CMB - what is check in experience like these days?

[Jester38]

We are spending time in March in Sri Lanka and have an early morning departure on Sri Lankan Airlines (7:20 CMB/MLE). Travelling Y, but Platinum members - assume we can use the "Silk Road" Bus Check-in? Have not been through CMB in many years and simply no idea what to expect.
Really appreciate it if someone has a recent experience of this and can give some indication of likely time required to do check-in (always hate having to get up too early for a flight ) Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Austman]

Travelling Y, but Platinum members - assume we can use the "Silk Road" Bus Check-in?

I don't think so. It's J class only, I'm pretty sure.

If you have much luggage to check-in, it might help a bit. But I've used it a few times recently with hand luggage only and I had my BPs already. For me might have saved a few minutes at best.

It only replaces the check-in desk and initial security and is likely to be less crowded but passport control afterwards is the same as everyone else.

 

[Jester38]

I don't think so. It's J class only, I'm pretty sure.

If you have much luggage to check-in, it might help a bit. But I've used it a few times recently with hand luggage only and I had my BPs already. For me might have saved a few minutes at best.

It only replaces the check-in desk and initial security and is likely to be less crowded but passport control afterwards is the same as everyone else.

Thanks Austman, really appreciated. Based on your experience, would two hours suffice from arrival to departure assuming normal operations?

 

[Austman]

Based on your experience, would two hours suffice from arrival to departure assuming normal operations?

It should be.

The regular check-in area has SriLankan Airlines desks for premium customers and OW elites.

One problem, if you do turn up at the Silk Route entrance but find out you are not eligible, is that they will refuse you and you'd have to get over to the airport's regular entrance which is a bit of an outside walk away. Not great if it's dark, hot or raining.

So if not sure, and you want to try the Silk Route entrance, keep your airport ride handy until you have confirmed your Silk Route eligibility at the Silk Route entrance door!

 

[RB]

We were there in March but had a near midnight departure with SQ in J. The airport was much improved from our previous time. We had access to the diplomat line at emigration which certainly saved us time. There was a bag check at the gate but it was a smooth process.

 

[Jester38]

That is really helpful, thanks all