nps001

Quick question--We are flying from SFO to HKG and onward to SIN. This is all ticketed through CX. There is only a 50 minute connection time. It appears the flights typically arrive early. Is it a long distance to walk from the arrival gates from international flights to the area around gate 39? I realize we need to go through security again. The person I am traveling with has knee problems and can walk slowly but if the distance is long and we need to rush, should I request wheelchair assistance? Thanks in advance.

CXFlyerBoy

There is no gate 39. Gate assignments are random in HKG

nps001

Thanks CXFlyerboy---regardless of which gate, is it a long walk from an international arrival, through security and to the departure gates?

Visconti

Assume it's all on the same PNR and you'll have an onward BP to SIN? If so (can even do this on separate tix, but on same is more efficient with less risk), when you deplane, there's usually (to the left in my experience) a pathway to quickly pass security (they do cursory check, usually nothing major), then an elevator/escalator up to departures, generally at or near the Bridge, at least during my connections. It doesn't take long, at all. If you're not delayed, it's more than ample time.

Not sure about the wheel chair thing, but CX may even have it there waiting as you deplane.

synthkeys

There are no "regional departure gates" at HKG. Every destination out of HKG is considered international. All you will need to do is pass through transit security which brings you from arrivals level to departure level. 50 minute connection time shouldn't be any problem as long as your flight from SFO isn't delayed on arrival. CX is very good about this and there is always staff available when you deplane to help transit passengers.

ernestnywang

As others have said, gate assignment is pretty random. You may get a very short walk or a rather long one.

CXFlyerBoy

For insurance, I would say arrange wheelchair and then let the cabin crew and ground crew know if you have a tight connection. They are usually pretty efficient.

FWIW, no worries if you are on 873 or 893 and miss 691. There is 759 and 619 leaving an hour later. If you are on 879 and miss 715, they will put you on 659 which leaves ar1:45am. CX is good at dealing with misconnects if you are booked on one PNR.

Afternote: looks like you are on 893

nps001

All---thanks so much! Very helpful indeed.

tentseller

Book the wheelchair.

The "walk" can be a long one if the gate lottery work against you.
Wheelchairs are usually waiting for deplaning CX pax.

1readyset2go

How do you book a wheelchair with CX? I have an award flight in J (with my wife who is able bodied) on CX in Feb. It will be MNL-HKG-LAX. I am concerned about a long walk at HKG with luggage. Thanks!

bobbytables

Just ring them and ask for it.

1readyset2go

How much prior to flight would you advise doing this? I have never had to do this before so forgive my ignorance. I am am usually pretty fit but I need a total hip replacement which will happen not long after this flight. So just call (CX) reservations and give them the request? These are OW redemption tickets on CX that I used my AA miles to purchase. Thanks!

bobbytables

I'm not sure of the actual policy but I've had to book assistance at HKG once - I called Cathay 24h before and it was fine; I'd probably suggest 24-72 hours before.

Edited to add: I found this link, which gives some extra info and suggests 48h as the minimum. https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...assengers.html

realgaga

Don't forget that there's always at least 1 ground staff meeting each flight at HKG and they usually have names for tight connections, just identify yourself if you're on it and they'll help you.

cmiller11101

How well do you know the airport? I can breeze through HKG with my eyes closed... I feel like I know every little corner of this airport to the point of it being both incredible and disturbing.

Then again, if you're asking this question, you don't know it that well... 50 minutes won't be enough if you arrive at "The Annex" as I call it... that is, the island with gates in the 500's... gotta take a bus... if it were me, I could do it and have done it multiple times... but I know exactly where to go and what to do.... if you don't, then I would budget 90 minutes minimum to be safe.

As I think others have mentioned, if it's on one PNR, chances are they'll be waiting for you at the gate to escort you... in which case you'll be fine.