Starting September 7th, Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport will officially recalibrate its domestic transfer service standards. The airport is slashing its Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for domestic flights to just 60 minutes, a move designed to significantly boost efficiency and streamline the passenger journey.
To support this new standard, the airport has rolled out four specialized transfer services: Express, Smart, Premium, and Worry-Free. The core change involves setting the domestic transfer MCT at 60 minutes and adjusting the express transfer guarantee window from the previous 55-minute limit to a new 40-to-60-minute range.
Passengers with tight connections falling within this window can access a dedicated "gate-to-gate" escort service. This personalized guidance requires advance booking by calling the transfer hotline at 13669336855 before the departure of the first flight, with the service available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
On the smart service front, the airport has enhanced its through-check-in connectivity with other domestic airports. Travelers can now obtain boarding passes for both segments of their journey at their initial departure point, with checked luggage automatically tagged to their final destination. Those who have completed through-check-in, or who are traveling without checked baggage and hold an e-boarding pass for their connecting flight, can proceed directly to the boarding gate upon arrival, bypassing the need to re-check in. For those with checked luggage, the process is equally simplified—no need to retrieve bags; passengers can head straight to the transfer counter for a one-stop service that handles both check-in and baggage transfer.
For group travelers, a new Premium service has been introduced. Groups of ten or more passengers can also book this service by calling the same hotline before their first flight departs. This entitles them to access exclusive dedicated counters and other conveniences, substantially improving the efficiency of group connections.
Furthermore, the airport has upgraded its Worry-Free transfer support system, addressing passenger concerns across three key areas: connections, dining, and accommodation. For those combining rail and air travel, the "Air-Rail Island" comprehensive service platform at Lanzhou West Railway Station offers flight information screens, boarding pass issuance, and complimentary rest areas. Same-day transit passengers whose arrival falls within meal times—7:00-8:30 AM, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM, or 5:00-6:30 PM—can claim a free meal voucher through the WeChat mini-program "Transfer Passenger Service." Passengers flying with 9 Air or Spring Airlines should instead collect vouchers directly at the transfer counter. For passengers with layovers extending overnight, defined as an 8 to 24-hour connection, the airport provides one free bed per person. These travelers can secure a housing voucher via the same mini-program and then complete the check-in process at the transfer information desk in the arrivals hall by presenting their first-flight boarding pass and onward travel itinerary. Again, 9 Air and Spring Airlines passengers can go straight to the counter to handle this on-site.