Airport authority offers quicker check-in services using QR codes
Domestic flight passengers with only carry-on luggage are now able to check in with a QR code on their mobile phones, the Shanghai Airport Authority has announced.
It is part of the airport authority’s efforts to create a “Smart Airport Community”, featuring quicker check-in procedures for passengers.
With no need for traditional boarding cards, passengers can receive security checks using the QR code sent by their airline and valid credentials at both the Pudong and Hongqiao airports, an official with the authority said.
Currently, passengers on domestic flights with Air China, China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, China Southern, Shandong Airlines, Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines can receive the innovative service at both airports.
However, those who need to check in luggage, or those with infants and unaccompanied children will have to check in at the usual counters. If a QR code cannot be identified, passengers also need to go back to the service counters, the airport authority said.
China Eastern Airlines initially offered the service allowing passengers to check in with QR codes in 2013, followed by China Southern and Air China.
The Shanghai Airport Authority has been trying to offer other similar “quick pass” services to shorten the time for passengers to check in, the official said.
It has cooperated with tech giant Tencent to allow passengers to check flight information, check in, and buy insurance for flight delays through WeChat in the near future, the authority said.
That flight-delay insurance will cost 20 yuan (US$3), which will be paid through WeChat. If a flight is delayed by over 30 minutes, those with the insurance will receive a 30 yuan reward on WeChat. The amount of the reward will increase if the delay is longer.
"The insurance will help calm passengers during lengthy flight delays," said Jing Yiming, the airport authority's president.
The parking garages at Hongqiao airport’s T2 building has also opened a service to reduce potential congestion at entranceways to the garages and make parking more convenient for drivers.
After registering the car plate number with an Alipay account, drivers can get parking charges deducted automatically when they drive out, the airport authority said.