Travel Gossip: Can 5 Minutes Make a Big Difference?

By Billy Jiang, October 18, 2023

In a thrilling twist to the world of travel, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has just announced that, starting October 18, the cutoff time for domestic departures from Terminal 1 (T1) will be a mere 40 minutes before your flight.

Yes, you heard that right – a big, bold, blazing five-minute change.

Passengers checking in at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 1. Image by Billy Jiang/That's

So, you might be wondering – can five minutes really make a difference?

Well, when you're in a bustling airport, juggling your luggage and trying to remember if you've packed your toothbrush, every extra minute counts.

This timely adjustment comes as the 134th Canton Fair takes Guangzhou by storm.

For those jet-setting business travelers, an extra five minutes can mean the world when navigating the airport hustle and bustle.

But don't get too carried away with those five extra minutes; the gate still closes 15 minutes before takeoff.

Safety always comes first, after all.

Now, we want to know what you think! Do you usually cut it close, arriving just in the nick of time, or are you the kind of traveler who's always at the gate long before the plane even boards?

Share your travel quirks with us in the comments.

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[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]