Hong Kong · CX / CPA · OneWorld
Cathay Pacific Online Check-in Guide
Hong Kong's flag carrier and OneWorld founder. Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure on cathaypacific.com or in the Cathay app.
Opens on cathaypacific.com in a new tab.
Is Cathay Pacific check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Cathay Pacific check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Cathay Pacific
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit cathaypacific.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Cathay Pacific app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Cathay Pacific baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 36×33×16 cm | 5 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 56×36×23 cm | 7 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 30 kg | Yes |
Common Cathay Pacific check-in problems
HKG transit visa rules vary by passport
Problem: Some non-mainland-China passports need a transit visa for HKG layovers > 7 days; the system rarely flags this at check-in.
Solution: Check Hong Kong Immigration rules for your nationality before booking. Most layovers under 7 days are visa-free for OECD passports.
Codeshare with mainland Chinese airlines requires passport pre-loading
Problem: China-bound codeshare (Air China, China Eastern, etc.) requires Chinese visa data uploaded 48h+ before.
Solution: Use 'Manage My Booking' to add visa info early, or use the operating airline's check-in if Cathay's doesn't proceed.
Cathay Pacific check-in FAQ
When does Cathay Pacific check-in open?
48 hours before scheduled departure for most flights. Closes 60 minutes before for international, 50 minutes before for short-haul Asia routes.
Does Cathay Economy include checked baggage?
Yes — 30 kg on most international routes. Asia Saver fares (the cheapest) include only 25 kg or 20 kg depending on origin.
