Jul 14, 2017, 5:06 pm
Last edit by: littlevoices
On the back of a similar thread on the BAEC board, it may be helpful for those going on miles / tier point runs to know which destinations are preferable for back-to-back / immediate turnarounds.
Thanks to all who have contributed so far. Please add to the below if you have experience of this at any Cathay destinations (edit the wiki below directly if you have recent experience of any destination or you are 100% certain)
Definitions:
- Excellent: you will leave the aircraft and find yourself in the boarding area for departure ("Changi T1, T2, T3 model but not T4, CX's terminal" - no segregation of arriving and departing passengers)
- Good: you have to clear central security and/or immigration before reboarding, but the typical walking + queuing time required and the aircraft turnaround time should be fine
- Possible: you have to clear central security and/or immigration before reboarding, but the typical walking + queuing time required and the aircraft turnaround time make this more risky
- Not possible
Mainland China: Not possible, especially back-to-back (same aircraft) - i.e. XMN, TAO, FUC, CTU, XIY and others
BCN: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
BOS: possible (though will need to go through immigration and customs and reenter via landside) Although Immigration lines can be atrocious at BOS, there are very few international flights landing at that hour, so it should be reasonable.
CDG: good (though BAEC board does not think so)
CGK: possible (unhelpful transit desk; APEC cardholders may find it more predictable to exit and reenter via landside)
CMB: excellent (though need to print return CMB-HKG boarding pass in advance - see separate thread)
DAD: not possible for U-turns.
EWR: possible (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside)
HAN: not possible for U-turns.
HKG: good (still need to reclear central security, but efficient. May require high speed walking depending on respective arrival and departure gates. No immigration required)
HND: good (need to clear security; ample time buffer)
IAD: good (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside)
ICN: good (transfer security available at satellite terminal - no need to take train to main terminal, no immigration)
JFK: possible for CX846/845 and CX888/841 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
JNB: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
KHH: good
KTM: Possible, but get ISM to notify ground staff so they will assign an escort to take you through all the step. Not Possible without escort
KUL: excellent
LAX: possible for CX880/881 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
LHR: These are 2 hour transit time combos: CX257/238; CX239/256; CX253/254. Walk to gate 3x can be LONG; intermediate transit security area.
Morning arrivals require 6 hrs transit times for 1200ish departures
MAD: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
MXP: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
MLE: good (subject to update on separate thread)
MNL: good (best to plan your turnaround on the next flight to be safe. CX906/900 and 918/902/934 depart close to each other to minimise time wastage). No need to clear immigration however your passport will be taken for processing which may take as much as 30-40 minutes.
NRT: possible (need to clear security; tighter turnarounds)
ORD: not possible
PEK: n/a - regular delays mean this is not a viable miles run route (only try to do so if you have a flex ticket)
PVG: n/a - regular delays mean this is not a viable miles run route
SFO: possible for CX872/873 and CX892/893 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
SGN: not possible for U-turns.
SIN: possible, T4-T4 transit may pose some surprise to the staff
SYD: good - transit security but no immigration needed
TPE: good (still need to reclear central security, but efficient and usually empty transit facility)
Thanks to all who have contributed so far. Please add to the below if you have experience of this at any Cathay destinations (edit the wiki below directly if you have recent experience of any destination or you are 100% certain)
Definitions:
- Excellent: you will leave the aircraft and find yourself in the boarding area for departure ("Changi T1, T2, T3 model but not T4, CX's terminal" - no segregation of arriving and departing passengers)
- Good: you have to clear central security and/or immigration before reboarding, but the typical walking + queuing time required and the aircraft turnaround time should be fine
- Possible: you have to clear central security and/or immigration before reboarding, but the typical walking + queuing time required and the aircraft turnaround time make this more risky
- Not possible
Mainland China: Not possible, especially back-to-back (same aircraft) - i.e. XMN, TAO, FUC, CTU, XIY and others
BCN: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
BOS: possible (though will need to go through immigration and customs and reenter via landside) Although Immigration lines can be atrocious at BOS, there are very few international flights landing at that hour, so it should be reasonable.
