Sept 1, 2012
Translated by Zhu Na

China News Service learned that, since Aug 28, major domestic airports like Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport have tightened security.

By instruction of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, security moved to "Level II," which is mainly reflected in the rate of manual luggage inspection and the number of people told to take off their shoes in security. It's equivalent to the security level during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The airports have also improved the sensitivity of metal detectors and reminded passengers that items using lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage but must be carried on board.

Travelers are also told to arrive at the airport two hours in advance of departure to avoid delays.

Many internet users have complained about the extra time check-in takes with the new security measures. Some say taking an airplane is now less convenient than taking a train.

Ruan Zhouchang (阮周長), director of the media center of Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, told the China News Service that the advice to arrive two hours ahead of take-off mainly targets passengers traveling during peak times. In general, the new measures haven't affected travelers much and they can still plan their trip as usual.

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China News Service: 北上廣等地機場安檢升級 旅客需提前2小時安檢