Cathay Pacific allows you to check in online for most flights through its website or mobile app starting 48 hours before departure; however, flights to and from the United States open check-in 24 hours before departure. To check in, simply log into your booking, enter your confirmation code and surname, select your preferred seat, and you’ll receive a boarding pass you can either download or email to yourself. Online check-in closes 90 minutes before departure at major hub airports like Hong Kong and may close around 60–70 minutes before at smaller airports. Be sure to arrive at the airport in time for baggage drop-off, security, and immigration procedures—all of which require extra time once you're at the terminal.
If you miss the online check-in deadline or prefer to check in at the airport, Cathay Pacific provides self-service kiosks as well as check-in counters staffed by agents, where you can obtain a printed boarding pass and, if needed, check luggage. Kiosk or airport check-in typically closes 1–2 hours before departure, depending on the route and airport. For domestic or regional flights, aim to arrive at least 90 minutes beforehand, and for international flights, plan for 2–3 hours early arrival to accommodate passport control, security, and baggage handling.
Cathay Pacific’s mobile app also supports check-in and can save a mobile boarding pass directly to your phone's Apple Wallet or Google Pay for seamless access at the gate. Model preferences, seat maps, and boarding pass storage are handled within the app. If you encounter technical issues with online or mobile check-in, Cathay’s customer service line at +1‑866‑551‑1186 can assist. Any problems with boarding pass download, seat assignments, or late check-in requests can typically be resolved over the phone or at the airport desk.
Overall, Cathay Pacific’s flexible check-in system—online, mobile, kiosk, or desk—ensures passengers can manage their journey smoothly, selecting seats, managing preferences, and obtaining boarding documents well ahead of time across different departure regions and airports.