Cathay Pacific offers several options for passengers to check in for their flights before or after reaching the airport, and the check-in deadlines vary by airport. In this blog, we will take a close look at Cathay Pacific’s check-in process, including the various options available to passengers, and provide tips and tricks to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Cathay Pacific Check-in Methods
How to check in with Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific allows you to check in:
- Via CathayPacific.com
- With Cathay Pacific’s mobile app
- At the airport’s kiosk/desk
Cathay Pacific Online Check-in | Web Check-in
Passengers holding a confirmed booking can check in via CathayPacific.com from 48 hours to 1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flights. However, if your flight is to/from the U.S., you can check in from 24 hours to 1.5 hours before departure.
How to do online check in at Cathay Pacific
Here’s how you can check via Cathay Pacific’s website:
- Go to the homepage
- Click on Check in
| To check in with your ‘Member sign-in’ details (i.e., Marco Polo Club, Asia Miles, or registered account), opens by default: | To check in with your number or booking code: |
| Enter your: Membership number or username PasswordClick on Sign in | Click on Find a bookingEnter your: First name Last nameBooking reference or e-ticket number Click on Continue |
- Select your flight and complete your check-in
At the time of checking in, you will be able to download your mobile boarding pass, select a seat, purchase baggage, and book a special meal.
You can also check in by signing in through your social media account, i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or WeChat.
Online check-in is not available to you if:
- You’re not holding an e-ticket
- You require medical assistance
- You require a stretcher
- You have requested a Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat
- You require an extra seat
- You’re traveling on a group booking
- You’re an unaccompanied minor
- You’re required to make an additional payment
Cathay Pacific Mobile App Check-in
How do I check in using the Cathay Pacific mobile app?
You can use the Cathay Pacific mobile app to check in for your flight from 48 hours to 1.5 hours before departure (most flights) and from 24 hours prior to departure for flights to/from the United States.
How to mobile check-in with the app
For checking in with Cathay Pacific’s smartphone app, all you need to do is open the app, click on the check-in button, select your flight, and check in. You will receive your electronic mobile boarding pass with a QR code. You can show this to get past the boarding gate, security, and immigration.
Important. Your mobile boarding pass must have a QR code as shown in the image.
You can use the Cathay Pacific mobile app to:
- Book flights
- Check in
- Download your mobile boarding pass
- Get baggage information
- Select a seat
- Choose a special meal
- Cancel your flight booking
- Manage or rebook your trip
- Receive important flight notifications
(delays, gate changes, etc.) - Learn what’s playing on your flight
- Access newspapers and magazines
- Watch programs through the app (Cathay Dragon flights)
- Manage your Marco Polo Club account
- Claim your lounge pass
- Access your digital membership card
Passengers Not Eligible for Mobile App Check-in
- You’re not holding an e-ticket
- You require medical assistance
- You require a stretcher
- You have requested a ‘Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat’
- You require an extra seat
- You’re traveling on a group booking
- You’re an unaccompanied minor
- You’re required to make an additional payment
Cathay Pacific Self-Service Kiosk Check-in
Passengers holding a confirmed Cathay Pacific booking can check in from a self-service kiosk—available
at select airports—from 48 hours to 50 minutes before departure.
You can use a self-service kiosk to:
- Check in
- Select your seat
- Print your boarding pass
- Print your lounge pass
After checking in, collect your boarding pass and proceed to the bag drop counter. If you don’t have any baggage to check in, head straight through security and immigration to the boarding gate.
Exceptions to Kiosk Check-in
The self-service kiosk check-in option is not available if:
- You’re holding a paper ticket
- You require medical assistance
- You require a stretcher
- You have requested a ‘Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat’
- You require an extra seat
- You’re traveling on a group booking
- You’re an unaccompanied minor
- You’re required to make an additional payment
Cathay Pacific Airport Desk Check-in
Tell me about Cathay Pacific’s airport check-in
When checking in at the airport, aim to reach at least 2 hours in advance so that you can collect your boarding pass before the check-in counters close, i.e.:
- At least 45 minutes before departure from Hong Kong.
- At least 60 minutes before departure from Riyadh or North America.
- At least 70 minutes before departure from New York, London, Tel Aviv, Colombo, Dubai, Kolkata, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Madrid.
- At least 75 minutes before departure from Dubai.
