I want to thank you for this extremely helpful video! My mom in law is French and transiting at Xiamen Airport. She does not speak Chinese nor English, so these videos have helped me to make a detailed document for her to follow!
Those custom machines are about to be applied for fast customs check without waiting. If you don't hear the warning sound when passing the machine, then there's no need of double-check.
Thank you so much for posting this. I'm going LAX to Bali in November. More than 10 hours connection in both directions. It's exactly what I needed. I've heard they use several different hotels in Xiamen, do you know if that's true? Also have seen information indicating you might have to share a room with a stranger, do you know anything about that?
Hi William, On the official website it says that if you fly economy you might be booked with another person into the same room. I flew business class so I o my own room. I have done the long layover now 3 times and it was the same hotel at all time. But I am not sure if they use the same hotel for business class and economy class passengers. The hotel for business class is Xiamen Airlines Lakeside Hotel
@@FlightBlog Thanks so much for responding. I found a post from a lady who flew economy and it was a different hotel. More of a Courtyard by Marriott type hotel. She was with her daughter so they shared a room. It seems in economy you have the option to pay a supplement so you don't have to share. Considering I paid 412.00 RT from LAX to Bali, I have no reason to complain. I just like to know what I'm dealing with so there aren't any last minute surprises. Thanks again for posting and responding so quickly.
@@williamalford4248 Many hotels are actually cheap in Xiamen. I think the one that they used fir business class passengers costs around 70 euros for the cheapest room. two tipps: 1. ask for non-smoking room if you are a non smoker. it is important! 2. Ask if you can have your breakfast the morning you arrive. Or else it will be for the next day, which is kind of useless :)
Do you think it Would it be possible to recheck your bags before heading to the hotel? Just easier than hauling luggage back and forth. How far was the hotel from the airport? Easy to get a taxi back from the hotel to the airport? Great info. Thanks for the vlog!
There is a left luggage facility which i have pointed out in my video. You can store you bags there before going to the hotel. Its very easy to get a Taxi back from the hotel. Just ask at reception at check-out and the will hail one for you. Its a good ride for the cab driver as they get to the airport where it is easy enough for them to pick up a return to the city. The drive to the hotel takes about half an hour (usually less).
Thanks for the video would’ve been nice if there was a video back to the airport and going to Amsterdam since i have the same flight and time like yours hope you could explain to me step by step what you did after leaving the hotel
Hi. There will be a video soonish. But it might take some weeks. But here is what I did after leaving the hotel: I took a taxi back to the airport. International Airport. The price is around the same. There is initially a security control before entering the building. Then its custom to check again. But they only scan your bags. After that you will find the find the check-in counter for xiamen airlines to the right. You can get your boarding pass there and drop any luggage you might have for check-in. Then up the stairs for immigration. Don't forget to complete the departure card. Then its security control. And after that you are done and already in the terminal.
Extremely helpful video! My flight is tomorrow with 8 hour layover in xiamen. Arrives 9am and I need to stay until about 5 until the flight out. Will I be able to shower anywhere while I'm there? How much cash would I need for an 8 hour layover or can they accept card?
I only saw a shower in the business class lounge. But as you already have to enter the country (you get a transfer visa when you arrive) you can head to any hotel in the city. The price for the taxi back and forth is 90 RMB (taking the long way and traffic congestion). That is about 15 USD these days I believe? So not really expensive. Duty free is expensive in the airport. But most airports in asia have duty free on arrival. So don't buy anything there. If you stay within the airport 20 USD is plentiful. Most places accept in the airport accept Credit Cards. I recommend Revolut as you would have no FX for electronic payment and it is prepaid. I use it myself everywhere.
Do you know what time the transfer counter is open? My flight to Xiamen arrives at 5:10 AM. Also, it looks like you need to go through immigration, even for transit, rather than walking to a separate transit area they have for Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, etc airports?
The counter is open at all times when flights are arriving. And yes, you always need to pass through immigration and customs. There is no separate transit area.