CDG: good (though BAEC board does not think so)
CGK: possible (unhelpful transit desk; APEC cardholders may find it more predictable to exit and reenter via landside)
CMB: excellent (though need to print return CMB-HKG boarding pass in advance - see separate thread)
DAD: not possible for U-turns.
EWR: possible (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside)
HAN: not possible for U-turns.
HKG: good (still need to reclear central security, but efficient. May require high speed walking depending on respective arrival and departure gates. No immigration required)
HND: good (need to clear security; ample time buffer)
IAD: good (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside)
ICN: good (transfer security available at satellite terminal - no need to take train to main terminal, no immigration)
JFK: possible for CX846/845 and CX888/841 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
JNB: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
KHH: good
KTM: Possible, but get ISM to notify ground staff so they will assign an escort to take you through all the step. Not Possible without escort
KUL: excellent
LAX: possible for CX880/881 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
LHR: These are 2 hour transit time combos: CX257/238; CX239/256; CX253/254. Walk to gate 3x can be LONG; intermediate transit security area.
Morning arrivals require 6 hrs transit times for 1200ish departures
MAD: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
MXP: good (though note it is a 6-hour turnaround so will need to wait)
MLE: good (subject to update on separate thread)
MNL: good (best to plan your turnaround on the next flight to be safe. CX906/900 and 918/902/934 depart close to each other to minimise time wastage). No need to clear immigration however your passport will be taken for processing which may take as much as 30-40 minutes.
NRT: possible (need to clear security; tighter turnarounds)
ORD: not possible
PEK: n/a - regular delays mean this is not a viable miles run route (only try to do so if you have a flex ticket)
PVG: n/a - regular delays mean this is not a viable miles run route
SFO: possible for CX872/873 and CX892/893 (though need to clear immigration and customs and reenter via landside). Not possible for other flights
SGN: not possible for U-turns.
SIN: possible, T4-T4 transit may pose some surprise to the staff
SYD: good - transit security but no immigration needed
TPE: good (still need to reclear central security, but efficient and usually empty transit facility)
Wiki: Back-to-back / immediate turnarounds at Cathay destinations
Aug 10, 2017, 9:00 pm
#46
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
Hi everyone, I'm having trouble getting CX to reticket a RTW involving MLE turnaround. They state that doing so is not allowed as it fails the MCT. You also cannot purchase a same day return ticket on cx.com (and I checked that it's not because of min stay but MCT)
Aug 10, 2017, 10:38 pm
#47
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
sounds like they're playing hardball!
Aug 17, 2017, 12:03 am
#50
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
My understanding is that all Chinese outports are not ok for turnaround - it would simply fail the I-I MCT (i mean it's a risk that you can take, but if something happens then there's no ground at all. Yes, even for PEK covered above)
Nov 2, 2017, 6:25 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
Haven't seen any comment on doing a B2B at CX home base.
On two different iteneraries, I'll arrive LHR-HKG on CX238 at 12.55, expecting to leave for HKG-LHR on CX253 at 15.05. I'll OLCI for the return before departing LHR. As some years passed since last HKG stop or transit, I need to check. Is 2h10 to short ? [besides having limited lounge time
]
Would it actually be the same aircraft going back?
Thanks for your help.
o
On two different iteneraries, I'll arrive LHR-HKG on CX238 at 12.55, expecting to leave for HKG-LHR on CX253 at 15.05. I'll OLCI for the return before departing LHR. As some years passed since last HKG stop or transit, I need to check. Is 2h10 to short ? [besides having limited lounge time
]Would it actually be the same aircraft going back?
Thanks for your help.
o
Nov 2, 2017, 6:41 am
#52
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
Haven't seen any comment on doing a B2B at CX home base.
On two different iteneraries, I'll arrive LHR-HKG on CX238 at 12.55, expecting to leave for HKG-LHR on CX253 at 15.05. I'll OLCI for the return before departing LHR. As some years passed since last HKG stop or transit, I need to check. Is 2h10 to short ? [besides having limited lounge time]
Would it actually be the same aircraft going back?
