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
Apr 12, 2018, 10:26 pm
#91
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,053
Thanks for the quick reply. I understand that's the 'official' published MCT, but since I'll be hopping back on the same a/c I arrived in, delay on the inbound shouldn't be a concern for me. I'll be flying in J so would there be an escort service upon disembarking to assist me in getting through the formalities?
Apr 13, 2018, 2:15 pm
#92
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
Rule of thumb for turnaround at PRC outports - the smaller/more idle the airport the better.
Or even better, don't do it if you don't have to ;P
Or even better, don't do it if you don't have to ;P
Apr 14, 2018, 5:36 pm
#93
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SYD | HGH
Programs: CX DM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,121
I have done same day turn around at PVG few times, each time leave around 4 hour layover when book the ticket, and when I doing the checking at PVG, I was able to move to the earliest possible flight every single time. It is one of my favourite airport doing turnaround, it is big and will take longer compare with smaller airports, however you will not need to worry about missing your flight, as there are just so many.
Apr 15, 2018, 2:59 am
#94
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: MPC-DM, Enrich-Plat
Posts: 1,310
For bigger airports, there are always more than 1 daily KA/CX flights (with CAN an exception), I do not understand why someone would want to turn around with the same aircraft at PEK or PVG.
I have done same day turn around at PVG few times, each time leave around 4 hour layover when book the ticket, and when I doing the checking at PVG, I was able to move to the earliest possible flight every single time. It is one of my favourite airport doing turnaround, it is big and will take longer compare with smaller airports, however you will not need to worry about missing your flight, as there are just so many.
I have done same day turn around at PVG few times, each time leave around 4 hour layover when book the ticket, and when I doing the checking at PVG, I was able to move to the earliest possible flight every single time. It is one of my favourite airport doing turnaround, it is big and will take longer compare with smaller airports, however you will not need to worry about missing your flight, as there are just so many.
The flexibility at PVG is an exception and there to protect CX for delays on your original flight (and put people on that, who would otherwise have to be serviced by CX).
Apr 19, 2018, 5:31 am
#95
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 173
I had experience of flying turnaround flights at PEK and FOC. I requested MAAS service upon arrival for both times.
For PEK, the staff (Third-party, not CX/KA own staff) picked me up at the arrival gate. She didn't feel hurry at all and she even waited for all the passengers, so as the cockpit and cabin crew to leave the aircraft so that she could lock the gate. When the cabin crew came out, they were surprised to see me still standing at the gate, and urged the ground staff to bring me to transit. She brought me to the transit desk, and printed my boarding pass for me. It took quite long as she didn't even know how to use the computer. She then told me she was not responsible of assisting passengers to check in as she was an airside staff. After printing me the boarding pass, she brought me to use the staff immigration counters. There was a long queue at the security check and she told me that she would be waiting me at the exit after security check. However, I couldn't find her after finishing the security screenings. But the biggest problem was that I soon realised I lost my boarding pass and travel documents after the security check! I was panic and didn't know what to do.... I immediately rushed to the CX Lounge and a staff with CX uniform helped me and luckily at last, I found my belongings with her help.... Fortunately my return flight was delayed for around 30 minutes and I could still catch on that flight.
For FOC, the airport design is just like SIN (arrival and departure are on the same level). However, China requires transiting passengers to go through immigration. Once I arrived at FOC, the cabin crew referred me to a ground staff. The ground staff accompanied me to get my boarding pass at landside, and get back into airside through immigration. The whole experience was smooth and I must say that the airport staff at FOC was more friendly and helpful that the one at PEK...
