ethernetWeasel

I am flying on United to HKG. When I arrive I want to take the ferry to Macau.

Is it possible to check bags so that I can pick them up in the transit area?

EthernetWeasel.

warakorn

It is not possible to pick up checked-in bags in the transit area.

If you need to get your bags at HKG, you cannot take the direct HKG-Macau ferry, because you cannot access that ferry after you have passed the HK entry immigration checkpoints.
You would have to take the train to HK Central and take a ferry from there to Macau.

In any way -> why do you need to retrieve your bags at HKG?
The ferry operator normally picks up your bags from the baggage carrousel and puts in on the ferry. You get your bags in Macau.

neuro0

Macau ferry counter is before immigration. Once you buy the ferry ticket, the ferry company will send someone to retrieve your checked baggage from the baggage carousel using your baggage tag. The baggage will be transferred to the ferry and locked up( using some buggy cords, not very secure at all) during the ferry ride. You will have access again only after you arrive in Macau after immigration but before custom.
Legally, you never enter Hong Kong SAR.

drewguy

Yes. Check the Hong Kong forum for tips and details, but this is an excellent summary. You'll see signs for the ferries before immigration - buy ticket and they'll get bags.

Check the schedule beforehand because the Macau ferries are less frequent and can be a tight connection with the late arriving UA flights. I've done it to Shenzhen without issue a couple of times, once with checked bags (I was a bit wary of that TBH).

WineCountryUA

This is excellent advice and as this is not UA specific will move this thread there for continued discussion.

WineCountryUA
UA coModerator

B747SP

Just present your checked bag claim stub when you purchase your ferry ticket at the ferry counter before immigration. If there is enough time for them to retrieve your checked bag and transfer to the ferry (usually two hours before the ferry departure time but sometimes they allow a tighter connections), they will sell you a ticket and get the bags transferred for you. If there is not enough time they will not sell you a ticket.

mh3265a

HKIA website has a pretty good video explaining the process. Can be found on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHlYkBCs8Jg&feature=youtu.be

ijgordon

Given the requirement to purchase the ticket far enough in advance for them to get your bags and transfer them to the boat, it's doesn't save *that* much time vs. going into Central and taking the ferry from there (assuming no huge immigration lines), where they also run more frequently. Of course it's a little bit more of a hassle though.

So probably best to play it by ear - when you get to HKG, if you have enough (but not *too* much) time before the next direct ferry, then buy your ticket. Otherwise, just go through immigration to baggage claim, collect your bags and take the Airport Express to central and walk or taxi over to the ferry terminal (or I think there's a bus that takes you directly there which will be easier but probably take longer).

moondog

Clearing immigration, picking up bags, going to HK station (50 km in the opposite direction!), walking to the ferry terminal, buying a ticket, exiting HK, walking to the ferry -- is MUCH more time consuming than taking a ferry from hkia, even if you have to wait 1.5 hours.

helosc

A recent timings example if anyone is interested:

This Monday, I landed at 7.10 am, got the bus A11 at 8.05 am, arrived right outside the ferry terminal at 9.05 am, got the Cotai ferry at 9.30 am, arrived in Macau Taipa ferry terminal about 10.30 am - immigration was fast.

889

And not only did you arrive before the first ferry from HKIA at 11am, but all-in you saved yourself about HK$50.

helosc

Yes, the first ferry from HKIA would only have reached Macau at about 12.15.
And I found the trip to be very easy and relaxed.
And I had a good view from the top of the bus.

lx343

Me and my friend are planning to go to Macao for one night on the 30th of december. Im planning to go straight to MFM while he is arriving first class from Frankfurt. The problem is that his flight is arriving at around 5pm and next ferry is only at 10pm.

So my queston: if he has to wait, lets say 4h what can he do at the airport? Is there a lounge for ferry passengers? Ive checked it online and their seems to be only two class services out HKG available.

Thx. for your inputs
lx343

number_6

There is very little to do for 4h while waiting for ferry -- suggest you have kindle or book or movie on ipad. There is a smoking lounge and a restaurant with some food and drink. Not sure if there is any beer or wine but definitely coffee. You are limited to the arrivals level and 99% of airport facilities including lounges are not accessible as they are on departures. The ferry "lounge" itself is like a gate lounge (just a room with a few seats and no food/drink/entertainment.

The alternative is to enter hong kong and take train/taxi to the ferry in Hong Kong which runs frequently but that would take say 2h instead of 4h.

rkkwan

Cotaijet has sailings at 7p and 9p to Taipa.