Foiled by a CX schedule change
 

I am doing an AONE4 later this year and today on checking the booking on AA (as one does everyday :) ) the details of the booking are not shown.

So I figure something has changed somewhere in amongst my 20 segements.

The BA and AA flights all checked out as expected.

But oh dear, CX521 from NRT-HKG no longer uses the 333 on a Tuesday, but now it is a Saturday.

The reason I chose this flight is that it gets to HKG with plenty of time to spare for a connection to DEL on CX753 which leaves at 22:25.

If I want to keep the max number of F flights I have two choices.

CX451 which goes via TPE and arrives in HKG at 21:20
or
CX505 direct which arrives in HKG at 22:05

The reason I didn't go with the 505 in the first place was the tight connection, although legal it is.

I can't afford to miss the HKG-DEL flight as the next flight is not until 3 days later.

Any suggestions? Sit it out in the regional J class 330 flight I am booked on or change to CX451 or 505?

Anyone had any good/bad experiences with the NRT-TPE-HKG flight?

Is it likely to change back between now and September?

I usually take CX451, but they are making you get off in TPE now which they did not used to make you do. You do not have to exit Security to get to the Lounge, but it is a fair walk.

At first, Don't rely on CX520/521 for F class. These flights are notrious as frequent ship changes.

CX505 arrives at 22:05
CX753 departs at 22.55 on Tuesday of SEP2006 (next DEL flight is on Friday)
50min connection is tight, but probably OK.
In my experience of CX505, this flight tends to arrive early in Summer.

Of course, CX451 is safety.

CX450/451,504/505 are definitely operated by 744.

CX451 NRT/TPE/HKG is an ordinary regional F flight.
You may find some trip reports in this forum.

Thanks Guys.

Oops typo CX753 departs 22:55 which as I understand it just scrapes it in for a legal CX CX connection at HKG at 50 mins.

Will have a bit of a search for reports on the 451 flight.

50 minutes is legal at HKG for CX-CX. I would go for it - I reckon on an F ticket as a OW Emerald CX would probably get you on the plane even if your Narita flight opened its doors 20 minutes before the Delhi was due to depart. Checked luggage might not make it in that scenario though.

I fly CX451 from NRT to TPE quite often (including this week). Its a really nice flight and the stop in TPE is short. Always a 747. No worries for that option.

Speaking from direct experience, no they won't in general.

I made a scheduled 45 minute connection just today in HKG. No problem if the 1st flight is on time, disaster if it isn't.

I had the EXACT same issue. I stayed in J for the earlier NRT to HKG to
1) Assure I do not miss my U.S flight. I hear there are a lot of delays out of NRT right now due to snow.
2) Most importantly allow time in the CX lounges in HKG. :)


I might have chosen this option in FC with the TPE stop if we were allowed to get off and use the lounge but it sounds like sometimes they make you stay on the plane which does not interest me. Reservations told me it is a 7 hour flight via TPE but I think they were not figuring in the time difference. It can't be that long.

Go for CX 451
 

I will go for CX 451 for more padding time... and the service on CX 451 is quite nice. No Japanese Kaiseki meal option, but you will get two hot meals... a full dinner will be served from NRT to TPE, and then you will get another abbreviated dinner from TPE to HKG.

Other than the stop, it is not that big of a deal... The loading is actually usually a bit lighter on CX 451 too, so more attentive service...

The stop at TPE is usually very short, so getting off the plane or not is not that big of a deal. The TPE lounge is great, but it is a 10 minutes walk to the lounge from CX usual B gates... Then 10 min back... so you only have 10-20 min in the lounge...

Have a safe flight.

Carfield