For PEK, the staff (Third-party, not CX/KA own staff) picked me up at the arrival gate. She didn't feel hurry at all and she even waited for all the passengers, so as the cockpit and cabin crew to leave the aircraft so that she could lock the gate. When the cabin crew came out, they were surprised to see me still standing at the gate, and urged the ground staff to bring me to transit. She brought me to the transit desk, and printed my boarding pass for me. It took quite long as she didn't even know how to use the computer. She then told me she was not responsible of assisting passengers to check in as she was an airside staff. After printing me the boarding pass, she brought me to use the staff immigration counters. There was a long queue at the security check and she told me that she would be waiting me at the exit after security check. However, I couldn't find her after finishing the security screenings. But the biggest problem was that I soon realised I lost my boarding pass and travel documents after the security check! I was panic and didn't know what to do.... I immediately rushed to the CX Lounge and a staff with CX uniform helped me and luckily at last, I found my belongings with her help.... Fortunately my return flight was delayed for around 30 minutes and I could still catch on that flight.
For FOC, the airport design is just like SIN (arrival and departure are on the same level). However, China requires transiting passengers to go through immigration. Once I arrived at FOC, the cabin crew referred me to a ground staff. The ground staff accompanied me to get my boarding pass at landside, and get back into airside through immigration. The whole experience was smooth and I must say that the airport staff at FOC was more friendly and helpful that the one at PEK...
Apr 19, 2018, 6:23 am
#96
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SYD | HGH
Programs: CX DM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,121
The problem is that some time if your arrival only delayed for a short time, i.e. 20 minutes, the turnaround airport will not change the scheduled departure time, so you might not be in time to check in for the the return flight.
Apr 19, 2018, 9:38 am
#97
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HKG
Programs: Marriott Ambassador (Titanium Lifetime), BA Gold, Ex-Hertz 5* PC, Ex-HH Diamond, Ex-BD*G
Posts: 3,058
1 - On the good side, you get dropped into the normal terminal right next to the gate so you could re-board. There are only ~7 international gates, its a small terminal
2 - On the negative side, I couldn't check-in online when departing, as such you may still need to leave the secure area to get a boarding pass.
Security and customs were very light for me on a Friday night, I exited in less than ten minutes, however, the check-in probably closes about the same time that your flight arrives, so unless you can print the boarding pass in HKG I think you could be stuck. The customs and security would have taken another 15 minutes or so to reenter as well on Sunday evening
Apr 19, 2018, 12:45 pm
#98
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 612
Curious as to how easy it is to print the BP in advance in Hong Kong for a turnaround in CMB? In the other threads it was not clear if CX agents would give a hard time or not.
Apr 19, 2018, 6:05 pm
#99
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 173
I've not tried this, here are a few observations based on a trip there last weekend on a fanfare J fare:
1 - On the good side, you get dropped into the normal terminal right next to the gate so you could re-board. There are only ~7 international gates, its a small terminal
2 - On the negative side, I couldn't check-in online when departing, as such you may still need to leave the secure area to get a boarding pass.
Security and customs were very light for me on a Friday night, I exited in less than ten minutes, however, the check-in probably closes about the same time that your flight arrives, so unless you can print the boarding pass in HKG I think you could be stuck. The customs and security would have taken another 15 minutes or so to reenter as well on Sunday evening
1 - On the good side, you get dropped into the normal terminal right next to the gate so you could re-board. There are only ~7 international gates, its a small terminal
2 - On the negative side, I couldn't check-in online when departing, as such you may still need to leave the secure area to get a boarding pass.
Security and customs were very light for me on a Friday night, I exited in less than ten minutes, however, the check-in probably closes about the same time that your flight arrives, so unless you can print the boarding pass in HKG I think you could be stuck. The customs and security would have taken another 15 minutes or so to reenter as well on Sunday evening
Apr 19, 2018, 6:27 pm
#100
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 107
When you check in at HKIA, ask agent to check the luggage from HKG to your final destination only. The luggage does not need to travel on HKG-FOC-HKG.
Apr 25, 2018, 1:02 pm
#102
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: CX
Posts: 3
First time doing a back to back (HKG-PEK) - advice needed!
