後疫情時期的報復性旅遊，導致日本關西機場的出入境人流激增。相信許多2023年從關西機場出境的旅客，都曾經有過在機場等待三小時通關的煎熬經歷。2024年11月我剛從日本回來，想和大家分享一下目前關西機場通關的變化：
- 出境大廳：沒有人潮擁擠的現象，只有各家航空櫃檯報到與托運行李的排隊旅客。
- 登機證查驗口：改成自助登機證掃描閘門，更快。
- 安檢區：隨身物品查驗的通道數量多，並有工作人員協助分流，等待時間不長。
- 出境審查：自動通關閘門，掃描護照和人臉辨識的速度很快！
通關完後，立刻看見免稅商店，整區裝潢煥然一新，但還要走一段路才能抵達登機門。通關自動化後，整個流程確實變快了。如果不打算購物、逛免稅店，或在餐廳用餐，提前2小時抵達機場剛剛好趕上登機（還必須確保前往機場途中不會迷路或做錯車）。如果需要購物、逛免稅商店或用餐，需考慮結帳和廁所的排隊時間。建議提前3.5到4小時到達機場。
雖然通關更快，但是大批人潮都擠在通關後的免稅店和廁所。如果機場內商店能引進自助結帳機，減輕人工負擔，會縮短排隊時間。另外，通關前若能增設自助報到與自助行李托運，整體流暢度會更好。明年隨著關西萬國博覽會登場，可以預期KIX的人潮只會更多。KIX真的準備好了嗎?
英文版
Observations at Kansai International Airport (KIX) – Nov. 2024
Compared to the same time last year:
- Departure Hall：No overcrowding, just lines at airline check-in counters.
- Boarding Pass Gate：Now equipped with self-service scanners, making the process faster and smoother.
- Security Check：Additional lanes have been added, and the area is well-organized, with staff efficiently managing the flow of passengers.
- Immigration Checkpoint：The final step now uses automated passport gates with facial recognition, ensuring a quick and seamless clearance process.
Tips ：
Arriving 2 hours before your flight is sufficient if you’re skipping shopping or dining. If you plan to shop, dine, or explore, arrive 3.5–4 hours earlier, as lines at stores, restaurants, and even restrooms can be time-consuming.
Suggestions for Improvement:
Increase the number of self-service check-in kiosks and self-baggage drop stations to streamline pre-security processes. Add self-checkout machines at duty-free shops to reduce wait times and improve the shopping experience. With the Expo 2025 approaching, will KIX be ready for the surge of visitors?
