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Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Achieves 'Time Savings' for Domestic Check-in; Spring Airlines Hits a Surprising 25 Minutes

2025年10月28日 19:00

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) has further advanced 'time savings' to improve convenience for domestic passengers. In particular, Spring Airlines has achieved a phenomenal speed-up to '25 minutes before departure.' This series of changes brings a significant benefit to business travelers by reducing processing time.

1. The Full Picture of the 'Time-Saving Revolution' Realized by Hongqiao Airport

This measure is attracting attention as part of a 'time-saving revolution' in which Hongqiao Airport is significantly compressing the time required for domestic passenger boarding procedures. This is the result of preparations for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and strengthened cooperation with air traffic control and airlines.
New Check-in Deadlines (Effective October 28 and later)
Category Airline Checked Baggage Deadline Remarks Domestic Spring AirlinesRegardless of presence/absence25 minutes before departureT1 Terminal departures/arrivalsOthersNo checked baggage30 minutes before departure—OthersWith checked baggage35 minutes before departureApplied by some airlines such as China Eastern AirlinesInternational/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan routesAll airlines regardless of presence/absence40 minutes before departure45 minutes before departure for some airlines
The biggest point of this change is the fact that the deadline for domestic passengers without checked baggage was previously unified to '30 minutes before' on January 10.Furthermore, with this change on October 28, the LCC Spring Airlines has achieved a '25-minute' deadline for domestic flights departing from and arriving at Terminal 1, regardless of whether there is checked baggage, which is top-class even when compared to major international airports.

Comparison with the Past: How Has Convenience Improved?

With this 'further reduction,' passengers can now have up to about 10 minutes of extra timebetween arriving at the airport and completing boarding procedures. For business travelers who are particularly pressed for time, this will be valuable time that can be used for final preparations at the airport or working in the lounge.

2. The 'CIIE' and System Coordination Behind the Speed-Up

This reduction in check-in deadlines is more than just a service improvement measure. In the background, there is the response to the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE)—an important event for Shanghai—and public-private efforts aimed at improving airport operational efficiency.
According to reports from Chinese domestic media, this measure is considered a phased result of 'cooperation for Import Expo operation guarantees' and 'process optimization through coordination with air traffic control and airlines.' In other words, by having the airport, air traffic control, and each airline highly coordinate their systems and operations, they have succeeded in eliminating procedural bottlenecks while maintaining safety.

3. 'Exceptions and Pitfalls' That Business Travelers Should Be Aware Of

While convenience has improved, there are 'exceptions and pitfalls' in this new rule that business travelers should be particularly aware of.

3.1. 'Presence or Absence of Baggage' is the Watershed

The most important point is that the deadline differs depending on 'whether or not there is checked baggage.'If there is no checked baggage, it is 30 minutes before (25 minutes for Spring Airlines), but for some airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, if there is checked baggage, a deadline of 35 minutes before may still apply. If there is a possibility of having checked baggage, such as when bringing samples or documents on a business trip, it is a safe strategy to act based on '35 minutes before.'

3.2. Differences in Rules by Airline

Just as Spring Airlines has achieved its own reduction to '25 minutes before,' there are differences in deadlines depending on the airline. In particular, previous reports on China Eastern Airlines (MU) indicated detailed regulations such as '30 minutes for domestic flights without checked baggage, 35 minutes with checked baggage, and 40 minutes for international/regional routes,' and other airlines may have similar subdivisions. The basic principle of 'always checking the latest information for the airline you are using' is the best way to avoid trouble.

3.3. '40 Minutes Before' is the Mainstream for International and Regional Routes

International and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan routes are not subject to this reduction measure, and the conventional deadline of '40 minutes before' (45 minutes before in some cases) continues to apply. When connecting between domestic and international flights, or when using the international terminal (T1) with the intention of taking a domestic flight, extreme caution is required not to confuse the differences in deadlines.

4. Comparison with Pudong Airport (PVG) and Future Outlook

Note that there are two major airports in Shanghai: Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Pudong International Airport (PVG). Regarding the domestic check-in deadline at Pudong Airport, many airlines generally set it at 40 to 45 minutes before. For example, China Eastern Airlines sets the deadline at 40 minutes before for domestic flights at Pudong Airport (T1), and many other airlines follow similar procedures.

