Beijing airport processing time
 

Of coourse I will check with the airline (CO in this case) but would also like to hear from folks with recent experience about how much time to allow for processing (check in, check bags, clear security, get to gate) for an international departure from Beijing aiport.
Thanks!

it wasn't recent but it was CO a few years ago and it moved very quickly...

was there last yr. very quick.

You can even check-in online.

rk- have you used CO online check in at Beijing? That would be great, but I could not find on their site confirmation that it was available there. I know that it is not available in all international locations.

Continental.com lists the origins that one cannot use OLCI. They are BRU, DUB, GCM, GVA, SNN and ZRH only. All the rest should work.

Yep, I saw that but know that the list is incomplete as there are other international cities where I have recently not been able to do OLCI(such as CDG). And, quite honestly, the new website sucks so badly in so many areas that I don't trust it. Guess I wil just check with CO agents in Beijing.

Just got in from Beijing last night. Everything in Beijing airport is very efficient, even though there are a lot of checks. Note that you have to fill in a customs form BEFORE you get to the check-in counter. Then check-in, then immigration, and lastly security.

Also note that check-in counters only open 2 hours before departure.

Michael, you pipped me to the post! Not only is the 2 hour thing annoying, in some Chinese airports if you are too early there are no seats available while you're waiting to check-in. I usually have a supply of departure cards handy for my next trip as you can't get them until you're in the check-in enclosure.

Thanks so much for the report of recent experience - that's what I am really looking for, the "actual" rather than the "way it is supposed to be".
So if the departure card is required to be completed prior to getting to the check in counter, does that mean I won't be able to do on line check in with Continental? Or could I do OLCI and just need to have the departure card completed before checking my bag?

Separate issue: Is there a President's Club affiliate at PEK?

The customs form doesn't have anything to do with check-in, so I don't think it would affect your ability to do an on-line check-in. The forms are available before going through a security screening to get to the check-in area, so it's not a big deal, just lots of people milling about.

I don't know about the presidents club, but Thai did give me a pass into a common lounge for business and first class passengers. It seems to be the only one, and is very crowded.