Why rush for the airport when you have in-town check-in service? Here are four cities around Asia that offer them, and one (New Delhi) that is poised to launch such facilities to complement a new airport link.
• SEOUL
The City Airport, Logis and Travel (CALT) is a major transport hub, located in the Gangnam district, providing check-in counters, as well as connections to either Incheon or Gimpo airports. A number of travel agencies have set up shop here too.
Check-in: International passengers should check-in three hours and 10 minutes before departure, while domestic passengers can check in one hour and 40 minutes before departure.
Opening hours: Counters are open between 0520 and 1830.
• HONGKONG
Two out of the five stations along the Airport Express line – Hongkong and Kowloon stations – offer check-in counters, serving several major airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Singapore Airlines Air New Zealand, Air India, China Airlines, Dragonair, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and even low-cost carrier Jetstar, to name a few.
Check-in: Some airlines allow passengers to check in as early as a day in advance. However, they cannot check-in any later than 90 minutes before scheduled departure.
Opening hours: Times vary for each airline.
Contact the airline you are flying or click here for further details.
• SINGAPORE
In-town check-in service (right) was introduced recently at the Marina Bay Sands for customers of Singapore Airlines and subsidiary SilkAir, with more airlines to be added in the near future. The counters are located near the coach terminal.
Check-in: Passengers must check-in three hours before scheduled departure. There is a S$25 (US$18) handling charge for every two bags checked. Accepted luggage will then be sent for screening at Changi Airport.
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, between 1000 and 1800
• KUALA LUMPUR
Passengers flying Malaysian Airlines, Royal Brunei, Cathay Pacific and Emirates can check in at Stesen Sentral – KL's premier transport hub that includes the KLIA Ekspres to the airport. They must present an Ekspres ticket upon check-in.
Check-in: Two hours before the scheduled departure time for those with luggage, and those without, can check-in 90 minutes before departure.
Opening hours: Counters are open between 0430 and 1100
• NEW DELHI
The new Airport Express Metro, due to begin operations at the beginning of October, will include city check-in counters at New Delhi Railway Station, Shivaji Terminus and Dhaula Kaun stations. Details are yet to be confirmed.
http://delhimetrorail.com/as
Alisha Haridasani
