China Southern Airlines online check-in opens at 14:00 the day before departure and closes 1 hour before departure. Passengers can check in via the website or mobile app, but international travelers must exchange their online voucher for a boarding pass at the airport counter.
Check-In Timing
| Airline | China Southern Airlines (CZ) |
|---|---|
| Check-In Opens | 14:00 on the day before departure (some cities can start earlier) |
| Check-In Closes | 1 hour before departure for most flights (some domestic airports close 30-45 minutes before departure, international typically 50-60 minutes) |
| Check-In URL | https://www.csair.com/en/online/check_in/ |
| Mobile App | China Southern Airlines app (iOS, Android) |
| Mobile Boarding Pass | Yes |
| Airport Kiosk | Yes |
Step-by-Step Check-In Guide
1. Visit csair.com or open the China Southern Airlines app. 2. Select 'Online Check-in' and enter your ticket information. 3. Choose your preferred seat from the interactive seat map. 4. Confirm passenger details and complete check-in. 5. Print your boarding pass on A4 paper or save the mobile boarding pass if applicable. 6. Proceed to baggage drop or directly to security if you have no checked bags.
Documents Needed
Valid adult E-ticket, identity information matching the booking (passport for international flights), and any required visas or health declarations.
Seat Selection
Seat selection is available during online check-in. Advance seat selection is free for all domestic flights, and for First, Business, and SkyPearl Economy classes on regional and international flights.
International Check-In Rules
International departure passengers who obtain a printed boarding voucher online must exchange it for a boarding pass at the check-in counter 60 minutes prior to departure (excluding passengers departing from Hong Kong, China). Passport and visa verification is required at the counter.
Group Check-In
Adult passengers can check in online for their companions, but children and infants cannot be checked in online and must be checked in at the airport counter.
Troubleshooting
1. 'Flight not found' - Your flight may not support online check-in or it is outside the check-in window. 2. 'Cannot check in online' - You may have a mixed domestic/international itinerary, or you are traveling with an infant. 3. 'Boarding gate undistributed' - Online check-in often occurs before gates are assigned; check airport screens upon arrival. 4. 'Seat changed' - You may not have saved your seat selection properly during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I check in online for infant passengers?
- Sorry, online check-in is not available for children and infants.
- Can I check in online if I have checked baggage?
- Yes, you can check in online, but you must drop off your baggage at the airport counter before the baggage drop deadline.
- What should I do if I lose my printed boarding pass?
- You can receive a replacement boarding pass at the airport counter or duty counter with your valid ID.
- Can I upgrade my cabin during online check-in?
- No, online check-in does not support upgrades. Please contact the sales office or airport counter for upgrades.