Thanks for your help.
o
On two different iteneraries, I'll arrive LHR-HKG on CX238 at 12.55, expecting to leave for HKG-LHR on CX253 at 15.05. I'll OLCI for the return before departing LHR. As some years passed since last HKG stop or transit, I need to check. Is 2h10 to short ? [besides having limited lounge time
]Would it actually be the same aircraft going back?
Thanks for your help.
o
...it could be the same plane, but the way #s work it is unlikely. CX is the world's second largest operator of 77Ws after Emirates. CX doesn't have any special plans for certain destinations like LHR if that's what you're asking. Just two types of 77W: 77H and 77G. 33 of the former and 20 of the latter. 77H has F and is four classes, 77G doesn't have F and is 3 classes. It's CX's hub. Chances are higher than not you'll be on a different bird, but it is possible.
Nov 2, 2017, 8:38 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
After re-reading my post yet another time, I find it hard to see how anyone could be offended. Not beeing updated on HKG routines, I asked in the CX forum, anticipating there was the concentrated knowledge. Like beeing enlightened by fellow travellers having read all million-and-one threads about transit in HKG, not showing when I searched.
During the last year I've had experiences transiting in other parts of the world to other destinations than previous departure point, with extremely time-consuming procedures enforced, even if staying airside. There are also at least 4 international airports where I was forced to go landside, and transported (once by foot) to another terminal where departures were handled.
Doing my homework I searched and found this thread, with one post (#12) comparing procedures of one airport as per similarities to those of HKG. Also could not find relevant info on the airport website, hence the question. As per CX aircraft, I very much enjoyed the Google files source of knowledge here , so got that info already, But thanks anyway, another reader of this thread might have missed it.
On the side, maybe there are more readers than me, beeing surprised to hear that CX doesn't have any special plans for certain destinations like LHR.
As per scheduling time to have a shower in the lounge, that was not the object of my post. It is however good to know, should this be necessary, there are experts here to share their knowledge on that too.
Safe travels, all
During the last year I've had experiences transiting in other parts of the world to other destinations than previous departure point, with extremely time-consuming procedures enforced, even if staying airside. There are also at least 4 international airports where I was forced to go landside, and transported (once by foot) to another terminal where departures were handled.
Doing my homework I searched and found this thread, with one post (#12) comparing procedures of one airport as per similarities to those of HKG. Also could not find relevant info on the airport website, hence the question. As per CX aircraft, I very much enjoyed the Google files source of knowledge here , so got that info already, But thanks anyway, another reader of this thread might have missed it.
On the side, maybe there are more readers than me, beeing surprised to hear that CX doesn't have any special plans for certain destinations like LHR.
As per scheduling time to have a shower in the lounge, that was not the object of my post. It is however good to know, should this be necessary, there are experts here to share their knowledge on that too.
Safe travels, all
Dec 16, 2017, 3:09 am
#55
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: MPC-DM, Enrich-Plat
Posts: 1,310
You may want to add AMS.
Arrive somewhere around 6:00 and depart again around 12:45 - 13:15 (depending on daylight saving).
AMS does have excellent and usually fast transit options, no a visa required.
BA lounge open all the time, though, unfortunately, the BA lounge does not have showers. Food at the level of a 3-star hotel.
There is also an Aspire Lounge 41, which does have showers (paid). Internet also non-free, though the airport itself does have Free wifi.
Arrive somewhere around 6:00 and depart again around 12:45 - 13:15 (depending on daylight saving).
AMS does have excellent and usually fast transit options, no a visa required.
BA lounge open all the time, though, unfortunately, the BA lounge does not have showers. Food at the level of a 3-star hotel.
There is also an Aspire Lounge 41, which does have showers (paid). Internet also non-free, though the airport itself does have Free wifi.
Dec 26, 2017, 1:26 am
#56
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
I did a same-day turn at SIN (659 --> 736) last week and tried to 'time' if it would be possible to do a back-to-back. I would say doable but not as foolproof as before.
It takes at least 30 minutes to get from the CX gate at arrivals level to the same one at departures level, since it's like 10 minutes walk each way between the gate and security/immigration/transit point.
