Industry update
Hongqiao airport shortens domestic check-in times, including bags
Shanghai says most domestic passengers at Hongqiao can now complete check-in up to 30 minutes before departure, while Spring Airlines allows 25 minutes, a change that may simplify tight onward connections after consultations or health checks.
International Services Shanghai published updated Hongqiao airport check-in rules on June 30, citing the Shanghai Airport Authority. For most domestic airlines, check-in now closes 30 minutes before departure whether or not baggage is checked, while Spring Airlines uses a 25-minute cutoff.
The notice also says some eligible passengers without checked baggage on China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines may use a 15-minute expedited process, provided all airport formalities are completed in time.
For patients or accompanying family members moving between cities, the update may reduce buffer time on the airport side, but it does not remove the need to plan conservatively. Travelers should still confirm the latest airline notice, security queue conditions and hospital discharge or appointment timing before booking same-day connections.