So I assume you need to take your luggage upon arrival and re check back in after the layover? I was hoping they will transfer the bag automatically Do you know how long is the sight seeing tour? I will have a 12 hours layover
That depends on from where you are flying. When I arrived from Europe my bag was checked through. When I flew from Asia back to Europe I had to collect my bag. There is a baggage storage facility in the airport. I pointed it out in the video. I think the tour is about 4 hours but I am unsure as I never took it. With 12 hours layover you can also get a free hotel room.
Did the airport or hotel have free WiFi or did you get a SIM card for your layover? How much time did you give yourself to come back for example if your flight was at 10am when would you have left your hotel? Also, did you get dinner at the hotel?
The hotel has free WiFi. And in the airport I used the WiFi from the lounge. This is China and you are registered. Also many things are blocked. So no access to Facebook. WhatsApp or any other western messenger except for Skype. I would aim to be back at the airport 90 minutes before your flight goes. 120 to be really save. The airport is small compared with many others so no long queues.
You are absolutely right. The only ATM landside is the departure area. as it is a small airport you can get there easily. When getting out after custom turn right and walk down the hall way. Just before the end take the elevator on the right hand side. Go up. When Exiting the elevator turn left. The ATMs are just 25 meters on the left.
@benzman500sl if you stay within the airport 100 RMB is good enough. thats about 15 USD I believe? The ATM in China have no fees added on, unlike the ones on Thailand.
There is no transfer part as you know from other airports. You always have to clear immigration. Once you done that you can freely leave the airport. Check the website what offers you might can avail due to the lengthy layover (points 6,7 and 8) www.xiamenair.com/en-eu/PassengerService/Ground%20Service/Xiamen%20Hub%20Transfer%20Service.html
Hi, yes and no. Normally you would need to have a visa as you officially enter China. But, as off now, most countries are exempted from this. So you get a sticker and a stamp in your passport. With this you can leave the airport and return for your next flight with no issues. How long is your layover?
There is no direct flight transfer airside. You need to pass through immigration and customs. Once inside China just follow for departure flights. Make sure that your baggage has been checked through to your final destination. If not you need to retrieve it in Xiamen and check it in again.
@@DominicVictoria when you checkin you will be given luggage tags. These small little papers you have seen before.on them it is mentioned to where your luggage has been checked. ALSO: just ask. i do this all the time when the person doing the check in is not telling me until where my luggage is going: is my luggage checked through XXXX?
I want to thank you for this extremely helpful video! My mom in law is French and transiting at Xiamen Airport. She does not speak Chinese nor English, so these videos have helped me to make a detailed document for her to follow!
Hoop dat het met mij ook zo gaat. Dankjewel voor het delen van jouw ervaring !!!
I like how you edited your video great job very informative THANK YOU for making video
Thank you for the feedback :)
Those custom machines are about to be applied for fast customs check without waiting. If you don't hear the warning sound when passing the machine, then there's no need of double-check.
Thank you so much for clarifying what these machines are for. It would make sense to have these checks automated. Are they already used now?
Thank you so much for this video!!
Woah you came from manila in this vid :0
Same just a few months ago MNL-XMN and the airport was so pretty
Perfect video, very insightful!
Thank you so much for posting this. I'm going LAX to Bali in November. More than 10 hours connection in both directions. It's exactly what I needed. I've heard they use several different hotels in Xiamen, do you know if that's true? Also have seen information indicating you might have to share a room with a stranger, do you know anything about that?
Hi William, On the official website it says that if you fly economy you might be booked with another person into the same room. I flew business class so I o my own room. I have done the long layover now 3 times and it was the same hotel at all time. But I am not sure if they use the same hotel for business class and economy class passengers. The hotel for business class is Xiamen Airlines Lakeside Hotel
@@FlightBlog Thanks so much for responding. I found a post from a lady who flew economy and it was a different hotel. More of a Courtyard by Marriott type hotel. She was with her daughter so they shared a room. It seems in economy you have the option to pay a supplement so you don't have to share. Considering I paid 412.00 RT from LAX to Bali, I have no reason to complain. I just like to know what I'm dealing with so there aren't any last minute surprises. Thanks again for posting and responding so quickly.
