QANTAS: Brings Back Hong Kong In-Town Check-in

According to the South China Morning Post, Qantas is reopening its in-town check-in for Hong Kong after a nearly five-year hiatus.

Starting next week (Monday, 10 February 2025), Qantas passengers will join those travelling on Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines in enjoying in-town check-in.

Passengers travelling on those airlines are able to check in at either the Hong Kong MTR station or the Kowloon MTR station connected to the Airport Express line. For Qantas, this covers flights out of Hong Kong to Melbourne and Sydney.

Hours of operation and restrictions

Hours of operation are:

• Hong Kong MTR Station: 7 am to 6 pm, daily
• Kowloon MTR Station: 7 am to 3 pm, daily

Remember luggage size restrictions: bags should not exceed 145cm in length, 100cm in width, and 85cm in height, nor should they weigh more than 32kg. You can use the service up to 24 hours before departure and up to 90 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure. Check details on the Qantas website.

Convenient Check-in

Passengers can visit the dedicated counters at both Hong Kong and Kowloon stations and check-in for their flight. But the best part is you can drop off any checked luggage freeing you to enjoy the rest of the day experiencing the delights of Hong Kong without dragging your bags around.

Adding to passenger convenience, you can use the Smart Check-in Kiosks at the In-Town Check-In area. This allows you to collect your boarding pass and luggage tags. Then drop off your bags at the Self Bag Drop Counters and you are ready for your flight, or to continue to explore Hong Kong.

What happens to your checked luggage

Once your bags are checked in, they are sent ahead to the airport and your flight. It’s even worth dropping off your checked luggage at the counters on your way to the airport. It will eliminate one more task at the airport. You will be able to head straight through immigration and security and get to the lounge earlier.

2PAXfly Takeout

Given that flights departing Hong Kong for Sydney and Melbourne leave in the evening at around 19:30, this is a boon for Qantas travellers. I’m thinking of checking out of your hotel in the morning, head to the MTR station for in-town check-in, and then head out for a nice spot of lunch and perhaps some last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

That should still leave enough time to head to the airport and enjoy a few hours in the Qantas lounge before your flight.

I should schedule a trip back to Hong Kong soon!