Starting September 7th, Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport has officially updated its domestic transfer service standards, reducing the minimum connection time (MCT) to 60 minutes.

Alongside this adjustment, the airport has rolled out four new transfer service categories—express, smart, premium, and worry-free—designed to streamline connections and improve the overall passenger experience.

At the core of this update is the optimization of the transfer time threshold. The standard MCT for domestic flights has been set at 60 minutes, while the express transfer guarantee window has been shortened from the previous 55 minutes to a new range of 40 to 60 minutes.

Passengers with tight connections within this window can take advantage of a dedicated door-to-door escort service. To access it, travelers must call the transfer service hotline (13669336855) before their first flight departs, with booking lines open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

On the technology front, the airport now offers through-check-in services linked with other domestic airports across the country. Passengers can obtain boarding passes for both flight segments at their departure point, with checked luggage automatically forwarded to the final destination. Those who have completed through-check-in, or who are traveling without checked bags and already hold an electronic boarding pass for their onward flight, can proceed directly to the departure gate—no need to re-check in. For passengers with checked luggage, the process is equally simple: they skip baggage collection entirely and head straight to the transfer counter, where both check-in and baggage transfer are handled in one go.

Group travelers also get a boost from the new premium transfer service. Groups of ten or more can call the same hotline before their first flight to arrange for dedicated counter service, making the connection process faster and more efficient for teams.

Beyond the core transfer experience, the worry-free service package covers three key areas—connections, meals, and accommodation. Rail-air passengers can tap into the "Air-Rail Island" integrated platform at Lanzhou West Railway Station for real-time flight information, boarding pass issuance, and complimentary lounge access. For same-day transfers, passengers whose first flight lands during meal times (7:00-8:30 AM, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM, or 5:00-6:30 PM) can claim free meal vouchers via the "Transfer Passenger Service Pass" WeChat mini-program. Those flying on 9 Air or Spring Airlines should collect vouchers in person at the transfer counter. Overnight connections of 8 to 24 hours qualify for a complimentary bed per person. Travelers can obtain accommodation vouchers through the same mini-program and then present their first-leg boarding pass and onward itinerary at the transfer information desk in the arrivals hall. Passengers on 9 Air and Spring Airlines can simply go directly to the counter for on-site processing.