Check-in early this Chinese New Year and avoid the stress

With Chinese New Year holidays giving all in Malaysia and Singapore an extended weekend, there will be lots of people travelling. The airlines are advising passengers to check-in early as lines are likely to be long at security and immigration checks. Likewise if you’re living in most South East or East Asian countries. In China, this will go on most of the week. So regardless of your location or  choice of travel mode, the mantra is ‘get going early!’

We’ve written quite a few of these before, you might like to have a look at these four tips, with ideas from various airlines.

AirAsia, AirAsia X and UBER help you check-in early this Chinese New Year

AirAsia and AirAsia X have offered us a few ideas to ensure you board that flight on time.

• Check-in on your home or hotel computer and print out your boarding pass.
• You can also download their Mobile App to check your booking and check-in as well.
• If you can’t do your check-in before you arrive at the airport, use one of the many Self check-in terminals dotted around the Departure area (and a few just outside).
• Web, mobile and kiosk check-in services are available 14 days and up to 1 hour prior to departure for all AirAsia flights and up to 4 hours prior to departure for all AirAsia X flights.

All the airlines like you to be there in plenty of time so you aren’t left standing at the gate watching as your flight heads off down the runway without you. Believe me, they will do this if you aren’t there when the gate closes, even if your bags are already on board – they’d rather spend the time to take them off than give you the satisfaction of ‘winning’ by taking your own sweet time. You won’t do it a second time!

Arrive early. Three hours will give you time to get your bags dropped, have a meal and then get through all the formalities before you take what can be a long walk to your boarding gate.

If you’ve never used UBER before, this is your chance to give it a try.

In a special collaboration between AirAsia and UBER, all AirAsia passengers commuting to klia2, Penang International Airport and Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru) can enjoy savings of RM15 off their total UBER fares when they key in the unique promo code for each city. The promotion is available until 15th February 2016 and is applicable for first time UBER riders only.

Check your airport specific code here:

So – to summarise…

• Arrive at airport at least 3 hours early prior to your scheduled time of departure
• Use web, mobile or kiosk services to check-in your flight for a smoother journey
• Use the special UBER promo code for a smooth journey to klia2, Penang International Airport and Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru)
• If you are a ‘special case’ – travellers with a group booking, reduced mobility or with special needs you are only allowed to check-in at the counter so allocate more time to clear all travelling formalities.
• Remember the baggage rules – baggage drop counters close 1 hour before scheduled time of departure for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights. You’re only allowed ONE piece of cabin baggage (max 7kg) AND 1 laptop bag OR 1 handbag onboard.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is also reminding travellers to be early. Their advice:

• Check-in online via the website or use MHmobile up to 48 hours prior to departure time to enjoy the flexibility of selecting your preferred seats.
• Use self check-in kiosks available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and other domestic airports to check-in at the airport.
• Arrive early at the airport to drop off your baggage and get smoothly through security clearance and other formalities to ensure you arrive at the gate before your boarding time as high passenger movement is expected during this holiday period.

If you’re one of the fortunate ones with access to the First or Business Class Lounges, Malaysia Airlines is laying on some Special Dishes to celebrate Chinese New Year at KLIA’s Golden Lounges at Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounges, KL International Airport (KLIA).

Passengers travelling on First Class until 14th February 2016, as well as Enrich Platinum members who dine at the First Class Dining Room at the Golden Lounge (Satellite), will be able to enjoy a Prosperity ‘Yee Sang’ Style Salad and a main course of Braised Supreme of Duck with Orange Sauce fragranced with Star Anise. Pineapple Tarts will also be served.

In the Business section of the Golden Lounge (Satellite, Regional and Domestic), there will be a selection of Dim Sum, Yee Sang Salad and Pineapple Tarts available on the 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of February 2016.

According to Malaysia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Simmons, “Our festive menu reflects Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures. We are delighted to be introducing these dishes for our guests as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.”

Economy Traveller joins the airlines in wishing all readers and travellers a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Gong Xi Fa Cai and Stay safe!