Hey guys
New user here, and first time doing a back-to-back flight (HKG-PEK-HKG). Am a little nervous about missing the connecting flight from HKG and would love to get some advice from the FlyerTalk community on any or all of the below questions, especially from those that have been in a similar predicament to me before and have first hand experience! I’ve found this thread extremely helpful so far, so thanks to everyone for contributing. And apologies in advance for the extremely long post and potentially noob-ish questions!
Cheers!
TT
TL;DR Version
I have already booked KA997 (PEK-HKG departing at 0630) on 18/May connecting to CX882 (HKG-LAX departing at 1635 same day). I now need to book my PEK-HKG, which I will likely redeem with my BA Avios miles.
Which HKG-PEK flight should I take?
A) KA906 – 17/May – depart 1900 – arrive 2230
B) KA996 – 17/May – depart 2300 – arrive 0215+1 [think this is the same plane as KA997]
C) Other – if so, which flight/airline?
Full Version
I am based in HKG. I need to get to PEK to start my PEK-HKG-LAX (KA997 and CX882 on 18/May, as above). I will be returning on YVR-HKG-PEK. All of this will be in business class I-fare which I booked last August for HKD19,000. My girlfriend is joining me for HKG-LAX/YVR-HKG on a companion redemption ticket.
Question 1) I would like to know what is the safest and most efficient HKG-PEK flight to take to ensure that I will make it onto CX882.
· I would like to spend as little time in PEK as possible as I plan to go into work on both 17/May and 18/May
· I also cannot afford to miss the CX882 flight as this may mean missing the wedding that I am attending in LA (morning of 19/May). My girlfriend definitely can’t afford to miss the wedding as she is the maid of honor!
My personal preference is to take KA996 – is this actually viable? The connection time is only 1:15, but this seems fine based on what people have written in thread for two reasons: (i) this is the same plane as KA997 so I shouldn’t be impacted by a delay unless there is a plane swap (seems very improbable); and (ii) PEK has a transfer desk and dedicated transit security/immigration (open 24hrs when I checked BCIA website) so I can stay airside the whole time. My only concern is that KA996 has been cancelled twice in the past week alone. KA996 is also the last flight of the day and there doesn’t appear to be any other CX/KA flight combination for HKG-PEK-HKG on the following day that gets me back in time to board CX882 L
Would I be better of taking KA906 or an even earlier flight? I would have at least 5 hours connection time, which is seemingly more than enough buffer but as it is a different plane I run the risk of this flight getting significantly delayed to the point of missing the KA997 turnaround flight.
Question 2) Let’s say I took KA906 and it was delayed such that I missed my KA997 connection. Would CX be obliged to put me onto a later PEK-HKG flight (i.e. KA937/KA905/CX347, which all seem to get me back to HKG in time for CX882)? My KA906 and KA997 flights would not be on the same booking/itinerary so I’m worried I will just be considered a no show for KA997.
Question 3) If I were to somehow miss my CX882 flight, would my girlfriend (who is travelling on a companion redemption ticket) still be allowed to check in and board CX882 without me?
Question 4) I have read in this thread that I should get my CX997 (PEK-HKG) boarding pass issued in HKG before I board my HKG-PEK flight, in order to save time and skip the transit desk at PEK. Should or can this be done at the HK in town check in counters, airport check in counters, business class lounge, self-print (not sure if PEK accepts this?) and/or all of the above?
Question 5) Can I check in my luggage at HKG and request for it to go directly to LAX on CX882, without it travelling with me on HKG-PEK-HKG? I’ve read above that this is possible, but wondering how this is even allowed if the airline’s expectation is that I start my trip in PEK. If I do have to take check in luggage with me to PEK then I assume this means I collect it at PEK and go landside to check it back in. So I definitely can't to the KA996/KA997 turnaround combo.
New user here, and first time doing a back-to-back flight (HKG-PEK-HKG). Am a little nervous about missing the connecting flight from HKG and would love to get some advice from the FlyerTalk community on any or all of the below questions, especially from those that have been in a similar predicament to me before and have first hand experience! I’ve found this thread extremely helpful so far, so thanks to everyone for contributing. And apologies in advance for the extremely long post and potentially noob-ish questions!
