Singapore Airlines passengers from Hong Kong can now benefit from the MTR’s in-town check-in services. Starting February 24, travellers on the Lion City’s flag carrier can head to the Hong Kong MTR Station to complete pre-departure formalities like checking in and dropping of their bags before making their way to the Hong Kong International Airport for security checks and immigration clearances. However, the facilities aren’t available at the Kowloon MTR Station just yet.
Which Airlines Have In-Town Check-In Services in Hong Kong?
Four carriers now offer in-town check-in arrangements at the Hong Kong and Kowloon MTR stations: Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. Fliers bound for Singapore can use the counters every day from 9am-5:20pm only at the Hong Kong station. However, the service is not available for codeshare flights operated by other airlines.
| AIRLINE | HONG KONG STATION TIMINGS | KOWLOON STATION TIMINGS |
| Cathay Pacific | 6am-11pm | 6am-3pm |
| Hong Kong Airlines | 6am-7pm | 6am-3pm |
| Qantas Airways | 7am-6pm | 7am-3pm |
| Singapore Airlines | 9am-5:20pm | Not available |
Cathay passengers have been able to avail these services since June 2023 when the counters reopened at the Hong Kong station after the Covid-19 pandemic, and had to wait another year before these pre-flight services resumed at the Kowloon station. The benefits were also extended to Hong Kong Airlines travellers last year, and Qantas Airlines passengers earlier this month.
Who Can Use the Pre-Flight Counters?
Passengers can access the service from 24 hours up to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. They can enter the In-Town Check-in Area with an Octopus card or Airport Express ticket and request the staff for help or directly proceed to the self-service kiosks and automated bag-drop stations. Remember that all baggage must stick to size and weight regulations — each item cannot exceed 145cm in length, 100cm in width, and 85cm in height, with a maximum weight limit of 32kg.
Only fliers with electronic travel documents can use the check-in counters at the two MTR stations. This includes holders of e-passports, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong Residents, and Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao. Once passengers are done with their pre-flight procedures, they can board the Airport Express at either of these stations, which will get them to the airport within 24 minutes. They should note that there are no check-in counters at Tsing Yi MTR Station, even though the Airport Express stops there.
Image credits: Singapore Airlines, Zhuimindt Heom via WikiCommons
