15-Minute Boarding: Revolutionizing Air Travel or Recipe for Disaster?
The recent announcement that travelers can now board flights just 15 minutes prior to departure on certain routes between Guangzhou and Beijing's Daxing airport has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among passengers and industry experts. This new policy, which takes effect on July 8, eliminates the traditional check-in cutoff time, allowing passengers to arrive at the gate just 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. While this change aims to enhance the convenience of air travel, it also poses challenges and raises questions about the overall flying experience.

9 July 2025
The streamlined check-in process is expected to reduce waiting times and make traveling more efficient. With the advancement of technology and the increasing use of self-service kiosks and mobile check-in, the need for lengthy check-in periods has decreased. This move is seen as a step towards creating a more seamless and hassle-free travel experience, which could boost passenger satisfaction and loyalty. However, some travelers have expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks of this policy, such as the possibility of gate closure or flight delays, and how airlines will ensure that passengers can complete the necessary security checks and boarding procedures within such a tight time frame.
China Southern Airlines has introduced this innovative service on its Guangzhou-Beijing Daxing route, allowing passengers to board their flights just 15 minutes before departure. This new policy abolishes the traditional check-in deadline, typically set 30 to 40 minutes prior to flight departure. By leveraging advanced technology and streamlining its operations, the airline aims to improve the overall travel experience for its customers. Passengers with checked baggage are still required to complete check-in procedures 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. In the event of missed flights, travelers have the option to have their luggage sent on a later flight or delivered to their destination for a fee.
The introduction of this service marks a paradigm shift in the aviation industry, where traditionally, strict check-in deadlines have been the norm. While some may argue that these deadlines are in place to prevent late arrivals and ensure timely departures, many passengers have expressed enthusiasm for this new policy, which promises to make air travel more convenient and flexible. However, this service has also sparked some discussions and concerns, such as the feasibility of implementing this policy in large airports with complex layouts and the potential challenges for special groups of passengers, including those with disabilities and unaccompanied minors.
Some commentators have pointed out that the new policy may not be feasible for all airports, citing the example of Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3, where the security checks, train ride, and walk to the gate would already take up more than 15 minutes. This highlights the need for airports to consider their unique layouts and passenger flows when implementing such policies. Moreover, passengers with check-in luggage are still required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the flight, and those who fail to do so may have their luggage sent on a later flight, which could cause inconvenience.
Overall, while the new policy aims to provide greater convenience for passengers, it is crucial to consider the potential challenges and limitations that may arise, particularly for certain groups of passengers or airports with unique layouts. By taking a more nuanced approach and considering the needs of all stakeholders, airlines and airports can work towards creating a more efficient and passenger-friendly experience. As the airline industry continues to evolve, innovations like the 15-minute boarding service are poised to redefine the travel experience, and it remains to be seen whether this model will be adopted by other carriers and become a standard practice in the industry.
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