Cathay Pacific the only airline for now to ban downtown check-in for US-bound travellers
Four other airlines – Singapore, United, American and Delta – say travellers can still check baggage at Hong Kong or Kowloon stations but should arrive at airport three hours before take-off to complete stricter screening
Cathay Pacific will be the only airline to stop United States-bound travellers from checking in their baggage at the Hong Kong or Kowloon train stations from Thursday, to comply with Washington’s insistence on stricter airport screening in the face of evolving terror threats.
Four other carriers that fly from the city to the US – Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines – said they would continue to provide the downtown service for now.
But, along with the city’s flagship carrier, they urged passengers to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport three hours before their flight to complete new screening measures in place.
The US announced in June that airlines had 120 days to comply with enhanced passenger screening requirements or face a ban on large electronic devices, such as laptops, in the aircraft cabin.
New rules on tighter screening of passengers on all US-bound flights start on Thursday
Singapore Airlines on Wednesday said passengers “may” have their electronic devices inspected, on top of a security interview about their trip at check-in or before boarding.