choupeo

My parents will travel next month with CX on this route SGN-HKG-JFK. I am trying to learn about the transit procedure so that I can write it down for them as they don't speak much English or Chinese. I've never been to HK so please correct me if I am wrong. The steps to follow will be:

- Get boarding passes for both flights at SGN
- When arriving at HKIA, follow Transit/Transfer sign to departure level
- Go through security check
- Check gate number
- Go to gate

They will be on CX 846 (first class) departing around 6pm if I remember correctly. Which lounge would be the nearest to the gate in your experience ? The lounge should be after security check, right ? Is there any additional security check because of US-bound flight ?

Btw, if someone happens to have the menu for flight CX846 please let me know. I want to translate it for my parents.

Thank you.

dkc192

Yes, the procedure you described is correct. US-bound flights usually, but not always, depart from gates 3, 4, or 21, so going to the Wing F lounge would be their best bet. The entrance to the F lounge is one level up from the departures level, after security. There is an additional security check at the gate for all US-bound flights.

Cathay Boy

You had a good reply, but just in case:

If gate number is 1-4, early 20s: use Wing F
If gate number is high-end like 60s (very rare): use Pier F

If language is an issue, just ask any CX dressed personnel how to get to the lounge, point at the lounge invitation, CX personnel are very helpful to assist you.

Since they are F, no need to head to gate early, tell them to wait till 20 min. before flight to head to the gate, no reason to head down early and stand in line.

CrazyJ82

I don't think this is very good advice if there is a language issue and they're unfamiliar with the airport. I'd encourage them to get to the gate earlier. Worst case, they enjoy an extra pdb onboard.

correctioncx

Also the gate closes 20 mins dept? And for US flights there are additional security checks at gate. Best to get MAAS assistance and the CX staff will sort out everything - with escort to gate etc...

Cathay Boy

This is CX, they will call to the very last minute to get/find the pax. If there's a no-show they have to re-do the entire cargo hold and find the no-show pax's luggage and off-load them. It's even more painful to do that. CX never closes when they have no-shows and will do everything they can to find them.

Just thinking they might be really old and no sense getting into the mess that usually happens 30-40 minutes prior to boarding. Perhaps OP can write a note in English to hand off to the CX F lounge agent in essence saying: "Please escort them to the boarding, they need help, thanks."

Dr. HFH

This is great advice from Cathay Boy. CX goes to great lengths for its F pax. I might word it slightly differently, I think that indicating that they are your parents would help. More along the lines of:

I'm sure that they will be well cared for.

correctioncx

20 mins before dept is too late if it is not a gate close to the lounge. Whilst they might try to hunt down the pax, some common decency to avoid people looking for u will be nice.

If the OPs parents use MAAS then they will collect them 35 mins before dept. even if they arrive at the gate remember there is 2nd security screening, also as a F class pax they will be able to board the aircraft and enjoy the ob board service and enjoy some, pdb

cX does offload pax and I've seen it many times

cxfan1960

I agree with correctioncx that it is a courtesy to the other passengers that the (F) passengers do not wait for the last moment to board. That may cause delays. Leaving the lounge 20 min prior to departure is marginal. CX often departs early if all passengers are already on board.

CX does unload luggage. They did that when a passenger did not show up on my CX872 flight three days ago - immediately after all other passengers were on board (but after the ETD due to delay in boarding).

correctioncx

They def do offload people

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...45645796,d.aGc

Not sure whether that woman is related to our EconDM.

Mrtnw

DON'T have them wait until 20 minutes to departure.
When the screens in the lounge show "boarding" they should head over to the gate. When there is a long line for F/J (and MPC) boarding tell them to just walk to the front of the line and show their F bp to ground staff. Once on board they can enjoy a pdb or two . No need to stress and run the risk of getting offloaded.
MAAS will be good too as it gives your parents the extra support and reassurance.

choupeo

Thank you everyone ! You're so helpful. I'll do the English notes. What is MAAS ? Some kind of assistance for elderly people ?

I guess my parents won't stay in the lounge so long that they risk being offloaded, but they might get lost in the shops instead. My Mom nearly missed a flight in SIN once because she visited a shop and then couldn't find her way to the gate while hearing her name being called.

Mrtnw

MAAS = Meet And ASsist.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...l/specialneeds

GE90-115B

That brought up some good memories. I remember laughing HARD when I first saw that

ernestnywang

I think go through security first and then to departure level?