Han Ximin, Xiao Ke

    ximhan@126.com

    SHENZHEN Airlines’ first flight has takes off from Shenzhen Airport after the opening of the new terminal Thursday.

    At 7:55 a.m. flight ZH9853 departed from Shenzhen to Wuhan and Hohhot. Passengers on the flight would be able to celebrate this maiden flight of the new terminal with gifts by the airlines to witness the historic moment.

    The airlines was established in 1992 with two planes. Now it has a fleet of 130 planes operating on 139 domestic and international routes. It operates 500 flights a day, becoming the largest airline company based at Shenzhen Airport.

    After the use of the new terminal, the airlines will upgrade its service with advanced, high-end devices and equipment to service passengers.

    After the relocation from terminals A and B to the new terminal, the airlines will have a total of 48 check-in counters for domestic flights, distributed at the G and H areas of the fourth floor for departures. It also has 12 counters for international flights in the E area.

    It has installed 35 dispensers for automatic check-in. Its Cuss Store system also has additional functions such as flight inquiries, weather updates and other customer-based DIY services.

    It will designate a reception counter for transit passengers to continue their flight at the arrival hall on the second floor.

    Check-in

    The check-in service of all flights departing from the new airport terminal will be closed 45 minutes before departure and passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal two hours in advance.

    Domestic flights

    Domestic flight passengers can enter through Gate 6 and Gate 7 and have check-in service at G and H areas, which are designated for the airlines. Passengers can check in at counters, use dispensers or computers.

    The counters from 13-24 in the E area are designated for international passengers of the airlines.

    The check-in service of VIP passengers is in the area opposite to the end of the E area. Passengers with VIP seats, business seats and airline flight card holders can check in at this area.

    The customer service center is located in the G area.

    As the new terminal will use a new luggage system, passengers don’t need to wait at check-in counters to get their luggages to pass security checks. But if some prohibited items are found in the luggages, airport employees will intercept passengers at security check entrances, with boarding gate entrances requiring passengers to open their luggages for security checks. The airlines reminds passengers not to carry lighters, lithium batteries, mobile electricity chargers or foods which may easily rot, such as seafood or strong smelling fruits such as durians and jack fruit.

    Baggage claim

    The baggage claim areas for domestic flights are at the No.9-14 areas at the arrival hall on the second floor of the new terminal.

    International passengers can claim their luggages at baggage areas No.15-18 on the first floor of the arrival hall.

    The airlines has set up four counters in the baggage areas on each floor to offer consultation over issues relating to baggage.

    To save time for passengers, the airlines will enact random checks of baggage tickets.

    VIP lounge

    The VIP lounge, which is called Zunpeng Chamber, offers a wide range of service to its VIP customers including GPS for VIP travelers, which ensures them to board their flights punctually. When VIP passengers enter the lounge they will receive a “return to launch site” (RTLS) card that activates the GPS system. The airlines will be able to detect passengers’ location through the service and the RTLS cards will remind passengers to board by flashing lights and vibrating when the boarding time is approaching.

    The Zunpeng Chamber has four separate halls for passengers to rest on the second and third floors.

    Hall 1, which covers 1,400 square meters, is located on the second floor at the west of the main building. Passengers can take the escalator to the second floor for boarding gates 14-19 after security checks. It mainly serves passengers with the member cards of any of the airline companies of Star Alliance. It also serves passengers with Phoenix Silver Cards who book flights with the airlines, Air China and Shandong Airlines and other business seat passengers of other companies which are operated by the airlines.

    It is equipped with a VIP room, Internet, nursing room, coffee bar, shower room and massage chairs.

    The 1,200 square-meter Hall 2 is located on the third floor to the west of the main corridor, which is near Boarding Gate 52. It mainly serves VIP passengers of the airlines and flights of other airlines which are operated by the airlines and card holders of Star Alliance member airline companies.

    Besides the services of Hall 1, it has cocktail bars, an entertainment room for children and a 3-D movie area.

    Hall 3, which is 500 square meters, is located on the third floor of the west side of the main building. It is close to Gate 20.

    It has VIP rooms, baggage consignment service, Internet and massage chairs.

    The International Hall, 284 square meters in size, is located on the third floor of the main building and opposite from the main security check entrance for international passengers. It mainly serves VIP passengers of international flights of the airlines and member companies of Star Alliance and Phoenix Silver Cards holders who have accumulated 2,000 mileage points.

    It offers Internet, shower, coffee and massage devices and services.