From this perspective, Hongqiao Airport's decision to set the standard at 30 minutes before for domestic flights 'without checked baggage' puts it a step ahead in 'speeding up domestic procedures' compared not only to Pudong Airport but also to hub airports in Beijing and Guangzhou. For business travelers without baggage in particular, being able to significantly reduce the time spent at the airport is a major benefit.

This movement suggests that the entire Chinese aviation industry is shifting toward prioritizing the convenience of business travelers without baggage through digitalization and smart technology. It is highly likely that other major airports, including Pudong Airport, will follow suit with similar reduction measures in the future.

Catch the latest information and act with plenty of time!

The further reduction of the domestic flight check-in deadline at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is welcome news that will make business activities and travel in China smoother. For business travelers without checked baggage in particular, this is a major benefit that allows for more effective use of time at the airport.

However, rules are subdivided based on the airline and whether or not you have baggage, so it is crucial to pay the utmost attention to the fact that it is not a uniform '30 minutes before' deadline.

Domestic flights with baggage are still highly likely to have a 35-minute deadline.
Spring Airlines has achieved an outstanding 25-minute deadline.
International and regional flights remain, as before, 40 minutes before as the standard.

Please keep checking these latest updates, and especially for important business trips or travel, plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. (Editor: Koun)

References

[1] Jiefang Daily (Xinmin Evening News) 'Starting today, the check-in deadline for all domestic flights at Hongqiao Airport for passengers without checked baggage is shortened to within 30 minutes before departure'
https://www.jfdaily.com/

[2] The Paper 'Shanghai Hongqiao Airport check-in deadline shortened to 30 minutes before departure, covering domestic flight passengers without checked baggage'
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_31846397

[3] Labor Observation 'Hongqiao Airport speeds up again starting today! Check-in deadline for all domestic flights for passengers without checked baggage shortened to within 30 minutes'
https://www.51ldb.com/shsldb/ms/content/019a29343dbec0010000dd82f3b39891.html

[4] China Eastern Airlines 'Regarding the adjustment of check-in deadlines at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport...'
https://www.ceair.com/global/static/Announcement/AnnouncementMessage/notices/202411/t20241125_25955.html

[5] China Eastern Airlines 'Check-in Deadline'
https://jp.ceair.com/ja/content/ja_SeparatePages/checkinCloseTable/index.html

[6] Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd 'Domestic flights, check-in must be completed 45 minutes before departure'

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: Domestic Flight Check-in Time-Saving Revolution

Starting October 28, domestic flights at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport allow check-in up to 30 minutes before departure for those without baggage, and 25 minutes for Spring Airlines. We will explain these latest operational changes that increase travel efficiency for business travelers in an easy-to-understand conversational format.

【Additional Text】(*) The images and audio data that make up this content were created by AI. The hosts and commentators appearing are fictional characters, and there may be parts of the script that do not match the current situation, or actual dialogues may not match the script. Please understand this in advance.

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

Hello, and welcome to the Shanghai Airport time-saving revolution! Today, we are joined by travel and business professional Koun to discuss the latest changes at Hongqiao Airport, focusing specifically on the reduction of check-in deadlines. Koun, thank you for joining us!

English

Hello and welcome to "Shanghai Airport Time Revolution"! Today, we're focusing on the latest changes at Hongqiao Airport, particularly the shortened check-in cut-off times. We have travel and business professional Kogun with us. Kogun, thank you for joining us!

Traditional Chinese

Hello everyone, welcome to "Shanghai Airport Time Revolution"! Today we are focusing on the latest changes at Hongqiao Airport, especially regarding the shortening of check-in cut-off times. We are honored to have travel and business expert Mr. Kogun with us. Mr. Kogun, thank you for joining us!

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Hello, thank you for having me. I am happy to be able to talk in detail about the new check-in cut-off times being implemented at Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport today.

English

Hello, thank you for having me. I'm delighted to share details about the new check-in cut-off times being implemented at Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport.

Traditional Chinese

Hello, thank you for the invitation. I am very happy to share the details of the new check-in cut-off times implemented at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport with everyone.

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

To get right to it, could you tell us about the details of this change?

English

Let's get right to it. Could you tell us about these recent changes?

