At the Airport

 

1. Complete Airport Check-in & Boarding Process

1.1 Arrive at the Airport

  • 1. For international flights, please arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
  • 2. If you need tax refund or other special services, arrive 4 hours early.
  • 3. After arriving, check the terminal for your flight.
  • 4. Keep your passport and personal belongings with you.
  • 5. Enter the airport through the International Departures gate.

 

1.2 Check-in & Baggage Drop

  • 1. Domestic and international check-in areas are physically separated in China.
  • 2. Example: Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 2 has customs at international check-in.
  • 3. Only international flight passengers can enter the international check-in zone.
  • 4. Find the airline check-in area for your flight.
  • 5. Ask airport staff for the exact location of check-in.
  • 6. Follow airport signs to find check-in quickly.
  • 7. Use staffed counters or self-service kiosks for check-in.
  • 8. During check-in: show passport, drop baggage, get boarding pass.

 

1.3 Security Check

  • 1. After check-in, proceed to airport security.
  • 2. Have your passport and boarding pass ready at security.
  • 3. Take out your phone and laptop for separate screening.
  • 4. Take out your power bank for separate screening.
  • 5. Check power bank rules with your airline in advance.
  • 6. Take out umbrellas and personal items for screening.
  • 7. Remove your jacket before going through security.

 

1.4 Find Your Gate

  • 1. After security, find your boarding gate.
  • 2. Check your boarding pass for the gate number.
  • 3. Follow signs to your waiting area.
  • 4. Follow airport display screens for directions.
  • 5. Note: you may need a shuttle bus between terminals.

 

1.5 Waiting for Boarding

  • 1. Wait at the area near your boarding gate.
  • 2. Listen for boarding announcements and check screen times.

 

1.6 Boarding

  • 1. When boarding starts, queue in order as announced.
  • 2. Scan your boarding pass at the gate.
  • 3. Board the plane and go to your seat.
  • 4. Put carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment.

 

1.7 Arrival & Baggage Claim

  • 1. After landing, take your belongings and exit the plane.
  • 2. Follow signs to the baggage claim area.
  • 3. Find the carousel for your flight.
  • 4. Collect your checked baggage at the carousel.
  • 5. After collecting bags, follow signs to exit.

 

1.8 Language Tips

  • 1. Staff at international departures/arrivals speak English.
  • 2. Use a translation app if you don’t speak English.
  • 3. Simple Chinese often speeds up service processes.

 

2. Useful Travel Phrases

2.1 Finding Check-in Counter
You may ask staff for the check-in counter location.
Hello.
Where is the check-in counter for international flights?
Please follow the signs on site.
Thank you very much!

 

2.2 Help with Self Check-in
Show your ticket and ask staff for help.
Hello.
Can you help me check in?
Please wait a moment. Your check-in will be done soon.
Thank you very much!

 

2.3 Finding Boarding Gate
Show your boarding pass and ask for the gate location.
Hello.
Where is the boarding gate for my flight?
Please follow the signs on site.
Thank you very much!

 

2.4 Finding Baggage Carousel
Follow the crowd to baggage claim and ask staff.
Hello.
Where is the baggage claim for my flight?
Please follow the signs on site.
Thank you very much!

 

2.5 Finding Metro Station
Exit after baggage claim and ask for directions.
Hello.
Where is the airport metro entrance?
Please follow the signs on site.
Thank you very much!

 

2.6 Finding Taxi Stand
Exit after baggage claim and ask staff.
Hello.
Where is the airport taxi stand?
Please follow the signs on site.
Thank you very much!