class passengers may carry 2 items of luggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg. Infants are also allowed 1 piece of luggage weighing up to 23 kg. Excess baggage fee will apply if these allowances are exceeded in any way.