Hey everybody!

I currently attend Baptist University in Kowloon Tong. Friday afternoon, I have classes until 3.20pm and there is an Air China flight at 5.30pm to Beijing. I have Gold status with Star Alliance.

What are my chances to make this flight?

I see on the internet that MTR from the Kowloon Tong Station to Central takes 19 minutes (it always seems longer) and the Airport Express (never taken - had shuttle) will take 24 minutes. With connection, let's say it takes 55 minutes from Kowloon Tong into airport. Is this correct?

Latest check in time with Air China is 45 minutes before departure, so 4:45pm. (according to their website) How strict are they to enforce that anyway? Will do online check in (website offers that option, this will also be my first time on Air China) but their carry-on policy will most likely make me check a bag as 5kg is nothing.

I will have done some departures by then at HKIA by then but I want to book this flight now so by then I will know how to navigate through the airport.

Do you guys think this is at all manageable or am I insane? Taxi in HK is cheap but to the airport I assume it is quite a bit and as I said, I am a student. Also, I don't know how bad the traffic will be on a Friday afternoon?!

Is there any other alternative I didn't see yet? Maybe a smart combination of taxi and Airport Express that will avoid going down to Central? If worst comes to worst, I could also leave earlier or don't go to class at all but this is something I want to avoid if possible.

Your insight is much appreciated.