Tight Connection Query (China Eastern & Dragonair)
 

Firstly, apologies if this is posted in completely the wrong place, couldn't think of anywhere better though!

I'm booked to do the following itinerary soon and am a bit concerned about the connection time, so thought perhaps someone here would be able to give some advice, thanks in advance.

The plan is:
MU2668 LYI-HGH (Arrives 17:15)
KA637 HGH-HKG (Departs 19:10)

I've actually got a colleague who has made this connection before, but he only had hand luggage and I'm going to have a checked bag. Have I got enough time? He said you have to switch terminal (Domestic to International).

I'm unsure what the agreements are between the 2 airlines regarding checking baggage through for both segments, I guess this would alleviate some of the risk if possible.

Thanks for any help, I want to try to avoid being stuck somewhere for a night if possible!

No interlining between MU and KA for this flight.

You have to clear immigration (check your visa!) and pick up your luggage.

Proceed to KA counter for check-in.

Without delays of the MU flight it should be possible to make this connection, although it will be somewhat troublesome.

Thanks for the reply. Would I still have to clear immigration to change terminals even if I only had hand luggage?
Surely as it's a domestic flight from LYI-HGH i'll still be alright with a single entry visa? Or will I need multi-entry?

no, the poster above has given you erroneous information. i'm not sure on the interlining, but there is nothing to do with immigration here. there is no immigration clearance, visa issues etc as posted above. you will clear immigration obviously at HKG. i think he got the airport codes mixed up.

IF your arriving domestic flight is on time, you will be fine. there is an approximately 50 meter walkway from the domestic terminal (north) and new terminal where KA is housed (south). to access the walkway, go upstairs from the luggage area to the departures level. walk to the southside of the departures concourse, take the short walkway and you'll be walking into the KA counters. walkway is very easy. KA check-in is open until an hour, maybe even 50 minutes, before take-off. transiting the two terminals is not your problem.

your problem is honestly who knows in China with domestic flights, especially at the end of the day. it's roulette esp with domestic flights as I'm guessing you know. i don't know your situation, but i'm not one to take kindly to getting stuck and hence I wouldn't schedule that connection for myself. just too much stress if the domestic flight gets the ever-common 30-60-90 whatever minute delay.

btw, naturally i'd recommend NOT checking a bag if you can avoid it since that will give you an extra 5-10 minutes to deal with in case your incoming flight is late and the connection is close

Thanks for the advice, I think you're probably right...
I was surprised how limited I was for options, I guess LYI is a pretty minor airport though. I need to try and have as much of the day as possible there and then be back into HKG that night, so I guess i'll start looking for another way! I was surprised by the lack of options through Shanghai...

you can definitely make it. the problem is you don't really know in China if you will or won't given the frequency of flight delays.

if you want to assure you're into HK by a certain time, I actually recommend flying to Shenzhen from LYI. It isn't exactly enjoyable but it eliminates the connecting flight. Shenzhen has a new terminal which at least isn't as bad as it used to be. You can either arrange a driver to pick you up and drive you across the border to HK, or there is a bus service from Shenzhen airport to various spots in HK. I haven't taken the bus before but I know people who have and at least can vouch for the fact that it seems to work reliably. As to whether or not you'll enjoy that bus ride....I can't vouch for that;)

Thanks for the tip, I've actually found a combination through PVG which should work:

MU5552, LYI-PVG (15:25-16:35)
KA897 PVG-HKG (19:40-22:20)

Many thanks for the help, on the way up north I'm actually going through Hongqiao (CAN-SHA-LYI) but on the way back PVG seems like the best way to work it.

Your previously proposed conx at HGH is illegal even if booked on 1 TKT (MCT=2:30), let alone 2. The PVG one is alright. As you probably know, if booked on separate TKTs, you are at your own risk if you missed the conx flt. KA is usually understanding, but no guarantee.