Hong Kong Airport Unveils World’s First Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has announced the official launch of the world’s first Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

This innovative service, part of HKIA’s Flight Token smart technology, allows passengers to complete their online check-in and scan their travel documents using their smartphones before arriving at the airport.

Once at HKIA, passengers can head directly to the Express Bag Drop counters, where they can drop off their bags using their smartphones in under one minute—significantly faster than the average three minutes required at traditional airline counters or Smart Check-in Kiosks.

HKIA stands out as the only airport globally where passengers can complete all departure procedures using just their smartphones and facial recognition technology. This includes online check-in, travel document verification, bag drop, security clearance, and boarding, all through self-service.

The Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service is available to all passengers aged 11 or older traveling on a visa-free journey. Eligible travelers can use Flight Token with various electronic travel documents, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports issued after May 14, 2019.

Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (also known as “Home Return Permits”), electronic passports from other countries or regions, and Mainland residents’ Exit-Entry Permits for traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao with valid endorsements.

Currently, the service is available to HK Express passengers through the airline’s app. Starting August 1, 2024, Cathay Pacific will also offer the Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service for all destinations, with the exception of the United States.

Hong Kong Airlines is expected to introduce the service by the end of this year. AAHK has plans to expand this service to additional airlines in the future.