Starting June 29, the check-in cutoff for domestic flights at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 30 minutes before scheduled departure for most airlines and 25 minutes for Spring Airlines, regardless of whether passengers have checked baggage.

The check-in cutoff is the latest time by which passengers must complete check-in and, where applicable, drop off checked baggage. Passengers should still allow sufficient time for security screening and boarding.

In October 2025, Hongqiao airport shortened the check-in cutoff to 30 minutes for domestic passengers without checked baggage. The shorter cutoff has now been extended to passengers with checked baggage.

Check-in cutoff times at Hongqiao airport

Domestic flights

Spring Airlines: 25 minutes before departure, with or without checked baggage

All other airlines: 30 minutes before departure, with or without checked baggage

15-minute expedited service

Separately, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and China United Airlines have introduced an expedited service for eligible domestic passengers traveling without checked baggage. Under the service, passengers may board their flight provided they complete check-in, security screening, and boarding procedures at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

International, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan flights

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

Other airlines: 45 minutes before departure

*Passengers should refer to the latest notices issued by their airline for specific cutoff times.

Source: Shanghai Airport Authority