HKIA Introduces Self-service Airline Check-in Kiosks

(HONG KONG, 20 October 2008) – Passengers of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) can now complete their airline check-in process in as little as one minute by using one of the 42 “Self check-in” kiosks available at Terminal 1.  An HK$18 million investment, the self check-in system is part of the Airport Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance passenger flow and to accommodate the worldwide trend of increasing passenger demand for self-help service.

Using the kiosks requires just three steps:

1. Scan a valid travel/ticketing document* or input e-ticket number; 2. Select a seat if one has not already been assigned. Change seat if needed; and 3. Check accuracy and print a boarding pass.

* Travel or ticketing documents suitable for verification include passport, Home Visit Permit, e-ticket, frequent flyer membership card and credit card.

Travellers may also update their travel reward programme during the process.

Passengers carrying only hand luggage can then proceed directly to immigration, while those with check-in luggage may drop their bag(s) at the Bag Drop Counter located just steps away from the kiosks.

Wong Yiu-fai, General Manager, Terminal 2 and Landside, Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “These self check-in kiosks are introduced to minimise the time passengers spend on queuing and checking in. Passengers who prefer checking in at airline counters may also benefit from shorter lines and lesser queuing time as more and more airlines and passengers using the new service.

“We plan to expand this service to passengers checking in at off-airport locations like Airport Express Line stations and convention centres. It is the mission of the Airport Authority to provide passengers of Hong Kong International Airport with a hassle-free airport experience,” added Mr Wong.

At present, six airlines have started using the kiosks for passenger check-in: Air Canada, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Dragonair and Northwest Airlines. These airlines handle about half of the originating passengers at HKIA. The kiosks are located at the airlines’ corresponding check-in aisles in Terminal 1. To assist passengers, airlines are also making their staff available to help passengers around the kiosks.

Cathay Pacific General Manager HKIA Algernon Yau said: "As Hong Kong's home carrier Cathay Pacific is strongly committed to providing a smooth and seamless travel experience for its passengers. We are pleased to be able to make use of the new self check-in kiosks at Hong Kong International Airport which simplify the check-in process for passengers and at the same time help to ease congestion during busy times. The rollout of the kiosks dovetails with other Cathay Pacific services such as Online Check-In that help to make travel less of a chore."

Commenting on the new service, Kenneth Cheng, Manager, Customer Service & Airport Operations HK, Northwest Airlines said, "Northwest Airlines is striving to enhance its services from all angles. We have introduced self check-in system in Narita and increased pre-departure convenience dramatically. Northwest Airlines will continue introducing the world-class technologies to improve convenience for our customers in Hong Kong." 

The self check-in system at HKIA has been developed in accordance with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) common-use, self-service (CUSS) standard, one of IATA’s initiatives to streamline business processes and make travel more convenient for passengers by leveraging advanced technologies. The CUSS standard allows multiple airlines to offer check-in service using the same kiosks.