China Airlines Increasing Operations, Reducing Check-In Options at Hub Airports

Taiwan’s China Airlines is reducing on-site check-in counters at its airports in Taipei — Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taichung International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport — in a bid to reduce human contact amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the airline, all airport self-check-in kiosks in Taiwan will also be shut down to reduce virus transmission.

Passengers flying on the airline and its regional affiliate, Mandarin Airlines, are asked to check-in online beginning June 22, using either the airline’s website or smartphone app, 48 hours to 80 minutes prior to their scheduled boarding time.

Passengers using online self-check-in will be able to register their passport and visa information online and will be able to either print out their boarding pass or receive a mobile boarding pass through their smartphone. Travelers are still required to have their luggage checked at check-in counters.

To accommodate older travelers and those without access to the necessary technology, the airline will still keep open a limited number of physical check-in counters at its airports. Travelers are advised to arrive at airports early to comply with disease control measures. The airline is also still requiring face masks and temperature screenings for all travelers.

Taiwan has less than 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has seen only seven deaths since the start of the worldwide pandemic. The country has garnered acclaim from health experts for its efforts to control the virus but had seen rises in cases among its people returning from other countries. Currently, foreign nationals are banned from entering Taiwan, and returning residents are being strictly monitored for 14 days in self-quarantine. Taiwanese citizens and residents are being asked not to travel abroad unless absolutely necessary. However, Taiwan is also considering easing its ban on international flight transfers this week.

China Airlines is continuing to operate a limited number of international flights from Taoyuan to destinations in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Oceania. As some countries have eased movement restrictions this month, the airline is also adding flights to Tokyo; Bangkok; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Penang, Malaysia; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The airline has indicated that it would add an additional four destinations in July, including Penang; Airai, Palau; London and Shanghai.

The airline also announced earlier this week its resumption of London service, beginning July 1, and a change in airports from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow Airport, lasting until Oct. 24, as most of Gatwick will be closed for refurbishment until that date. The airline has not served Heathrow Airport since it stopped flying to London in 2012. It resumed service to London through Gatwick Airport in 2016 and recently suspended service there due to the pandemic.

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Albert Kuan

Most people hate long flights or overnight layovers, but Albert loves them. The airport and flying parts of traveling are the biggest highlights of any trip for him – as this avgeek always gets a thrill from sampling different airline cabin products and checking out regional developments happening at local U.S. airports. He’s flown on almost every major carrier in the U.S. and Asia Pacific, and he hopes to try out the new A350s soon.

Albert recently completed his undergraduate studies in Business Accounting at USC in Los Angeles and he is currently recruiting for a corporate analyst position at one of the U.S. legacy carriers. During his college years, he interned at LAX for Los Angeles World Airports working behind-the-scenes (and on the ramp) in public relations and accounting. Outside of writing for AirlineGeeks, he enjoys trekking the Hollywood hills, visiting new hotspots throughout SoCal, and doing the occasional weekender on Spirit Airlines.

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