Originally Posted by
KACommuter
I did both over the summer. I'd do HKG/NRT/JFK again any time as value for money was excellent. But not HKG/DFW/... as DFW is not set up for non-US citizens transiting. I missed my onward flight.
No USA airport is set up for non-US citizens transiting, unfortunately. I'm fortunate to be an American passport holder with Global Entry (expedited entry in a similar idea to Hong Kong e-channel, though different in execution). It is normally smooth sailing for me, but still a pain to go through immigration, pick up checked bags, go through customs, recheck bags, then have to deal with TSA when the large, high international transit volume airports in the vast majority of other countries are much easier. I can only imagine it being much worse for those not carrying an American passport.
Originally Posted by
travelinmanS
Ctrip has had these AA fares for a long time now out of PVG and PEK. They must be a dumping ground for cheap biz class fares from China to the USA. I noticed the $2000 USD round trip HKG-LAX fares started appearing on Ctrip in mid-August. They go up a bit closer to flight time then drop back down to $2000 round trip a day or two before the departing flight. Anyone with flexibility and living in China (including HK) should have an easy time getting to anywhere in the USA in biz class using Ctrip for under $3000 USD.
Probably as the vast, vast, vast majority of Americans don't know of Ctrip, and AA can hold margins on fares sold to Americans that way but still fill seats.