How to check in at the airport desk
Airport desk check-ins are fairly straightforward. Simply proceed to the Cathay Pacific check-in desk for your flight, present your ticket and travel documents, check in your luggage, and collect your boarding pass.
- Make sure the information on your boarding pass is correct—such as your name, your flight number, and your destination.
- When you check in your bags, make sure they’re properly labeled and tagged, and comply with Cathay Pacific’s baggage rules. Also, be sure to collect your baggage receipts.
- Remember to collect your travel documents and ticket.
- Complete all the other necessary procedures in time.
- Reach the boarding gate with at least 30 minutes remaining for departure.
Cathay Pacific Check-in Time
When can I check in for my Cathay Pacific flight?
For your upcoming Cathay Pacific flight, the airline recommends that passengers check in online approximately 48 hours before their scheduled departure time (24 hours for U.S. flights). This can be done through the Cathay Pacific website, as well as through the airline’s mobile app. You can also choose to check in at the airport (kiosk/counter), with counter check-in typically opening around 3 hours before the flight’s departure time. To make the check-in process as smooth as possible, it is recommended that you have your flight details and necessary travel documents readily available. By checking in early, you can ensure a stress-free start to your journey with Cathay Pacific.
- Cathay Pacific Online Check-in Time
The online check-in time for most Cathay Pacific flights (incl. Cathay Dragon and codeshare partner flights) is:
- From 48 hours to 1.5 hours prior to your flight’s departure.
- From 24 hours to 1.5 hours prior to your flight’s departure from/to LA, Chicago, San Francisco, or New York.
- Cathay Pacific Mobile App Check-in Time
The mobile app check-in time for Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, and codeshare partner flights is the same as the web check-in time, i.e., 48 hours – 1.5 hours prior to departure for most flights, and 24 hours – 1.5 hours prior to departure for flights to/from LA, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.
After you’ve checked in, your QR-coded boarding pass will be automatically sent to your smartphone or tablet.
- Cathay Pacific Kiosk Check-in Time
The self-service kiosks at select airports allow you to check in from 48 hours to 50 minutes prior to departure. Just check in, collect your boarding pass, and proceed to the bag drop counter.
- Cathay Pacific In-Town Check-in Time—TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Passengers holding an Airport Express Line ticket can check in at Kowloon, Hong Kong, or Tsing Yi Airport Express or MTR stations from 24 hours to 90 minutes prior to departure (incl. for the U.S.-bound flights).
You can also check in and drop your bags at Kowloon and Hong Kong and Kowloon stations up to 150 minutes prior to departure.
Note. This facility has been temporarily suspended.
- Cathay Pacific Airport Desk Check-in Time
If you’re checking in at the Cathay Pacific check-in counter, you should reach the airport a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure, collect your boarding pass, and check in your baggage at least:
- 45 minutes before departure from Hong Kong.
- 60 minutes before departure from Riyadh or North America.
- 70 minutes before departure from New York, London, Tel Aviv, Colombo, Dubai, Kolkata, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Madrid.
- 75 minutes before departure from Dubai.
What is the Cathay Pacific international check-in time?
Cathay Pacific’s international check-in times are provided in the table below:
| Mode of Check-in | Cathay Pacific Flight Check-in and Cut-off Times |
| Online (www.cathaypacific.com) | From 48 to 1.5 hours in advance for most flights. From 24 to 1.5 hours in advance for flights to/from LA, Chicago, San Francisco, or New York. |
| Smartphone App | As above |
| Airport Self-Service Kiosk | From 48 hours to 50 minutes before departure. |
| In-Town Office (temporarily suspended) | You can check in at Kowloon, Hong Kong, or Tsing Yi Airport Express or MTR stations from 24 – 1.5 hours prior to departure (incl. for U.S.-bound flights). You can also check in and drop your bags at Kowloon and Hong Kong and Kowloon stations up to 150 minutes before departure. |
| Airport Desk | Report a minimum of 2 hours before departure—and collect your boarding pass no less than: 45 minutes prior to departure from Hong Kong.60 minutes in advance for flights departing from Riyadh or North America.70 minutes in advance for flights departing from New York, London, Tel Aviv, Colombo, Dubai, Kolkata, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Madrid.75 minutes for flights departing from Dubai. |
Cathay Pacific Check-in FAQs
Although you can check in for your flight and collect your boarding pass as early as 48 hours before departure (24 hours for flights to/from the U.S.), the earliest you can check in your luggage is when the bag drop counters at the airport open, which is typically 2-3 hours before departure for most flights.
