Earliest check-in time at HKG and booking class questions
 

If I have a 10:55 AM flight at HKG, I'm just wondering what is the earliest possible check-in time?

Also, when searching for flights on Orbitz or Google Flights, I'm just wondering how I can figure out the booking class for the economy flights that I'm after?

Thx.

I believe CX/KA counters open around 5.30am, after which you can check in freely. OLCI (mobile boarding pass) or previous day in-town check-in can also be done earlier.

I was at the CX J counter in HKIA about two years ago at 5:45am. The check-in agents didn't arrive until 6am.

Technically you can check in at 10:55 a.m. the day before at the Airport Express stations. Leave the luggage and go right to the train, airport and your gate when you arrive at HKG the next day. Just keep your a.m. undies and legal shaving cream etc., in your carry-on bag.

I didn't know CX metal is the same time as Cathay Dragon. I took the morning flight to PVG last year and the earliest check-in time is 6 AM. I was there at 5 AM and the reps took their time even as the clock hit 6 AM to walk to the desk and turn on the computers. I thought CX metal would be faster.

Since my flight is a bit early in the day and I'm not exactly a morning person, I was hoping I can even check-in my suitcase at the CX counter before they close for the night. That way I won't have to carry my suitcase around the airport.

Check-in at the Airport Express stations? Like any of them (i.e. HK station or Kowloon Station)? How do I check-in at the station and I'm guessing I can do that with any airlines? I've never done that before.

I might be mistaken, it's been a very long time since I've been to HKG that early. Go with 6am just to be sure. The first KA departure (PVG) is at 7.30am and the first CX departure (MNL) at 7.50am, so they should both open at roughly the same time.

I think you can also check your bag in at the airport the day before. However, at least for US departures CX seems to strictly enforce the 24h policy. But unless you live on Lantau, the in-town check-in might be more convenient (see below).

In-town check-in is available at Hong Kong and Kowloon Airport Express Stations. Available from the day before up to 90 mins until departure. More info here: MTR > Privileges and Complimentary Services You need an Airport Express train ticket to access the check-in area. Not all airlines participate, but CX/KA (and IME most major ones) do.

Condition is that you have to have a AE train ticket/Octopus first and the fare is deducted when you enter the check-in area.

But can you use the same Octopus card to enter the in-town check-in area on Day 1 and then take the airport express train on Day 2?

I see, that's great! Thanks!

You walk into the station and up to something that looks like a check in desk and then check in. They give you your boarding pass and take your luggage away and tell you that you need to go to the airport no later than [time]. You obviously need to buy an airport express ticket to do this, so it's only useful for people staying near Central or Kowloon.

CX metal is not any faster: