A system for paying airport departure tax that would save passengers time and airlines money is being considered by a government working party.
New proposals suggest the $100 tax should be paid at automatic vending machines instead of check-in desks.
A Treasury Branch spokesman said methods being considered included: Special counters and self-service machines at the airport; Vending machines at stations on the new MTR Airport Rail; Extending the sale of departure tax coupons to operators other than hotels in the tourism industry.
Travel industry legislator Howard Young Hau-wah said many airlines had lodged complaints with the Government about the existing system.
The Liberal Party member said he hoped a new method would be in place when Chek Lap Kok airport opened.
'The present rule causes queues at check-in and stops airlines concentrating on providing a fast and efficient service,' he said.
Mr Young said money given to airlines to reimburse the cost of collecting the tax was not worth the negative effect it had on customer service.