However, you can drop your bags off as early as 24 hours before departure at the in-town check-in facilities at Kowloon or Tsing Yi Airport Express/MTR stations when travelling to Hong Kong International Airport on the AEL (Airport Express).
For more information, check the eligibility requirements and operating hours of the early baggage check-in counter at the airport you’re departing from.
There are many ways of checking in—such as online, with the smartphone/mobile app, at the airport’s self-service kiosk, or physically at the airport’s check-in desk.
Cathay Pacific’s international online check-in time is from 24 – 1.5 hours for flights to/from the U.S. and 48 – 1.5 hours for other international flights.
Cathay Pacific’s online check-in starts 24 hours before departure for flights to/from the U.S. and 48 hours before departure for other flights.
Cathay Pacific accepts check-ins online and through the mobile/smartphone app.
You can check in at Kowloon’s in-town check-in facilities if you’re travelling to the Hong Kong International Airport on Airport Express (AEL).
You can web check-in for your Cathay Pacific flight from India from 48 – 1.5 hours before departure.
You can check in online at Cathay Pacific from 24– 1.5 hours before departure for U.S. flights and from 48 to 1.5 hours before departure for other flights.
The Cathay Pacific deadline for online check-ins is 90 minutes before departure. The check-in deadline at the airport counter will depend on your departure airport and is 45 minutes (Hong Kong); 60 minutes for flights from North America/Riyadh; 70 minutes for flights from London, New York, Tel Aviv, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, and Madrid; and 75 minutes for flights from Dubai. For the exact check-in deadline, refer to your ticket or call the Cathay Pacific office in your city.
Unfortunately, there are times when you may be unable to check in online. This may be due to various reasons, such as if you:
• Don’t have an e-ticket
• Require medical assistance
• Need a stretcher
• Have booked a Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat
• Will be requiring an extra seat
• Are traveling on a group booking
• Are an unaccompanied minor
• Need to pay extra
Alternatively, there could be issues with the airline’s system or your booking details. In all such cases, you will have to check in at the airport’s check-in counter.
Cathay Pacific’s check-in for international flights (online) is available from 48 – 1.5 hours for most international flights except flights to/from the U.S. where online check-in is available from 24 – 1.5 hours.
If you’re checking in at an airport counter, the closing check-in time prior to departure for flights from Hong Kong is 45 minutes; for flights from North America or Riyadh is 60 minutes; for flights from London, New York, Tel Aviv, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, and Madrid is 70 minutes; and for flights from Dubai is 75 minutes.
Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong online check-in is available from 48 – 1.5 hours before departure for international flights but from 24 – 1.5 hours for flights to the United States.
Cathay Pacific’s minimum check-in time for most international flights is 1.5 hours departure if you’re checking in online. However, if you’re checking in at the airport counter, you must check in before the counter closing time, which is:
• 45 minutes (Hong Kong)
• 60 minutes (Riyadh/North America)
• 70 minutes London, New York, Colombo, Tel Aviv, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, and Madrid.
• 75 minutes (Dubai).
Online check-in for flights to or from the U.S. is 24 hours before departure on Cathay Pacific.
Most passengers can check in online at Cathay Pacific, except passengers who:
• Don’t have e-tickets
• Will be requiring medical assistance or a stretcher
• Have purchased a Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat
• Will be needing extra seats
• Are flying on a group booking
• Are unaccompanied minors
• Need to pay at the airport
Passengers who fall in any of the above-mentioned categories must check in physically at the airport.
Online check-in is available for most Cathay Pacific flights except at airports that do not accept online check-in or where a passenger is required to check in physically at the airport (see above).
To know about Cathay Pacific’s check-in baggage policy, visit the baggage policy page of the airline.
The Cathay Pacific check-in counter open time varies depending on the departure airport and flight schedule. Generally speaking, check-in counters at international airports open around 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time for long-haul flights and 2 hours prior for short-haul flights.
However, it is always recommended to check your ticket or the airline’s website/mobile app for specific information on your flight’s check-in time, as it may be subject to change. It is also important to arrive early to allow sufficient time for security checks and other pre-flight procedures.