At the T4-T4 transit point, the security guard was confused and didn't want to let me through even though I showed him a mobile BP. We then walked together to an info desk where there were two (very annoyed) ladies that weren't sure if CX departed from T4 (?!?!?!) until one remembered ah, yes. Then it took some time to activate the security systems before I could go through (the security staff are still very professional, nonetheless).
After that, there was a CX desk and it was manned at that hour (before 650 - first departure) - so you can get a paper BP if you like or do whatever changes, and presumably for those that want to do turnaround, that's some leverage to hold the flight if you really are running late/tight on time.
BTW, the SIN lounge is really not good at all. Might share more at the relevant thread.
It takes at least 30 minutes to get from the CX gate at arrivals level to the same one at departures level, since it's like 10 minutes walk each way between the gate and security/immigration/transit point.
At the T4-T4 transit point, the security guard was confused and didn't want to let me through even though I showed him a mobile BP. We then walked together to an info desk where there were two (very annoyed) ladies that weren't sure if CX departed from T4 (?!?!?!) until one remembered ah, yes. Then it took some time to activate the security systems before I could go through (the security staff are still very professional, nonetheless).
After that, there was a CX desk and it was manned at that hour (before 650 - first departure) - so you can get a paper BP if you like or do whatever changes, and presumably for those that want to do turnaround, that's some leverage to hold the flight if you really are running late/tight on time.
BTW, the SIN lounge is really not good at all. Might share more at the relevant thread.
Dec 28, 2017, 8:00 am
#57
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: Cathay, JGC
Posts: 72
Hi there, Totally new here. Just wanted to ask if I am booked on the 12:10, CX421 out of Taipei, will I be able to make it on the CX474 flight getting into Taipei at 10:15? From what I've read so far, seems like I won't need to go through immigration and back in (Is it like Hong Kong?) and I should be able to make it, but just wanted to double check how quick it would be, in case(gulp!) there are delays. Once back in HKG I'll be connecting to my CX925 to Cebu! Your answers will be much appreciated! Thank you!
Dec 28, 2017, 8:34 am
#58
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: BA SL, CX GR, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 579
Hi there, Totally new here. Just wanted to ask if I am booked on the 12:10, CX421 out of Taipei, will I be able to make it on the CX474 flight getting into Taipei at 10:15? From what I've read so far, seems like I won't need to go through immigration and back in (Is it like Hong Kong?) and I should be able to make it, but just wanted to double check how quick it would be, in case(gulp!) there are delays. Once back in HKG I'll be connecting to my CX925 to Cebu! Your answers will be much appreciated! Thank you!
Dec 28, 2017, 8:54 am
#59
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: Cathay, JGC
Posts: 72
Hi there. Tried turnaround in TPE not long ago. Was on a flight scheduled to arrive at 0950, and departing on another at 1105. More than adequate time in between. You will just have to pass through security check without passing through immigration. And the security check area, unlike HK, was empty (just me as pax). So just enjoy your trip!
Dec 28, 2017, 7:51 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: HKG/HND/OOL
Programs: QF Emerald. SQ Gold.
Posts: 3,170
i have literally done plane door to door of CX TPE turn in about 7minutes. i rushed out as first J pax (select row 11 or 12), go through transit who never.checked my boarding pass in about 15times i done it and always empty, got to the boarding of next CX flight and asked to be changed onto this flight and squeezed myself in as last pax (after they printed manifest so they manually added my name) for departing flight.
few tips
-dont check luggage in
-check in advance at HKG the CX boarding gates ex TPE for your proposed earlier flight to get onto
- have tpe hkg boarding pass, either print it urself, or ask CX HK counter to issue it, or even the HK machine can print it.
and most importantly if hk operation is messed up due to typhoon be prepared or avoid travel if possible
few tips
-dont check luggage in
-check in advance at HKG the CX boarding gates ex TPE for your proposed earlier flight to get onto
- have tpe hkg boarding pass, either print it urself, or ask CX HK counter to issue it, or even the HK machine can print it.
and most importantly if hk operation is messed up due to typhoon be prepared or avoid travel if possible