Cathay Pacific offers a versatile check-in process designed for maximum convenience, beginning with online check-in, which opens 48 hours before departure for Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles members and 24 hours prior for all other passengers; this digital option—accessible via the Cathay Pacific website or mobile app—allows travelers to select seats, add special services, and obtain digital boarding passes up until 90 minutes before international flights (or 60 minutes for short-haul flights). For those flying to or from the U.S. and Guam, the check-in window is a strict 24 hours before departure. Cathay Pacific also provides mobile app check-in, enabling passengers to store a mobile boarding pass in Apple Wallet or Google Pay and receive real-time flight updates. In Hong Kong, the innovative In-Town Check-In at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station on the Airport Express line allows passengers to drop off baggage and collect boarding passes between 24 hours and 90 minutes before their flight, then travel directly to Hong Kong International Airport without carrying luggage; a dedicated shuttle service operates from Kowloon Station. For those requiring physical assistance or traveling with special baggage, airport counter check-in remains available, with counters typically opening 3 hours before international flights (and 2 hours before short-haul Asia flights) and closing 60 minutes prior to departure. Additionally, self-service kiosks at major airports let passengers check in, print boarding passes, and tag bags from 3 hours up until 60 minutes before departure. Baggage drop closes 60 minutes before international flights and 45 minutes before regional flights; boarding usually begins 45–50 minutes prior and closes 10 minutes before departure. Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles members enjoy priority check-in lanes, additional baggage allowances, and lounge access, while Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members receive similar privileges. Special considerations include unaccompanied minors, infant bassinet requests, and pet travel, all of which require airport counter check-in. By understanding these options—48-hour online check-in, mobile check-in, In-Town Check-In, self-service kiosks, and airport counter check-in—passengers can optimize their time, avoid lines, and ensure a seamless start to their journey. |
