38 Minutes! Shenzhen Airport Shaves Boarding Cut-Off

By That's Shenzhen, June 11, 2025

Starting June 1, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has further shortened its domestic flight check-in deadline from 40 minutes to 38 minutes before departure.

This move marks the first time Shenzhen has reduced its cut-off time to under 40 minutes, following a previous adjustment in July 2023 when the cut-off was lowered from 45 to 40 minutes.

Known as the 'flight cut-off time,' this refers to the final moment passengers can complete check-in and baggage drop-off before takeoff.

After this point, airport staff and airline teams coordinate a series of precise and time-sensitive tasks — including weight balancing, baggage loading, in-flight catering, boarding, jet bridge removal, and aircraft pushback — all aimed at ensuring timely and safe departures.

Shenzhen Airport currently supports a variety of check-in options to help travelers streamline their experience.

In addition to in-terminal check-in and baggage drop services, passengers departing from remote check-in counters in cities like Zhongshan and Jiangmen can check in and have their luggage tagged all the way through to their final destination, avoiding airport counters altogether.

Travelers can also check in in advance through online platforms such as the '深圳机场' WeChat mini program.

Those without checked baggage can head straight to security and boarding gates after online check-in.

The airport now offers a fully self-service domestic travel experience, with self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage drops, facial recognition at security, and self-boarding gates.

In 2024, Shenzhen Airport handled over 60 million passengers for the first time, with peak days reaching over 200,000 travelers and more than 1,300 flights.

While the new 38-minute cut-off offers passengers slightly more leeway, officials still advise against last-minute arrivals.

After all, those two extra minutes may not save your flight—but planning ahead just might.

[Cover image via Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport]