Passengers of Hong Kong International Airport can now complete their airline check-in process in as little as one minute by using one of the 42 "Self check-in" kiosks available at Terminal 1, the Airport Authority Hong Kong announced Monday.

The self check-in system is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to enhance passenger flow and to accommodate the worldwide trend of increasing passenger demand for self-help service, said the authority in an statement.

Using the kiosks requires just three steps: scan a valid travel/ ticketing document or input e-ticket number; select a seat if one has not already been assigned; check accuracy and print a boarding pass.

Passengers carrying only hand luggage can then proceed directly to immigration, while those with check-in luggage may drop their bag(s) at the Bag Drop Counter located just steps away from the kiosks.

At present, six airlines have started using the kiosks for passenger check-in in the airport, including Air Canada, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Dragonair and Northwest Airlines. These airlines handle about half of the originating passengers at the airport.

"We plan to expand this service to passengers checking in at off-airport locations like Airport Express Line stations and convention centers," said Wong Yiu-fai, an official with the Airport Authority Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2008)