It’s been a while since I used a travel agent to plan a trip. But a major travel agent in Belgium posted a deal one can’t refuse in a newsletter in June 2023. Flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and three nights at the four-star Park Hotel Hong Kong in the Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon area. So I messaged Oriol in ‘panic’ and pressured him to decide quickly (as the deal was popular and the the offer limited in time and availability) to come along to this Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Being four days in Hong Kong, we used one of these days to Macau (also often spelled Macao) the other SAR. We were there in November 2023.

We had four full days in Hong Kong thanks to incredibly convenient flight hours. Our return flight, CX271, departed late and was scheduled at 11.20 PM. So this meant needing to be at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) around 9 PM. 

Especially since Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong’s Mass Trans Railway or MTR offer a Free In-town Check-in service at Hong Kong MTR and Kowloon MTR, also known as Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station.  

We chose Hong Kong Station and as the official explanation mentions, this would prove a smart choice.

“For a seamless start to your journey, starting from 5 July 2023, Airport Express passengers can use the In-town Check-in service offered by Cathay Pacific from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Hong Kong Station”, MTR communicated. 

“Simply check-in^ and collect your boarding pass as early as 24 hours in advance and up to 90 minutes before your scheduled flight departure time during service hours. Passengers must use an Octopus or an Airport Express ticket to enter the In-town Check-in area. The full fare will be deducted at the In-town Check-in entry gate, with no further charges made at the platform entry gate.”

“Starting from 22 September 2023, passengers with electronic travel documents# can enjoy a time-saving service by using the Smart Check-in Kiosks* in the In-town Check-In area to check-in, collect their boarding passes and luggage tags, then proceed to the designated Bag Drop Counter to drop their baggage.”

“Please note that the In-town Check-in service is not yet available at Kowloon Station or for other airlines.”

“^ In-town Check-in service is available for any passengers whose baggage does not exceed the size of 145cm (length) x 100cm (width) x 85cm (height) and weight of 70kg. For enquiries on baggage size, please check with Cathay Pacific or Airport Express station staff.”

“* Electronic travel documents include, but are not limited to, e-passports, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, and Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao. Please check if your passport cover or permit has the following icon.”

Cathay Pacific says: “If you’re taking the Airport Express (AEL) to Hong Kong International Airport, you can take advantage of our in-town check-in service.”

“At Hong Kong station, you can drop your bags at our counters once you complete your online check-in as early as 24 hours in advance and up to 90 minutes before your scheduled flight departure time during service hours. Please note that the maximum size of a check-in baggage that can be accepted is 145 x 100 x 85 cm.”

“Our in-town check-in counters offer wheelchair service, and registration and check-in for unaccompanied minors. Note: escorts for unaccompanied minors are only available at the airport.”

Please note that our in-town check-in counters are unable to process instant redemption for upgrades, excess baggage and extra leg room seats, and services for group and agency bookings. For assistance with these requests, you can seek help from our airport service team at Hong Kong International Airport.”

In reality

Finding the check-in counters is the hardest part. From the actual MTR platform to the check-in counters was adventure I didn’t take notes of. Better ask several times. 

MTR station are often part of a business building or a mall – real estate is MTR’s moneymaker – so you can get a bit lost. All I can say is ask, ask, ask. It’s not near the Airport Express entry. 

Usual check-in

Besides the challenge of finding the the counters, it is all very straightforward as in an airport. Don’t be scared when your Airport Express fee is taken off your Octopus card. It remembers you paid there and you will not be charged twice.

So?

The in-town check-in is very practical, as it allows you to explore Hong Kong more before your late flight. And you don’t need to go back yo your hotel to fetch your baggage. 

Hong Kong & Macau 2023

1. REVIEW | Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 in Economy – Amsterdam Schiphol to Hong Kong.
2. HONG KONG | Tsim Sha Tsui – Golden Mile & Nathan Road – Kowloon Park – Sneaker Street & Fa Yuen Street Market – A Symphony of Lights – Temple Street Night Market.
3. REVIEW | Park Hotel Hong Kong in Kowloon.
4. HONG KONG ISLAND CENTRAL DISTRICT | Man Mo Temple – Lan Fong Yuen – Central–Mid-Levels escalator – Victoria Peak & Peak Tram – tram – Victoria Park – Star Ferry.
5. Gay Hong Kong.
6. REVIEW | TurboJet high-speed ferry from Hong Kong to Macau.
7. Macau.
8. MACAU GRAND PRIX | Trying to catch glimpses of the Guia Circuit, Formula 3 and GT cars.