Passengers flying domestically from the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport will now have more time to complete their check-in and baggage drop-off procedures.

Starting from Friday (January 10), the cut-off time for all domestic flights at the airport will be shortened to 35 minutes before departure, according to an announcement by the Shanghai Airport Authority.

This update comes at a crucial time, especially with the Spring Festival travel rush approaching, and will ensure a smoother travel experience with additional time to handle necessary pre-flight formalities during this busy period. For instance, if your flight departs at 10am, you can now check in as late as 9:25am.

Take China Eastern Airlines for example. The Shanghai-based airline recently shortened the cut-off time for flights at Hongqiao airport by 5 minutes.

Previously, passengers on international and regional flights operated by China Eastern and its subsidiaries had to complete check-in and baggage drop-off 45 minutes before departure. Now, this has been cut to 40 minutes.

For domestic flights, passengers without checked luggage can complete check-in up to 30 minutes before departure, while those with checked luggage must do so 35 minutes before departure.

The cut-off time is the latest point at which passengers can complete check-in and baggage drop-off, ensuring airport staff and airlines have adequate time to prepare for the flight. These tasks are crucial for the safety and timely departure of flights.

New Cut-off Times for Shanghai's Airports

Hongqiao Airport

International, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan flights

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Macau, China Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines: 40 minutes before departure

Other airlines: 45 minutes before departure

Domestic flights

China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, China United Airlines: 35 minutes before departure (30 minutes for passengers without checked luggage)

Spring Airlines: 30 minutes before departure

Other airlines: 35 minutes before departure

Pudong Airport

International, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights: 60 minutes before departure (Ethiopian Airlines: 90 minutes)

Domestic flights

China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China United Airlines: 40 minutes before departure

Other airlines: 45 minutes before departure

*Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for specific cut-off times to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.