[Hong Kong (17)] Checking in at Downtown Airport Early Check-in
The last morning in Hong Kong was ordinary.
Many people were still bustling through the streets.
Hong Kong Subway Station
Since we had checked out of our accommodation early in the morning,
we were carrying our bags full.
As our flight to Busan from Hong Kong was late at night,
we couldn’t continue our journey like this.
Hong Kong Subway
Hong Kong operated downtown airports for travelers like us.
Available at both Hong Kong Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station,
we used the downtown airport from Hong Kong Station on Hong Kong Island, where our accommodation was located.
Fortress Hill Station
It was Friday morning, rush hour.
There were more announcers in the subway than usual.
The commute in Hong Kong wasn’t much different from that in Korea.
No one seemed particularly cheerful.
And there were many people sleeping due to the early hour.
Central Station, Central
We decided to move from Central Station to Hong Kong Station where the downtown airport was located.
The distance was about 500 meters connected by an underground passage, and following the signs, we found it easily.
But dragging heavy luggage for about 500 meters was not easy.
Escalator leading to the subway platform
The escalators in Hong Kong were steep and faster than those in Korea.
It seemed risky not to hold onto the handrails tightly.
Downtown Airport, In-town Check-In
There weren’t many people in the morning.
Although I had read reviews saying there were long lines,
perhaps because it was too early in the morning, there weren’t many people.
Airport Express Line, AEL
To do an Early Check-in at the downtown airport, we had to use the Airport Express Line, AEL,
which allowed us to quickly move to the airport with our tired bodies after touring until the last minute.
AEL Ticket
The airport railway was 100 Hong Kong dollars for a one-way ticket, which was about 16,000 won in Korean currency (as of 2012).
I thought it was more expensive than other transportation options in Hong Kong,
but it was still worth it as it allowed us to quickly reach the airport.
Hong Kong Downtown Airport
I thought it would be as simple as just leaving our luggage at the downtown airport.
But when I arrived at the downtown airport and saw its scale, I was pleasantly surprised.
The check-in process wasn’t much different from an actual airport.
Check-in Counter Signage
I heard that only certain airlines allowed Early Check-in at the downtown airport,
but it seemed like most airlines were eligible.
There were almost 30 counters, so it was quite substantial.
Air Busan Airline Check-in Counter
I was planning to take the 01:50 flight with Air Busan.
At the Air Busan counter, I showed my passport and got my ticket just like at the airport.
And as I checked in my luggage, I prayed that it would arrive in Busan without any issues.
Hong Kong Downtown Airport
Outside the downtown airport was directly connected to the heart of Hong Kong.
Whoever came up with this downtown airport Early Check-in service deserves an award.
It saved me a lot of travel costs, time, and energy because it was so convenient and straightforward.
We decided to have a slightly late breakfast at a nearby food court.
Restaurant Menu
The menu had photos and simple English descriptions, so ordering was easy.
The Dumpling Soup I ordered
I had Hong Kong-style dumpling soup with meat broth.
Eating dumplings in warm broth made me feel satisfied.
After breakfast, we decided to go to Victoria Peak to enjoy the Hong Kong scenery.
Aug. 24, 2012