lixiaojuventus

I am trying to book round trip flights HKG-GVA. However, on the outbound CX's website only gives me the option of HKG-ZRH-GVA, with a 1h connection at ZRH. All the other options are much more expensive. I am worried that this is too short, as I need to clear Immigration and security at ZRH during the transfer. Is there anyway for me to force a longer connection?

In addition, if I book this itinerary, but missed my connection in ZRH, I guess I should ask LX (the operator of ZRH-GVA) to rebook me, right?

Thanks!

clubeurope

Given that this is all in one itinerary, you will be protected in the event you miss your flight. If you miss your connection, I think you should report to the Cathay Pacific Desk at Zurich Airport, they will rebook you onto the next available flight.

wyskevin

Unterwegs

1 hour is usually sufficient in ZRH if your inbound is not severely delayed. It is a relatively small airport. If you don't see a CX person just go to the Swiss transfer counter.

There are many flights ZRH-GVA, Worst case there are also trains approx. every 30 min, takes 3 hours.

lixiaojuventus

Thanks everyone for the great answers! Really appreciate all the help. I agree that it is not very difficult to get from ZRH to GVA even after I miss my connection, so I will probably book this itinerary then

kaka

lixiaojuventus

Thanks for the kind suggestion! Yes, I think the train ride is a good alternative. However, if I want to take the train, who should I talk to? The CX check-in staff at ZRH or the transfer desk staff of LX?

appenzeller

1 hour is sufficient and if you miss it there are plenty of other flights ZRH - GVA as Zurich is really the HUB for LX, where LX would rebook you. The train would be the second back-up only

lixiaojuventus

Ok, thanks for the reply! I will contact LX in case of a missed connection then

An unrelated question: In case I miss my connection, and get rebooked to a later LX flight, I can enter LX's lounge based on my *G status with United (despite the fact that the reservation will be associated with my MPC number), right? Do I need to have LX change the FFP on my boarding pass to UA's, or do I just need to show my *G status using UA's app?

Thanks!

kaka

lixiaojuventus

Oh, I see. I do want to keep my MPC points but also want to use the LX lounge This question is also relevant when I fly LX from GVA to ZRH on my return leg. I guess I will have to see what happens on the spot then.

brunos

Frankly, I would not worry about your outbound.
Both flights are coded CX (ZRH-GVA LX metal) and if you mis the 07:30, CX will automatically put you on the 09:30 (hopefully flight is not full). Every day they have pax flying from HKG to GVA and the ZRH station (or HQ) is used to it and will take care of your rebooking,.even before you land if your plane is delayed. They will wait at the door with new boarding passes.
I would not entertain the idea of trains, as it will be quite complicated to modify the ticket.
And you should have access to the Senator lounge with your *G card.

On the other hand, I would always be inclined to worry about the return trip where the longhaul is the second flight. But you should get 1h30 transfer time and LX GVA-ZRH flights are quite punctual in the morning.
BTW: the reason that other LX flights to GVA are more expensive is that CX have an agreement (codeshare) on LX2802 but not on the other flights.

lixiaojuventus

Great! Thanks for your reply! I figured that if CX is willing to sell this 1h connection, it is probably safe, but it is reassuring to hear comments from an experienced CX flyer

Yes, the return trip has a 1h35m connection at ZRH. I agree with you that in case the GVA-ZRH flight gets seriously delayed, I would be in trouble as CX only operates one ZRH-HKG flight each day. However, I guess probably the evening ZRH-HKG by LX will be the backup plan in case of IRROPS? Also, it is good to know that morning GVA-ZRH flights are usually punctual

brunos

I would not worry for your inbound flights either.
You have a very reasonable connection time.
Of course, anything can always happen and even a 3h connection time is sometimes not enough, but you should be fine.
ZRH is not such a small airport. You will have to take a train from your arrival in A to the CX departure gate in E and go through police control, security and possibly a long walk in E. But that should be fast enough.
And if the missed connection is caused by LX GVA-ZRH delay, CX/LX should be inclined to rebook you on the LX evening flight. But CX might prefer to rerout you to another European city then a CX flight back to HKG. Again CX/LX are reliable airlines in case of irrops and they will be prepared with an option.

lixiaojuventus

Thanks for your detailed reply! Really appreciate your help!