Holiday airport queues a nightmare? Here’s how to breeze through customs fast!

FunTime

Holidays and long weekends are peak seasons for crowded airports—sometimes arriving two hours early still isn’t enough. The most time-consuming parts before boarding are usually "check-in" and "exit inspection." But besides queuing up on-site, there are actually more convenient and faster procedures to save unnecessary time!

(Photo via Flickr, by Karen, CC License)

Nowadays, most airlines offer online check-in, which can be done 7 days to 4 hours before departure (the exact time varies by airline). Some even allow you to select seats, meals, and the number of checked bags in advance.

After completing the process, remember to print your boarding pass. However, some airlines or passengers with special statuses (e.g., pregnant women, those traveling with infants) still need to confirm their identity at the counter. Although you’ll have to queue, airlines usually have dedicated counters for online check-ins, so the process is relatively quick since it’s already done online. Plus, since many people aren’t familiar with online check-in, fewer users mean faster processing.

For example, EVA Air has set up self-service kiosks at the airport, which look a bit like 7-Eleven’s ibon machines. The process is very simple: just scan your passport, enter your booking reference or flight number and destination, and once the information is confirmed, the machine will automatically print your boarding pass. It’s just as convenient!

Both of the above check-in methods are very convenient, but some may ask… what about my checked luggage? Now, let me tell you an extremely easy and fast way to check in your baggage:

The Taoyuan Airport MRT, officially launched on March 2, 2017, has made travel to and from Taoyuan Airport much more convenient. Not only that, but the airport MRT now also offers checked baggage services, making your trip even more relaxing and enjoyable.

Currently, the following airlines offer pre-check-in and checked baggage services: China Airlines, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, and Uni Air.

■ Location:Taoyuan MRT Airport Line, A1 Taipei Main Station, B1 Floor – Pre-Check-in Area

■ Service Scope:Check-in procedures and checked baggage (Service condition: flights departing from Taoyuan Airport on the same day)

■ Service Hours:06:00–21:30 (Check-in stops 3 hours before flight departure)

(Passengers may complete urban pre-check-in procedures at any time between 6:00 AM on the day of departure and 3 hours before the flight.)

Notes:Not applicable to unaccompanied minors under 12 years old, groups, passengers traveling with pets, or those carrying oversized or overlong baggage.

※ Size restrictions for checked baggage with pre-check-in: Oversized or overlong baggage cannot be transported. The longest side of checked baggage must not exceed 70 cm, or the sum of length, width, and height must not exceed 158 cm.

Usually, airlines also have dedicated checked baggage counters for fast check-in, which can also save you a lot of time!

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Going through customs used to mean waiting in line and waiting for entry and exit stamps. But if you apply for automated clearance, it’s as simple as going through a metro gate—just scan your passport and do facial recognition, and you’re done in less than 10 seconds!

What if facial recognition fails due to “hair covering your face” or “facial expression”?

Don’t worry—starting March 8, 2017, automated clearance switched to “simultaneous facial and fingerprint recognition.” As long as one method succeeds, you’ll clear customs. Even if you previously registered with just facial data and no fingerprints, you can still clear customs. To save even more time, you can re-register and add your fingerprint.

Eligibility: Citizens aged 14 or older, at least 140 cm tall, with household registration in Taiwan / foreign nationals with residency status in Taiwan or multiple-entry permits.

Bring your passport and one of the following: ID card, National Health Insurance card, or driver’s license to the airport or port counter to apply. The application process involves taking a photo and fingerprinting, which takes about 2 minutes. You can also apply at the entry/exit inspection counter when you travel—it’s very convenient!

1. Taoyuan Airport:First and second terminal immigration checkpoints, the 3rd-floor immigration office for departures, and the immigration document inspection area for arrivals.

2. Other domestic airports:Songshan Airport, Taichung Airport, Kaohsiung Airport, Kinmen Shuitou Port.

3. Immigration Service Stations:Taipei City Service Station, New Taipei City Service Station, Taoyuan City Service Station, Hsinchu City Service Station, Miaoli County Service Station, Taichung City First Service Station, Changhua County Service Station, Nantou County Service Station, Yunlin County Service Station, Chiayi County Service Station, Chiayi City Service Station, Tainan City First Service Station, Kaohsiung City First Service Station, Kaohsiung City Second Service Station, Hualien County Service Station.

4. Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs:1F, North Building, Central Government Complex.

※ Processing hours vary, so be sure to check the schedule to avoid a wasted trip.

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A little extra preparation ahead of time can help you avoid the inconvenience of peak-season crowds. Are you about to travel abroad? Be sure to try online check-in and apply for automated immigration clearance too.

[FunTime Travel Recommendation] Authorized reprint. Original source: [Airport crowded? Learn how to clear immigration in 10 seconds!]