Flying from Toronto to Singapore via HK with Cathay...is this risky?
Nov 12, 2019, 9:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 75
Flying from Toronto to Singapore via HK with Cathay...is this risky?
I bought tickets on my Amex points, given that other tickets were very expensive...but now I'm having second thoughts if this was the right move.
I'm traveling to Singapore end of next week on Cathay, and have a 1h 50m layover in Hong Kong before my next flight (also on Cathay). Now, is this a risk? Has Cathay canceled flights for transiting passengers, given the current situation in HK? Or would it be fine, given that I'm not planning to exit the terminal?
If flights are canceled, would I be entitled to any compensation? I'm trying to just think ahead, and plan for the worst case scenario, just in case...
I'm traveling to Singapore end of next week on Cathay, and have a 1h 50m layover in Hong Kong before my next flight (also on Cathay). Now, is this a risk? Has Cathay canceled flights for transiting passengers, given the current situation in HK? Or would it be fine, given that I'm not planning to exit the terminal?
If flights are canceled, would I be entitled to any compensation? I'm trying to just think ahead, and plan for the worst case scenario, just in case...
Nov 12, 2019, 10:34 am
#3
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
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Posts: 19,803
We can't guarantee anything here but let's just say the last time HKG (as in HK airport) got shutdown was August and not all transit pax were affected even then.
Nov 12, 2019, 5:52 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 259
Echoing everyone else here - you will be fine with a 2-hr transit. More than fine. Even in the unlikely scenario that protesters converge on the airport again, chances that you'll be affected are slim (given you won't be exiting the airport landside, and won't run into protesters, who are barred anyway from entering the airport proper).
Even if your incoming/oubound flights were to be affected by delays, you'll be protected by solid IRROPS anyway, given both incoming and outgoing flights are on CX.
If you have CX lounge access, spend your energy planning which lounge you'll visit (most of here would likely recommend the Wing - excellent shower facilities, hot meals, and a place to stretch out and rest before departure
).
Even if your incoming/oubound flights were to be affected by delays, you'll be protected by solid IRROPS anyway, given both incoming and outgoing flights are on CX.
If you have CX lounge access, spend your energy planning which lounge you'll visit (most of here would likely recommend the Wing - excellent shower facilities, hot meals, and a place to stretch out and rest before departure
).
Nov 12, 2019, 6:46 pm
#8
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Anyone know the current situation for non-transit passengers? I have a 27 hour connection at HKG next week on different tickets, and plan to stay at the airport Regal.
Nov 12, 2019, 7:24 pm
#9
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Not only can you make your flight, going to/from Hong Kong Station should be OK within declared opening times (might not be up to 00:48 last train)
Can't make any guarantees whether you can exit Hong Kong Station on your day, you might well have to head back to airport if there's protests outside.
Nov 12, 2019, 7:49 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
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You will be fine. I too have been through HKG several times over the past month and no sign of disruption inside the airport. As for the connection time, that is perfectly adequate assuming you are on one ticket. If it is of any comfort, I am doing a 55min connection at HKG later this month and am not worried
Nov 12, 2019, 8:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
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To add on, weekdays are in general better than weekends (except this week), HK Station is in general more predictable than KL or TY; late night return to Regal should not be an issue, but things could change within days.
Nov 12, 2019, 8:57 pm
#12
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Thanks for all your input. I won't be going into the city. By the time I get in, claim bags, check in to hotel, etc., I'll have no interest. The next day, I'll sleep late, then walk back to the airport, check in, and head to one (or more) of the lounges.
Nov 12, 2019, 9:05 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Then you are essentially a transit pax (especially at Regal), which is most likely business as usual. I personally would be bored staying 27 hours at Regal, but given what's going on right now, I would agree it's the best course of action.
Nov 12, 2019, 9:31 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Lowly CX & IHG
Posts: 382
The airport island is probably the safest amongst all locations accessible by rail in Hong Kong now. Transit should be unaffected at all. Haven't noticed any cancellation due to commute yet (and even so, same ticket transfers will be well protected). But the situation outside is rapidly changing in the past few days, stay cautious if any transit plan involves getting out of the airport island.