SHANGHAI Airport Authority yesterday announced the launch of a new scheme that allows Chinese passengers flying from Hongqiao Airport with China Eastern Airline, and carrying only hand luggage, to bypass the usual check-in procedure.

　　The authority provided only scant details of the scheme, but said it is designed to speed up the process for people traveling light.

　　Instead of going to the check-in desks, such passengers — as long as they have checked in via the China Eastern website — can proceed direct to the security channels where they will be asked to show their identity cards, it said.

　　If successful, the scheme will be rolled out to Pudong Airport, the authority said.

　　Both of the city’s airports are gearing up for the annual Spring Festival rush and are advising travelers to do the same.

　　“We have already seen an increase in passenger numbers this month and as a result there has been a rise in the number of people missing their flights,” an unnamed official from Hongqiao Airport told Shanghai Daily.

　　With traveler numbers set to soar over the coming weeks, people are advised to give themselves more time to get through the various checking in and security processes, the person said.

　　An official from budget carrier Spring Airlines advised passengers traveling at peak times — 6am to 9am and 5pm to 9pm — to allow an extra two hours to avoid missing their flights.