Published: 12:46, July 10, 2025
China Southern launches ‘instant boarding’ service on Guangzhou-Beijing route
By Wang Zhan
The undated photo shared on the official WeChat public account of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport shows the launch ceremony of China Southern Airlines’s “instant boarding” service. (白云机场发布@WECHAT)

China Southern Airlines introduced an innovative “instant boarding” service for its Guangzhou-Beijing round-trip route on July 8.

It now allows passengers to bypass the traditional check-in counter closure, which typically occurs 30 to 40 minutes before departure. Instead, travelers can board aircraft as long as they arrive at the departure gate 15 minutes prior to the scheduled takeoff in the latest.

ALSO READ: China Southern Airlines' C919 to connect Haikou

The undated photo shared on the official WeChat public account of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport shows an airline ground crew member helps a passenger at self-service bag drop kiosk. (白云机场发布@WECHAT)

The implementation of smart technology makes the service particularly beneficial for those making last-minute changes, taking emergency trips, or catching early or late flights, as well as for frequent business travelers.

It's important to note that the luggage check-in deadline remains 30 minutes before departure. Passengers who miss the deadline may have their luggage sent on a subsequent flight for later pickup. They can also opt for the “Luggage Delivery to Home” service for a fee.

China Southern Airlines has pledged to expand the “instant boarding” service to more routes in the future.

READ MORE: XRL sees 16.1% YoY rise in cross-boundary trips in H1

 

This article is translated by China Daily from the original report in Chinese as published on the official website of Shenzhen Commercial Daily.