@@williamalford4248 Many hotels are actually cheap in Xiamen. I think the one that they used fir business class passengers costs around 70 euros for the cheapest room. two tipps: 1. ask for non-smoking room if you are a non smoker. it is important! 2. Ask if you can have your breakfast the morning you arrive. Or else it will be for the next day, which is kind of useless :)
@@FlightBlog Perfect. Thank you!
@@williamalford4248 no problem, you are welcome :)
Very helpful video, made for a much better layover in Xiamen. Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback :)
Do you think it Would it be possible to recheck your bags before heading to the hotel? Just easier than hauling luggage back and forth. How far was the hotel from the airport? Easy to get a taxi back from the hotel to the airport? Great info. Thanks for the vlog!
There is a left luggage facility which i have pointed out in my video. You can store you bags there before going to the hotel. Its very easy to get a Taxi back from the hotel. Just ask at reception at check-out and the will hail one for you. Its a good ride for the cab driver as they get to the airport where it is easy enough for them to pick up a return to the city. The drive to the hotel takes about half an hour (usually less).
Hi! Thank you for showing this. So when I only have a 3h stop, where do I go after I went to the transfer desk… outside and back in somewhere? Thanks
Thanks for the video would’ve been nice if there was a video back to the airport and going to Amsterdam since i have the same flight and time like yours hope you could explain to me step by step what you did after leaving the hotel
Hi. There will be a video soonish. But it might take some weeks. But here is what I did after leaving the hotel: I took a taxi back to the airport. International Airport. The price is around the same. There is initially a security control before entering the building. Then its custom to check again. But they only scan your bags. After that you will find the find the check-in counter for xiamen airlines to the right. You can get your boarding pass there and drop any luggage you might have for check-in. Then up the stairs for immigration. Don't forget to complete the departure card. Then its security control. And after that you are done and already in the terminal.
Hi, Hope you get the notification that I commented. I just posted the departure video for Xiamen.
Thank you!
@@samanthakun3008 No problem at all. Let me know if you have any more questions :)
Very good video.
I will lay over 7 hours from Hong kong and then Melbourne using both Xiemen airlines. Can I use the lounge or sight seeing?
Extremely helpful video! My flight is tomorrow with 8 hour layover in xiamen. Arrives 9am and I need to stay until about 5 until the flight out. Will I be able to shower anywhere while I'm there? How much cash would I need for an 8 hour layover or can they accept card?
I only saw a shower in the business class lounge. But as you already have to enter the country (you get a transfer visa when you arrive) you can head to any hotel in the city. The price for the taxi back and forth is 90 RMB (taking the long way and traffic congestion). That is about 15 USD these days I believe? So not really expensive. Duty free is expensive in the airport. But most airports in asia have duty free on arrival. So don't buy anything there. If you stay within the airport 20 USD is plentiful. Most places accept in the airport accept Credit Cards. I recommend Revolut as you would have no FX for electronic payment and it is prepaid. I use it myself everywhere.
Great video!
Thank fir this video. Do i need to get transit visa? How much do i need to pay for a transit visa?
Great Video :) Thanks for sharing !
No problem. You are welcome 😁
Do you know what time the transfer counter is open? My flight to Xiamen arrives at 5:10 AM. Also, it looks like you need to go through immigration, even for transit, rather than walking to a separate transit area they have for Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, etc airports?
The counter is open at all times when flights are arriving. And yes, you always need to pass through immigration and customs. There is no separate transit area.
Thanks for the video. It would have been better if all relevant sinages are clearly shown in the video.
