Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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HKIA unveils the world’s first Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service, allowing faster, smartphone-based bag drops. Cathay Pacific joins August 1, with more airlines to follow.
Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has officially launched the world’s first Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service.
This innovative service at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) leverages Flight Token smart technology, allowing passengers to complete online check-in and scan their travel documents using their smartphones before arriving at the airport. Once at HKIA, passengers can head straight to the Express Bag Drop counters and drop their bags using their smartphones in less than a minute, significantly faster than the three-minute average at airline counters or Smart Check-in Kiosks.
HKIA is the only airport globally where passengers can complete all departure procedures using just their smartphones and facial recognition technology. This includes online check-in, travel document verification, bag drop, entering the security area, and self-service boarding.
The service is available to all passengers aged 11 or above traveling on visa-free journeys. They can use Flight Token with their electronic travel documents, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports issued after May 14, 2019, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as “Home Return Permits”), electronic passports issued by other countries or regions, or Mainland residents’ Exit-Entry Permits for Traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao with valid endorsements for visits.
Chris Au Young, General Manager, Innovation & Data Insights of AAHK, stated, “Flight Token is the world’s first service that applies facial recognition technology to complete the entire departure process at the airport. Since its full implementation in 2022, it has won numerous accolades from local and international organisations. The Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service, as an extended service of Flight Token, was just launched in collaboration with airlines, delivering to passengers an even more convenient and efficient departure experience. We will continue to work with our business partners to develop and adopt different technological and innovative solutions to further enhance our services and operational efficiency as part of our Smart Airport’ journey.”
Currently, all HK Express passengers can utilize the airline’s app for the Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service. Beginning August 1, 2024, Cathay Pacific will also offer this service to passengers for all destinations except the United States.
Hong Kong Airlines aims to introduce this service by the end of the year. Looking forward, AAHK plans to expand this service to include more airlines.