Traditional Chinese

Let's get straight to the point, could you please introduce the content of this change?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Yes. On October 28th, a major change was implemented for domestic flights at Hongqiao Airport. Specifically, for all domestic flights (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), the check-in cut-off time for passengers without checked baggage has been shortened from the previous 35 minutes to 30 minutes before departure.

English

Certainly. Starting October 28th, Hongqiao Airport has implemented significant changes for domestic flights. Specifically, for all domestic flights (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), the check-in cut-off time for passengers without checked baggage has been reduced from 35 minutes to 30 minutes before departure.

Traditional Chinese

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

This will be convenient! It seems like a valuable time-saver, especially for business travelers who are often pressed for time.

English

That sounds convenient! This must be a valuable time-saver, especially for business travelers who are often racing against the clock.

Traditional Chinese

That sounds convenient! This must be a valuable time-saver, especially for business travelers who are often racing against the clock.

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

You are exactly right. Another point worth noting is that for Spring Airlines, the cut-off time for domestic flights operating from Terminal 1 has been reduced to 25 minutes before departure. Moreover, this applies to both passengers with checked luggage and those without. This can be considered a quite groundbreaking initiative within the industry.

English

Absolutely. What's even more noteworthy is that Spring Airlines has reduced their cut-off time to just 25 minutes before departure for domestic flights operating from Terminal 1. And remarkably, this applies to passengers both with and without checked luggage. This is quite revolutionary within the industry.

Traditional Chinese

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

I see! So with Spring Airlines, it's 25 minutes before. Compared to the previous cut-off times, how much of a reduction is that?

English

I see! So with Spring Airlines, it's 25 minutes. Compared to previous cut-off times, how much of a reduction is this?

Traditional Chinese

I see! So with Spring Airlines, it's 25 minutes. Compared to previous cut-off times, how much of a reduction is this?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Until the beginning of this year, the check-in cut-off time for domestic flights at Hongqiao Airport was generally 40 minutes before departure. In January of this year, it was reduced to 35 minutes, but now it has been shortened by another 5 minutes, reaching as little as 25 minutes depending on the airline. This is a very efficient timeline even by international standards.

English

Until the beginning of this year, the check-in cut-off time for domestic flights at Hongqiao Airport was generally 40 minutes before departure. In January, it was reduced to 35 minutes, and now it's been further shortened by 5 minutes, with some airlines going as low as 25 minutes. This is extremely efficient by international standards.

Traditional Chinese

Moderator / Host / Moderator

Japanese

What benefits does this change offer to business travelers?

English

What benefits does this change bring to business travelers?

Traditional Chinese

What benefits does this change bring to business travelers?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

For business travelers, time is an incredibly valuable resource. This change allows them to, for example, extend an important morning meeting a bit longer or have extra time to check emails before departure. In a major metropolis like Shanghai where traffic conditions can be unpredictable, being able to leave your hotel with more time to spare is a significant benefit.

English

Traditional Chinese

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

Indeed, it increases the chances of making your flight even if a meeting runs long. But why is this change happening at this time?

English

Indeed, there's now a higher chance of making your flight even if a meeting runs overtime. But why implement these changes now?

Traditional Chinese

Indeed, there's now a higher chance of making your flight even if a meeting runs overtime. But why implement these changes now?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Actually, there are two major backgrounds to this initiative. One is to respond to the national policy of the Civil Aviation Administration's 'Travel Time Reduction Project.' The other is a service improvement measure for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in November. Shanghai upholds the philosophy of a 'People's City' and continues to implement measures to increase convenience for citizens and travelers.

English

There are actually two major factors behind this initiative. One is responding to the national policy of the Civil Aviation Administration's "Travel Time Reduction Project." The other is improving services for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) scheduled for November. Shanghai embraces the concept of being a "People's City" and continues to implement measures that enhance convenience for residents and travelers alike.

Traditional Chinese

Host

Japanese

I see. So, how will this change affect airline operations? Is there a risk that with shorter cut-off times, preparations won't be completed in time?

English

I see. How does this change affect airline operations? Is there a risk that with shortened cut-off times, preparations might not be completed in time?

Traditional Chinese

I see. How does this change affect airline operations? Is there a risk that with shortened cut-off times, preparations might not be completed in time?