What camera are you using? Nice video
Hi. I am using the YI 4k+. The plus is important as the standard model only records 4k in 30. The plus does it in 60 fps. 😊
is 2:40 minutes time interval for connecting flyt is good?coz my friend travel from amsterdam to philippines via xiamen airport
So I assume you need to take your luggage upon arrival and re check back in after the layover? I was hoping they will transfer the bag automatically
Do you know how long is the sight seeing tour? I will have a 12 hours layover
That depends on from where you are flying. When I arrived from Europe my bag was checked through. When I flew from Asia back to Europe I had to collect my bag. There is a baggage storage facility in the airport. I pointed it out in the video. I think the tour is about 4 hours but I am unsure as I never took it. With 12 hours layover you can also get a free hotel room.
Did the airport or hotel have free WiFi or did you get a SIM card for your layover? How much time did you give yourself to come back for example if your flight was at 10am when would you have left your hotel? Also, did you get dinner at the hotel?
The hotel has free WiFi. And in the airport I used the WiFi from the lounge. This is China and you are registered. Also many things are blocked. So no access to Facebook. WhatsApp or any other western messenger except for Skype. I would aim to be back at the airport 90 minutes before your flight goes. 120 to be really save. The airport is small compared with many others so no long queues.
Were you offered the free hotel because you purchased a ticket that wasn’t economy?
Even in Economy class you get a free hotel if your layover is longer than 8 hours and both flights are on Xiamen Airlines 😊
Flight Blog woah!! Thanks for the info!
I saw zero ATMs in this arrival area. Am I wrong?
You are absolutely right. The only ATM landside is the departure area. as it is a small airport you can get there easily. When getting out after custom turn right and walk down the hall way. Just before the end take the elevator on the right hand side. Go up. When Exiting the elevator turn left. The ATMs are just 25 meters on the left.
@benzman500sl if you stay within the airport 100 RMB is good enough. thats about 15 USD I believe? The ATM in China have no fees added on, unlike the ones on Thailand.
Is that Xiamen airport T3?
I will have 8 hour layover can I exit the airport freely or they will not let me go out and I have to stay wait for next flight connection
There is no transfer part as you know from other airports. You always have to clear immigration. Once you done that you can freely leave the airport. Check the website what offers you might can avail due to the lengthy layover (points 6,7 and 8) www.xiamenair.com/en-eu/PassengerService/Ground%20Service/Xiamen%20Hub%20Transfer%20Service.html
Thank u very much for ur suggestion love ur video by the way 👍👍
No problem at al and thanks for the feedback :)
@@FlightBlog Since there is no transfer part, would I need a Visa for China? Xiamen would just be a short layover for me.
Hi, yes and no. Normally you would need to have a visa as you officially enter China. But, as off now, most countries are exempted from this. So you get a sticker and a stamp in your passport. With this you can leave the airport and return for your next flight with no issues. How long is your layover?
how Safe it is flying with Xiamen Airlines?
It is generally save, its one of the main line Chinese carriers.It even flies to the USA so went through their safety checks and procedures.
i will be transfer at this airport. what will i need to do?
There is no direct flight transfer airside. You need to pass through immigration and customs. Once inside China just follow for departure flights. Make sure that your baggage has been checked through to your final destination. If not you need to retrieve it in Xiamen and check it in again.
@@FlightBlog How do we know if our luggage are checked in for the next flight?
@@DominicVictoria when you checkin you will be given luggage tags. These small little papers you have seen before.on them it is mentioned to where your luggage has been checked. ALSO: just ask. i do this all the time when the person doing the check in is not telling me until where my luggage is going: is my luggage checked through XXXX?
Do you recomment it for a stopover?
I recommend it, I just was in Xiamen for a stopover and I really liked it
Fujian was not much developed much by China back then because it close proximity to Taiwan.
Is it easy to move in Xiamen airport?
What do you mean exactly?
I mean that the way, custom and WiFi in this airport.
Is it safe?
Hi did fly in business class ?
yes, i flew in business class :) Let me know if you have questions about it :)