Just booked a flight with XiamenAir and I'm worried

Hi guys,

I just booked a flight from Amsterdam to Denpasar with a layover in Xiamen and I have a few questions.

One - I have received an email "e-ticket issued successfully" but nothing else. Does that mean I will need to collect my printed tickets from check-in desk even if I don't have a registered luggage? I have already selected my seats.

Two - I have read bad opinions about Xiamen Airport and about what the transfer there looks like, long queues etc. Is there some true to that?

Three - if I have prescription sleeping pills, will I be able to take them through the immigration control at Xiamen Airport without any problems?

Regarding your XiamenAir flight and transfer through Xiamen, here’s a detailed breakdown for your questions:

1. E-ticket and seat selection:

If you have received an “e-ticket issued successfully” email and have selected your seats, this usually means you are fully ticketed and do not need to collect a paper ticket at the check-in desk, even if you have no checked luggage. Most airlines in China, including XiamenAir, accept mobile boarding passes or printed boarding passes obtained at self-service kiosks or check-in counters. If you prefer, you can print the e-ticket confirmation, but it is generally not mandatory for boarding.

2. Transfer at Xiamen Airport:

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is a medium-sized airport. Opinions about long queues and crowded areas are mixed:

  • Peak times can be busy, especially for international transfers, so allow sufficient time between flights.
  • Security and immigration lines can be moderate; if your layover is long enough (2–3 hours or more), it should be manageable.
  • Airport signage and transfer process are fairly standard, but English information may be limited, so be prepared to ask staff if needed.

3. Prescription sleeping pills:

Carrying prescription medication into China is usually allowed, but there are some precautions:

  • Keep the medication in its original pharmacy-labeled packaging.
  • Carry a doctor’s prescription or letter explaining the purpose of the medication.
  • Bring only the quantity necessary for personal use during your trip.
  • Declare the medication at immigration if requested. Most travelers with properly documented personal-use prescriptions experience no problems.

In summary, your e-ticket and seat selection should suffice, Xiamen Airport transfer is manageable with some patience, and prescription sleeping pills are acceptable if properly documented. Arriving early and keeping documentation handy will make your transit smooth.


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