To learn about Cathay Pacific’s check-in baggage, refer to the airline’s baggage policy page.
Cathay Pacific has specific check-in rules that passengers must follow to ensure a smooth travel experience. These rules may vary depending on the destination, ticket type, and other factors, so it is important to review them carefully prior to check-in.
Generally, passengers are required to arrive at least 2-3 hours before their flight to complete the check-in process, undergo security screening, and arrive at the boarding gate in time. Passengers must also present a valid passport or other approved travel document, as well as their flight itinerary and any necessary visas or travel permits. Failure to comply with these check-in rules may result in delays or other complications, so it is essential to be prepared and follow all guidelines to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience with Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Pacific’s India check-in is available online from 48 – 1.5 hours before departure and up to 70 minutes before departure at the airport.
Cathay Pacific’s online check-in time is available from 48 – 1.5 hours before departure.
If Cathay Pacific’s online check-in is not working, you’ll need to check in at an airport self-service kiosk or counter.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Cathay Pacific flight, the best time to do it is during check-in. The airline offers its passengers the opportunity to upgrade to a higher class of service on a first-come, first-served basis on select flights (excluding flights booked in India and flights between Hong Kong and India). To verify eligibility, you’ll need to provide your booking reference and family name on the Upgrade Bid page. Alternatively, eligible passengers who have subscribed to the airline’s newsletter will be invited by email to make an upgrade bid offer at least 4 days prior to departure of the first sector flight on the booking.
Checking in early may increase your chances of securing an upgrade (in some cases), as there may be limited availability.
Upgrade prices vary depending on the specific route and availability, but it is often a great value proposition as you can enjoy a more comfortable journey with additional amenities and a better dining experience. If you’re hoping to indulge in a bit of luxury on your next Cathay Pacific flight, make sure to inquire about upgrade availability during check-in.
Cathay Pacific offers a convenient car seat check-in service for passengers travelling with infants and young children. This service allows parents to check in their car seats for free and ensures that the seats are safely stored and transported as checked baggage. The car seats are thoroughly inspected by the airline’s handling team to ensure they meet safety requirements and are in good condition for use on the flight. The car seat check-in service is available on all Cathay Pacific flights, and parents can drop off their car seats at the check-in counter before boarding.
For more information, check out the airline’s baggage policy.
A good time to reach the airport is a minimum of 2 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Cathay Pacific’s online check-in opening times are 24 hours before flight departure for flights to/from the U.S. and 48 hours before flight departure for other flights.
You can check in online at Cathay Pacific from 24 to 1.5 hours before your flight leaves from or to the United States and from 48 to 1.5 hours for other flights.
To learn about the Cathay Pacific baggage allowance, visit the airline’s baggage policy page.
If you’re holding a connecting flight on a single ticket or a ticket connecting between Cathay-operated flights, you will be through-checked to your destination.
If you’re travelling on separate tickets with connections on interline partner flights, Cathay Pacific will also through-check you and your baggage to your destination. However, this may not be possible for your return journey for flights beginning with airlines that do not provide through-check services on separate tickets.
Also known as web check-in, online check-in allows passengers to check in for their flights online through Cathay Pacific’s website. When checking in online, passengers can also select a seat, download or print their boarding pass, book a meal, and purchase baggage.
You can see up to 8 flights at a time and check in for them one by one.
If your first flight sector is on Cathay Pacific, you will likely be able to check in for a connecting flight with another airline, subject to the other airline’s check-in policies.
If you’re travelling companions are on the same booking as yours and share the same booking number, you will be able to check in your travelling companions also. If not, they must check in separately.
You can use Cathay Pacific’s online check-in option to not only check in for your flight but also select your seat, print/download your QR-coded boarding pass, book a special meal, and buy extra baggage.
Yes, you can check in online at Cathay Pacific even if you’re travelling with checked baggage. On the day of travel, simply drop off your checked bags at the bag drop counter and go through security.
If you can’t view your flight while checking in, the reason could be that:
• You’re not holding an e-ticket.
• Your travel agent did not enter your membership number when booking your ticket.
• You’ve just made an online booking (it takes about 30 minutes for your booking to get activated).
• Your flight is departing after 48 hours.
If you’re having problems, call Cathay Pacific Please for assistance or complete your check-in at the airport.
