Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to close check-in ‘sharply’ 1 hour before departure

Passengers will need to head to airport earlier from June 25, with check-in counters, self-service kiosks closing 60 minutes prior to departure

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A Cathay spokesman said the new move aimed to ensure a consistent delivery of service after taking into account the views of its customers and operational needs. Photo: Edmond So

Published: 11:21pm, 14 Jun 2024Updated: 12:36am, 15 Jun 2024

Passengers of Cathay Pacific Airways will need to head to the airport earlier following the Hong Kong flag carrier’s new measure to close all airport check-in, self-service kiosks and baggage drop counters one hour before departure later this month.

The company said on its website on Tuesday that it would standardise the check-in times across its global network, with some exceptions, to “ensure flights depart on time” and to provide a “consistent and easy to understand” airport experience.

Starting from June 25, counter check-in, all self-service kiosks and baggage drop counters will be closed “sharply” 60 minutes prior to departure, from the current 40 minutes.

From the same date, Cathay’s online check-in time will be put backward to 60 minutes before departure from the past 90 minutes.

But there are some exceptions to the new arrangement, with the check-in counter closure times varying between 60 minutes and 40 minutes before departure for mainland China airports.

The carrier also recommended checking in online well ahead of their scheduled flights, available 48 hours prior to departure for Cathay members and 24 hours for non-members. Photo: Eugene Lee