Cheers!
TT
TL;DR Version
I have already booked KA997 (PEK-HKG departing at 0630) on 18/May connecting to CX882 (HKG-LAX departing at 1635 same day). I now need to book my PEK-HKG, which I will likely redeem with my BA Avios miles.
Which HKG-PEK flight should I take?
A) KA906 – 17/May – depart 1900 – arrive 2230
B) KA996 – 17/May – depart 2300 – arrive 0215+1 [think this is the same plane as KA997]
C) Other – if so, which flight/airline?
Full Version
I am based in HKG. I need to get to PEK to start my PEK-HKG-LAX (KA997 and CX882 on 18/May, as above). I will be returning on YVR-HKG-PEK. All of this will be in business class I-fare which I booked last August for HKD19,000. My girlfriend is joining me for HKG-LAX/YVR-HKG on a companion redemption ticket.
Question 1) I would like to know what is the safest and most efficient HKG-PEK flight to take to ensure that I will make it onto CX882.
· I would like to spend as little time in PEK as possible as I plan to go into work on both 17/May and 18/May
· I also cannot afford to miss the CX882 flight as this may mean missing the wedding that I am attending in LA (morning of 19/May). My girlfriend definitely can’t afford to miss the wedding as she is the maid of honor!
My personal preference is to take KA996 – is this actually viable? The connection time is only 1:15, but this seems fine based on what people have written in thread for two reasons: (i) this is the same plane as KA997 so I shouldn’t be impacted by a delay unless there is a plane swap (seems very improbable); and (ii) PEK has a transfer desk and dedicated transit security/immigration (open 24hrs when I checked BCIA website) so I can stay airside the whole time. My only concern is that KA996 has been cancelled twice in the past week alone. KA996 is also the last flight of the day and there doesn’t appear to be any other CX/KA flight combination for HKG-PEK-HKG on the following day that gets me back in time to board CX882 L
Would I be better of taking KA906 or an even earlier flight? I would have at least 5 hours connection time, which is seemingly more than enough buffer but as it is a different plane I run the risk of this flight getting significantly delayed to the point of missing the KA997 turnaround flight.
Question 2) Let’s say I took KA906 and it was delayed such that I missed my KA997 connection. Would CX be obliged to put me onto a later PEK-HKG flight (i.e. KA937/KA905/CX347, which all seem to get me back to HKG in time for CX882)? My KA906 and KA997 flights would not be on the same booking/itinerary so I’m worried I will just be considered a no show for KA997.
Question 3) If I were to somehow miss my CX882 flight, would my girlfriend (who is travelling on a companion redemption ticket) still be allowed to check in and board CX882 without me?
Question 4) I have read in this thread that I should get my CX997 (PEK-HKG) boarding pass issued in HKG before I board my HKG-PEK flight, in order to save time and skip the transit desk at PEK. Should or can this be done at the HK in town check in counters, airport check in counters, business class lounge, self-print (not sure if PEK accepts this?) and/or all of the above?
Question 5) Can I check in my luggage at HKG and request for it to go directly to LAX on CX882, without it travelling with me on HKG-PEK-HKG? I’ve read above that this is possible, but wondering how this is even allowed if the airline’s expectation is that I start my trip in PEK. If I do have to take check in luggage with me to PEK then I assume this means I collect it at PEK and go landside to check it back in. So I definitely can't to the KA996/KA997 turnaround combo.
Last edited by reddevil94; Apr 26, 2018 at 1:29 am Reason: Correcting flight details
May 7, 2018, 5:10 am
#103
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: HKG, DTW
Programs: CX Diamond, UA Gold, DL Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 32
Hey guys
New user here, and first time doing a back-to-back flight (HKG-PEK-HKG). Am a little nervous about missing the connecting flight from HKG and would love to get some advice from the FlyerTalk community on any or all of the below questions, especially from those that have been in a similar predicament to me before and have first hand experience! I’ve found this thread extremely helpful so far, so thanks to everyone for contributing. And apologies in advance for the extremely long post and potentially noob-ish questions!
