Ex PEK delays - Safe CX transfer time?
 

I have always heard horror stories of delays up to a few hours out of PEK and PVG due to shared airspace with the military. What is generally a safe transit time for ex PEK flights to HKG and then HKG to other locations?

I'm currently booked on the below in J class:

-KA993 (Depart PEK 18:35, Arrive HKG 22:25)
-CX880 (Depart HKG 00:05, Arrive LAX 22:10)
Transit time of 1:40

Would this be okay / would it be worth to switch to an earlier but more expensive flight?

Just go to PEK earlier and ask for earlier flight on day of departure. If you definitely cannot miss the flight then do advanced rebooking.

I have flown from PEK on Air China in last few months but never met with any delay, but it can just be me being lucky

Thanks Chris, does CX do free same day rebookings if you come to the airport earlier to get on an earlier flight (obviously if there's availability)? I've done this on american airlines before but have never tried on CX now that I've come to think of it.

The delay situation is vastly improved, but I wouldn't dream of attempting that connection. Have you looked into the PEK-LAX flights (2 on CA and 1 on AA) ? In addition to shaving 6 hours off total travel time, you won't have to stress about the HK connection.

As stated above, the delay situation has been vastly improving in the past few months.
But, that is still to short to my taste. If the price difference is small, I would not hesitate to pad an extra 2 hours.
Note that in days of delays, CX will let you take an earlier flight for free is space available.

I'm choosing this route because I found it at a decent price and to get extra tier points as well since I'm close to diamond. The ex PEK was a little pricier on that day and comes with less points.

The previous CX flights departs PEK at 16:40, CX331. SO you might try to get at airport a big hour before.
But don't worry too much. If all flights are delayed, Say CX331 departing at 18:00, just ask to be put on it.

Thanks a lot for your advice brunos!

I have a even shorter connection. My flight is from PVG-HKG-SFO, CX5809 to CX872 with only 60mins of connection. This is a published fare. I don't really have an option as my meeting ends late and it's 1.5 hour train ride to PVG.

If I missed the CX872 connection, will CX place me on the next flight out at no charge? This is a paid J ticket.

Yes, they will protect you if you misconnect, but I suggest that you either book the overnight in HK from the get go, or grab UA's evening nonstop.

I often take after work flights from PEK/SHA to HKG. The delays don't impact me a great deal because HKG is my destination, but I've witnessed many crying passengers upon arrival in HKG (after it was explained to them that their connecting flights were long gone).

The one hour MCT assumes that inbound flights are close to on time. I flew PVG-HKG earlier this week in perfect weather with an onetime departure, and we still magaged to arrive 30 minutes late.

Thanks for info. I'm a sucka for elite status and "loyal" to OW. Plus the ticket was much cheaper on CX than UA at the time of booking. I guess I'll plan on a possible hotel stay.

It's a thru ticket. I booked SFO-HKG-PEK and PVG-HKG-SFO as multicity ticket with CX. It was surprisingly "cheap" slightly under $3K USD.