HKIA Officially Launches the World’s First Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) today announced the official launch of the world’s first Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service.

A groundbreaking development in Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) Flight Token smart technology, the new service enables passengers to complete online check-in and scan their travel documents with their smartphones before heading to the airport. Upon arrival at HKIA, they can proceed directly to the Express Bag Drop counters and drop their bags by themselves with their smartphones in under one minute, compared to an average of three minutes at the airline counters or Smart Check-in Kiosks.

HKIA is the only airport in the world where passengers are able to complete all departure procedures using only their smartphones and facial recognition technology, including online check-in, travel document verification, bag drop, entering the security area, and boarding through self-service.

All passengers aged 11 or above travelling on a visa-free journey can enjoy this new service and use Flight Token with their electronic travel documents, including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports issued after 14 May 2019, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as the “Home Return Permits”), electronic passports issued by all other countries or regions, or Mainland residents’ Exit-Entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao with valid endorsements for visit.

Chris Au Young, General Manager, Innovation & Data Insights of AAHK, stated, "Flight Token is the world’s first service that applies facial recognition technology to complete the entire departure process at the airport. Since its full implementation in 2022, it has won numerous accolades from local and international organisations. The Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service, as an extended service of Flight Token, was just launched in collaboration with airlines, delivering to passengers an even more convenient and efficient departure experience. We will continue to work with our business partners to develop and adopt different technological and innovative solutions to further enhance our services and operational efficiency as part of our Smart Airport’ journey.”

Currently, all HK Express passengers can use the airline’s app for the Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service. Starting from 1 August 2024, Cathay Pacific will also offer the service to passengers for all destinations, except the United States.

Hong Kong Airlines expects to provide the service by the end of this year. Looking ahead, AAHK plans to extend this service to more airlines.