Kogun

Japanese

That is a good question. Actually, behind this change is a significant streamlining of airport operational processes. By promoting digitalization and close cooperation between the airport and airlines, it has become possible to shorten processing times while maintaining the same safety standards. It is certainly a challenge for airlines, but they are responding through system optimization.

English

That's an excellent question. Behind these changes is a significant streamlining of airport operational processes. Through digitalization and close coordination between the airport and airlines, they've managed to reduce processing times while maintaining the same safety standards. It's certainly a challenge for airlines, but they're adapting through system optimization.

Traditional Chinese

Host

Japanese

Are there any changes for international flights or flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan?

English

Are there any changes for international flights or those bound for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan?

Traditional Chinese

Are there any changes for international flights or flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Yes, there are some. For example, China Eastern Airlines has shortened the check-in cut-off time for international flights and flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan departing from Hongqiao from 45 minutes to 40 minutes. However, this varies by airline, so I recommend that those using international flights check in advance.

English

Yes, there are some. For instance, China Eastern Airlines has reduced the check-in cut-off time for international flights and those to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan departing from Hongqiao from 45 minutes to 40 minutes. However, this varies by airline, so I recommend that international travelers check in advance.

Traditional Chinese

Yes, there are some changes. For example, China Eastern Airlines has shortened the cut-off time for international, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan flights departing from Hongqiao from 45 minutes to 40 minutes. However, this varies by airline, so I recommend that international travelers confirm in advance.

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

Do you have any advice for business travelers?

English

Do you have any advice for business travelers?

Traditional Chinese

Do you have any advice for business travelers?

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

First, I recommend using online check-in to take advantage of these new cut-off times. Also, even though the cut-off times have been shortened, it is important to plan with some buffer. You need to be especially careful if you are checking baggage, as the cut-off times are stricter. Also, since cut-off times vary by airline, it is important to check when booking.

English

First, I recommend using online check-in to take full advantage of these new cut-off times. Also, while cut-off times have been shortened, it's still essential to plan with some buffer time. This is especially important if you're checking baggage, as the cut-off times are stricter in those cases. Additionally, since cut-off times vary by airline, it's important to verify this information when booking.

Traditional Chinese

First, I recommend using online check-in to take full advantage of these new cut-off times. Also, even though the cut-off times have been shortened, you still need to allow for some buffer time when planning your itinerary. This is especially important if you are checking baggage, as the cut-off time for checked baggage is even stricter. Furthermore, since cut-off times vary by airline, it is also important to confirm this information when booking.

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

Thank you for your valuable advice. This change seems to be a major benefit for passengers.

English

Thank you for that valuable advice. These changes seem to offer significant benefits for passengers.

Traditional Chinese

Thank you for the valuable advice you provided. These changes seem to bring significant benefits to travelers.

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Indeed. I think this change is a step toward increasing Shanghai's competitiveness as a global business hub. An efficient and traveler-friendly airport leads to the appeal of the city as a whole.

English

Indeed. I believe this change is a step toward enhancing Shanghai's competitiveness as a global business hub. An efficient and traveler-friendly airport contributes to the overall appeal of the city.

Traditional Chinese

That is indeed the case. I believe this change is a step toward enhancing Shanghai's competitiveness as a global business hub. An efficient and traveler-friendly airport helps to increase the appeal of the entire city.

Host / Host / Host

Japanese

Today, Kogun-san explained in detail about the shortening of check-in cut-off times at Hongqiao Airport. Business travelers, please take advantage of this new change and enjoy a more efficient trip. Thank you for listening to 'Shanghai Airport's Time-Saving Revolution'!

English

Today, Kogun has provided us with a detailed explanation of the shortened check-in cut-off times at Hongqiao Airport. To all business travelers out there, make use of these new changes for more efficient journeys. Thank you for listening to "Shanghai Airport Time Revolution"!

Traditional Chinese

Today, Mr. Kogun provided us with a detailed analysis of the shortened check-in cut-off times at Hongqiao Airport. We hope all business travelers can take advantage of these new changes to make their journeys more efficient. Thank you for listening to "Shanghai Airport Time Revolution"!

Kogun / Kogun / Kogun

Japanese

Thank you very much. I would love to speak with you again if the opportunity arises.

English

Thank you. I'd be happy to chat again if the opportunity arises.

Traditional Chinese

Thank you. If there is an opportunity, I would be very happy to communicate with everyone again.

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