Cheers!
TT
TL;DR Version
I have already booked KA997 (PEK-HKG departing at 0630) on 18/May connecting to CX882 (HKG-LAX departing at 1635 same day). I now need to book my PEK-HKG, which I will likely redeem with my BA Avios miles.
Which HKG-PEK flight should I take?
A) KA906 – 17/May – depart 1900 – arrive 2230
B) KA996 – 17/May – depart 2300 – arrive 0215+1 [think this is the same plane as KA997]
C) Other – if so, which flight/airline?
Full Version
I am based in HKG. I need to get to PEK to start my PEK-HKG-LAX (KA997 and CX882 on 18/May, as above). I will be returning on YVR-HKG-PEK. All of this will be in business class I-fare which I booked last August for HKD19,000. My girlfriend is joining me for HKG-LAX/YVR-HKG on a companion redemption ticket.
Question 1) I would like to know what is the safest and most efficient HKG-PEK flight to take to ensure that I will make it onto CX882.
· I would like to spend as little time in PEK as possible as I plan to go into work on both 17/May and 18/May
· I also cannot afford to miss the CX882 flight as this may mean missing the wedding that I am attending in LA (morning of 19/May). My girlfriend definitely can’t afford to miss the wedding as she is the maid of honor!
My personal preference is to take KA996 – is this actually viable? The connection time is only 1:15, but this seems fine based on what people have written in thread for two reasons: (i) this is the same plane as KA997 so I shouldn’t be impacted by a delay unless there is a plane swap (seems very improbable); and (ii) PEK has a transfer desk and dedicated transit security/immigration (open 24hrs when I checked BCIA website) so I can stay airside the whole time. My only concern is that KA996 has been cancelled twice in the past week alone. KA996 is also the last flight of the day and there doesn’t appear to be any other CX/KA flight combination for HKG-PEK-HKG on the following day that gets me back in time to board CX882 L
Would I be better of taking KA906 or an even earlier flight? I would have at least 5 hours connection time, which is seemingly more than enough buffer but as it is a different plane I run the risk of this flight getting significantly delayed to the point of missing the KA997 turnaround flight.
Question 2) Let’s say I took KA906 and it was delayed such that I missed my KA997 connection. Would CX be obliged to put me onto a later PEK-HKG flight (i.e. KA937/KA905/CX347, which all seem to get me back to HKG in time for CX882)? My KA906 and KA997 flights would not be on the same booking/itinerary so I’m worried I will just be considered a no show for KA997.
Question 3) If I were to somehow miss my CX882 flight, would my girlfriend (who is travelling on a companion redemption ticket) still be allowed to check in and board CX882 without me?
Question 4) I have read in this thread that I should get my CX997 (PEK-HKG) boarding pass issued in HKG before I board my HKG-PEK flight, in order to save time and skip the transit desk at PEK. Should or can this be done at the HK in town check in counters, airport check in counters, business class lounge, self-print (not sure if PEK accepts this?) and/or all of the above?
Question 5) Can I check in my luggage at HKG and request for it to go directly to LAX on CX882, without it travelling with me on HKG-PEK-HKG? I’ve read above that this is possible, but wondering how this is even allowed if the airline’s expectation is that I start my trip in PEK. If I do have to take check in luggage with me to PEK then I assume this means I collect it at PEK and go landside to check it back in. So I definitely can't to the KA996/KA997 turnaround combo.
New user here, and first time doing a back-to-back flight (HKG-PEK-HKG). Am a little nervous about missing the connecting flight from HKG and would love to get some advice from the FlyerTalk community on any or all of the below questions, especially from those that have been in a similar predicament to me before and have first hand experience! I’ve found this thread extremely helpful so far, so thanks to everyone for contributing. And apologies in advance for the extremely long post and potentially noob-ish questions!
Cheers!
