Yes, you can check in online with China Southern Airlines, and as someone who has experienced this process, I found it to be a mix of convenience and limitations, depending on the route and passenger details. I recently traveled with China Southern and used their online check-in feature for a domestic flight within China. The process was simple, especially for passengers with Chinese ID or for those flying between major cities. I accessed the check-in option on their website, entered my booking reference and identification details, and was able to choose my seat and get a digital boarding pass within minutes. It worked well on the mobile app too, which is available in English and Chinese. This was a major time-saver as I didn’t have to wait in long queues at the airport.
However, based on my experience and others I met while traveling, the online check-in system seems more reliable for domestic flights or flights originating within China. When it comes to international flights, especially those departing from other countries or involving foreign passport holders, the online check-in system often doesn’t work as smoothly. For example, during my return flight from a major international airport outside China, I attempted to check in online again but received a message that I had to check in at the airport instead. This is apparently common for many non-Chinese travelers, as online check-in may not support international document verification or certain third-party bookings.
Even when online check-in is successful, you still need to arrive at the airport early if you’re traveling with checked baggage. China Southern recommends arriving three hours before international flights and at least two hours before domestic ones. At the airport, passengers who had checked in online were able to use separate bag-drop counters, which moved much faster than the full-service check-in lines. That was a helpful benefit for travelers who already had their boarding passes ready.
One thing I noticed during the online check-in process was that selecting seats was easier if you were a member of their frequent flyer program, Sky Pearl Club. Non-members might find fewer seat choices or limited options unless they register beforehand. This may not be a big issue for short flights, but for long-haul trips, choosing the right seat can really matter.
In terms of customer service, China Southern staff at the airport were polite and professional. When online check-in didn’t work for my international leg, the counter staff were efficient in helping with check-in and document checks. They handled everything quickly, and I didn’t encounter any major delays.
Overall, online check-in with China Southern is a great option if you’re flying domestically within China or departing from a Chinese airport. It’s less reliable for international travelers, especially those with foreign passports or complex itineraries. In such cases, it’s best to prepare for airport check-in instead. While the system is not perfect for everyone, it definitely offers convenience where available and helps save time during busy travel hours.