Passengers can cancel their check-in through the Cancel Check-In link that appears on the Flight Details/ Online Check-In Confirmation page even after receiving their online or mobile boarding passes.
Cathay Pacific offers a luxurious Business Class check-in experience. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by a dedicated team of professionals who will guide you through the check-in process. As a Business Class passenger, you will have access to a separate check-in counter, which means you won’t have to wait in long lines with other passengers. You will also enjoy a faster security screening process, priority boarding, and access to Cathay Pacific’s exclusive airport lounges.
A self-printed boarding pass is a boarding pass that you print at home/office/anywhere else with a printer after you check in online. Printing your own pass saves you time at the airport. Plus, if you’re travelling with only a handbag, you can head straight through security and immigration to the boarding gate. However, if you have to check in baggage, you can go straight to the self-check-in bag drop counter.
Cathay Pacific’s online check-in time for most flights (incl. Cathay Dragon and codeshare partner flights) is 48 to 1.5 hours before departure. However, for flights departing to/from LA, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York, the check-in time is from 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure.
The following passengers must check in at the airport:
• Passengers not holding an e-ticket
• Passengers requiring medical assistance
• Passengers requiring a stretcher
• Passengers who have requested a ‘Cabin Baggage Occupying Seat’
• Passengers requiring an extra seat
• Passengers traveling on a group booking
• Unaccompanied minors
• Passengers required to make an additional payment
You can obtain your Cathay Pacific boarding pass after your check in for your flight—online, via the mobile app, or at the airport kiosk/check-in counter.
• Online. You can home-print the boarding pass after checking in for your flight online at home.
• Mobile App. You can download and save your e-boarding pass to your mobile app and show it at the gate on your device.
• Airport. You can print the boarding pass at an airport kiosk or check-in counter.
Yes, your Cathay Pacific boarding pass can be printed at an airport self-service kiosk or airport counter, provided you do it before the check-in deadline for your flight.
You can obtain your Cathay Pacific boarding pass after you check in for your flight—online, via the mobile app, or at the airport kiosk/check-in counter.
You can use Cathay Pacific’s mobile app to check in for your flight as follows:
• Tap on the check-in button and log in
• Enter the required information
• Follow the onscreen prompts to check in
After you check in, you can save your boarding pass to your device.
Yes, you can change your seat incl. the seats of other passengers travelling with you even after checking in and receiving your mobile or online boarding pass. To do so, retrieve your boarding pass and make the required changes subject to seat availability.
Cathay Pacific’s check-in close time is 1.5 hours before departure if you’re checking in online or with the mobile app. If you’re checking in at an airport counter, the check-in deadline is 45 minutes in Hong Kong; 60 minutes in North America or Riyadh; 70 minutes in London, New York, Colombo, Tel Aviv, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, and Madrid; and 75 minutes in Dubai.
Since the check-in closing times can change, do refer to your ticket or call the airline’s office in your city before leaving for the airport.
Refer to the answer above for Cathay Pacific’s check-in counter close time.
Cathay Pacific’s check-in counters generally open 2 hours before departure for most domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for most international flights.
However, since the check-in times can vary depending on the location and flight schedule, it is recommended to check your ticket or call Cathay Pacific for accurate information on opening times for check-in counters. This will ensure that you arrive at the airport with ample time to complete your check-in process and board your flight without any delays.
It is always advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time and to have all necessary documentation and identification readily available to prevent any holdups during the check-in process.
Cathay Pacific’s online check-in policy allows passengers to check in for their flight, select their seats, and print or download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport. Online check-in is available between 48 hours (24 for U.S. flights) and 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time and can be accessed on the Cathay Pacific website or through the airline’s mobile app. Passengers with special needs or who require assistance will need to check in at the airport. It is recommended that passengers print or download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport to save time and make the check-in process smoother.
Cathay Pacific’s check-in times can vary depending on the departure location and flight schedule.
Online check-in opens 24 hours before flight departure for flights to/from the U.S. and 48 hours before flight departure for other flights.
The airport check-in counters for Cathay Pacific flights generally open 2 – 3 hours before the scheduled departure time of a flight.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight. This will allow ample time for check-in procedures, security screenings, and any other necessary preparations before boarding the plane. Be sure to check your flight ticket or the airline’s website for specific information on check-in times and other important details for your upcoming flight.