TT
TL;DR Version
I have already booked KA997 (PEK-HKG departing at 0630) on 18/May connecting to CX882 (HKG-LAX departing at 1635 same day). I now need to book my PEK-HKG, which I will likely redeem with my BA Avios miles.
Which HKG-PEK flight should I take?
A) KA906 – 17/May – depart 1900 – arrive 2230
B) KA996 – 17/May – depart 2300 – arrive 0215+1 [think this is the same plane as KA997]
C) Other – if so, which flight/airline?
Full Version
I am based in HKG. I need to get to PEK to start my PEK-HKG-LAX (KA997 and CX882 on 18/May, as above). I will be returning on YVR-HKG-PEK. All of this will be in business class I-fare which I booked last August for HKD19,000. My girlfriend is joining me for HKG-LAX/YVR-HKG on a companion redemption ticket.
Question 1) I would like to know what is the safest and most efficient HKG-PEK flight to take to ensure that I will make it onto CX882.
· I would like to spend as little time in PEK as possible as I plan to go into work on both 17/May and 18/May
· I also cannot afford to miss the CX882 flight as this may mean missing the wedding that I am attending in LA (morning of 19/May). My girlfriend definitely can’t afford to miss the wedding as she is the maid of honor!
My personal preference is to take KA996 – is this actually viable? The connection time is only 1:15, but this seems fine based on what people have written in thread for two reasons: (i) this is the same plane as KA997 so I shouldn’t be impacted by a delay unless there is a plane swap (seems very improbable); and (ii) PEK has a transfer desk and dedicated transit security/immigration (open 24hrs when I checked BCIA website) so I can stay airside the whole time. My only concern is that KA996 has been cancelled twice in the past week alone. KA996 is also the last flight of the day and there doesn’t appear to be any other CX/KA flight combination for HKG-PEK-HKG on the following day that gets me back in time to board CX882 L
Would I be better of taking KA906 or an even earlier flight? I would have at least 5 hours connection time, which is seemingly more than enough buffer but as it is a different plane I run the risk of this flight getting significantly delayed to the point of missing the KA997 turnaround flight.
Question 2) Let’s say I took KA906 and it was delayed such that I missed my KA997 connection. Would CX be obliged to put me onto a later PEK-HKG flight (i.e. KA937/KA905/CX347, which all seem to get me back to HKG in time for CX882)? My KA906 and KA997 flights would not be on the same booking/itinerary so I’m worried I will just be considered a no show for KA997.
Question 3) If I were to somehow miss my CX882 flight, would my girlfriend (who is travelling on a companion redemption ticket) still be allowed to check in and board CX882 without me?
Question 4) I have read in this thread that I should get my CX997 (PEK-HKG) boarding pass issued in HKG before I board my HKG-PEK flight, in order to save time and skip the transit desk at PEK. Should or can this be done at the HK in town check in counters, airport check in counters, business class lounge, self-print (not sure if PEK accepts this?) and/or all of the above?
Question 5) Can I check in my luggage at HKG and request for it to go directly to LAX on CX882, without it travelling with me on HKG-PEK-HKG? I’ve read above that this is possible, but wondering how this is even allowed if the airline’s expectation is that I start my trip in PEK. If I do have to take check in luggage with me to PEK then I assume this means I collect it at PEK and go landside to check it back in. So I definitely can't to the KA996/KA997 turnaround combo.
2: Probably they will put u into the next flight. Just call ticketing / Marco Polo (if u r a member) to link up your bookings and request meet n assist service upon arrival at PEK.
3: I am not sure, better phone Asia Miles/ Marco Polo
4: Better do it in the lounge when u r in HKG. Staff at the HKG check-in counters are unlikely to be willing to help u print the return flight boarding pass for u on a separate booking. But anyway, if u requested meet n assist upon arrival at pek, probably the pek staff will still bring u to their transit desk and print u ur boarding pass. That was what happened in feb when I flew my turnaround flight.
5: Certainly!
