To improve travel efficiency and experience, optimized check-in procedures were proposed by Hangzhou’s airport together with airlines to handle the intensive summertime flies. The check-in deadline for all express flights (Air China’s Hangzhou to Beijing Capital, Hangzhou to Chengdu Shuangliu, and China Southern’s Hangzhou to Guangzhou) and Loong Air’s domestic flights has been shortened from 40 to 35 minutes before departure.

To ensure this 35-minute cutoff is both efficient and reliable, the airport worked closely with Air China, Loong Air, China Southern, and other carriers to fine-tune key operational steps - including gate assignments, baggage handling, flight loading, and cabin closure. By strategically redistributing the saved 5 minutes across these processes, the service and safety standards are maintained, and efficiency aren’t compromised.

The saved 5 minutes mean a real convenience for passengers on these express and Loong Air flights, especially time-sensitive travelers like business flyers, who now have a buffer time. It also cuts the stress of rushing to meet tight deadlines, making check-in smoother and comfortable.

For now, Hangzhou Airport is using this adjustment as a pilot program, gathering data to refine the approach before expanding it to more routes. The goal? To deliver a more convenient, comfortable, and passenger-focused travel experience, i.e. to provide tailored services, one small step at a time.