Originally Posted by
maeharasmuse
This press release is an absolute non-event:
1. How is e-channel an added benefit? E-channel is open to any frequent visitor to HKG. Is JAL pretending that they can clear pax through the HKG e-channel without prior registration? It would really amaze me to find out that the Chinese have outsourced their border-security to a Japanese airline... I don't think there is any truth to this. E-channel requires prior registration, and I don't believe this will be any different for JL-pax. As for the intellectual and financial integrity of the JAL HKG station-crew, well don't get me started on that one... for goodness sake I'll just stay short of saying that it would be very unwise to hand out HKG's migration-formalities to such a mean bunch of criminals. Let's just say that it is very unlikely indeed that JL HKG are now in a position to hand out blank e-channel passes, be it to pax of Japanese or of non-Japanes nationality.
2. According to seat-guru some of the best F, J and Y-class seats are further down the back of the plane. A front Y-class middle bulkhead seat?? No, thanks, but no thanks!!
On the other hand, any confirmation that JAL HKG (after many months of needless delays) are finally going to refund me the money that they have so rudely and injustly extorted out of me, now that would be news!!!
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1. This applies to HKIA only (in other words, you're not going to be breezing through EVERY HK border checkpoint with just your JL membership). From the HK government immigration department website:
"With effect from 7 September 2009, the self-service immigration clearance facilities have been extended to visitors holding Frequent Flyer Programme Membership Card issued by airline
s which have joined this arrangement. Please enquire with your airline." Obviously, this
includes JL rather than being unique to it.
Airport only, your JL elite membership will get you nowhere if you're crossing anywhere other than the airport.
And you obviously haven't so much as read the details if you're talking like that. You still have to register, it says as much on their page. It's just that instead of showing the "three entries or more in 12 months" you show your JL elite card to get the airport e-channel clearance.
(Psst- HK government is still mostly separate from the mainland government; notice the existence of the border that necessitates this whole e-channel business?)
2. Er, Y, maybe. But I'd never expect to find ANY F or J seats "further down the back of the plane". Especially not F seats. If you are, that might not be JL you're taking.
3. Oh? So it's personal?