A China Eastern Airlines aircraft is seen parked at a boarding gate. [Photo/WeChat account: Shanghai Airport Group]

Travelers boarding international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights at Shanghai's two airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, are now able to enjoy new check-in cutoff times thanks to improved procedure efficiency, announced Shanghai Airport Group on its official WeChat account on June 30.

Effective July 1, the new check-in cutoff time for international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights at the Pudong airport has been set at 60 minutes before departure (excluding Ethiopian Airlines). Similarly, at the Hongqiao airport, the cutoff time for international, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan flights has been shortened to 45 minutes before takeoff, said the announcement.

The cutoff time refers to the point by which passengers must complete flight check-in and baggage check. Between check-in closure and takeoff, over 10 security tasks must be completed. Notably, the process for ensuring the security of outbound passengers involves additional steps, such as lengthier document verification for foreign travelers and handling a larger volume of checked baggage.

The airport authority said that the two airports have been implementing key initiatives to enhance service quality and efficiency, all of which are in line with the Civil Aviation Administration and Shanghai's directives on improving service standards and facilitating entry and exit processes.

With the support of joint inspection units, airlines, and ground handling agents, the airports have established standardized procedures, enhanced digital applications and optimized processes at various stages, such as check-in, baggage check, inspection, and boarding, which have effectively brought down the cutoff time for boarding at both airports, thus streamlining the overall travel experience for passengers, said Shanghai Airport Group in the announcement.

Here's a summary of the new check-in deadlines:

Pudong Airport

- International and domestic HK/MO/TW flights:

60 minutes before departure (90 minutes for Ethiopian Airlines)

- Domestic flights:

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

Other airlines: 45 minutes before departure

Hongqiao Airport

- International and domestic HK/MO/TW flights:

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

Other airlines: 45 minutes before departure

- Domestic flights:

China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and China United Airlines: 35 minutes before departure

Spring Airlines: 30 minutes before departure

Other airlines: 40 minutes before departure

For specific check-in deadlines, passengers are advised to refer to their airline's official announcements.

Source: "Shanghai Airport Group" WeChat account