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How long to get through exit formalities at Beijing?
Just wondering how long the typical process is to get through the exit process at Beijing for a 6pm flight on a Monday night?
I see KA say their desks close promptly 60 mins before departure. Is that sufficient time? Putting in contingency for delays getting to the airport, is planning to arrive 2hrs before the flight going to make for a relaxed trip through security, exit immigration, bit of lounge time etc? Thanks |
I usually aim for 75-90 minutes prior to departure -- it usually takes about 45 minutes to get through, but can be slower (or faster). Two hours is fine, and best to hedge bets on traffic at any rate.
Lounges are not worth planning extra time for. tb |
Originally Posted by trueblu
(Post 23814262)
Lounges are not worth planning extra time for. (is the KA F lounge any better than the C variant? Two of us might end up in there...) |
Originally Posted by Swiss Tony
(Post 23814074)
Just wondering how long the typical process is to get through the exit process at Beijing for a 6pm flight on a Monday night?
I see KA say their desks close promptly 60 mins before departure. Is that sufficient time? Putting in contingency for delays getting to the airport, is planning to arrive 2hrs before the flight going to make for a relaxed trip through security, exit immigration, bit of lounge time etc? Thanks |
It took us about 45 minutes two weeks ago. You go thru screening with only random swabbing, then the train, then immigration and finally screening again.
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Originally Posted by moondog
(Post 23814919)
KA's desks are pretty much always open. I target t-65 minutes for check-in, but when I arrive earlier than that, they usually put me on an earlier flight if there's still time to make it.
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Originally Posted by JPDM
(Post 23815840)
The OP is talking about an international flight. I doubt that the airline will have an earlier flight going to the same destination.
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We would need 5 seats anyway (with arguably two pairs) so unless KA are in the habit of running very empty planes, I suspect we'll end up just sticking with what we're booked on.
All very helpful stuff however. |
Originally Posted by Swiss Tony
(Post 23814858)
expectations duly lowered!
(is the KA F lounge any better than the C variant? Two of us might end up in there...) Bad dim sum and poor quality sandwiches will be on offer. I actually prefer the dire snack offerings in the CA lounge...that has a bizarre but occasionally pleasant 'tea pavilion'...but even with the Amex plat PP (which I think you have) that will only get 4 of you in... Either way: one doesn't go to PEK for the lounge offerings. tb |
Originally Posted by trueblu
(Post 23819212)
I think one turns left to F and right for J -- and end up in the same lounge...
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Originally Posted by trueblu
(Post 23819212)
I think one turns left to F and right for J -- and end up in the same lounge...
Either way: one doesn't go to PEK for the lounge offerings. tb Am I missing a trick here? I was planning to hire a van & driver for the day to take us up to Mutianyu first then back to the airport. I believe we should aim to get to Mutianyu ASAP. How long will we spend at the wall, and is there anything else worth doing between Mutianyu and the airport ? Just starting to think if we leave the hotel at 8am, would we be better off making for the 4.30pm flight rather than booking the 6.30pm? |
Originally Posted by Swiss Tony
(Post 23820213)
lol...
OK, I get the message! :p It's just that I don't want to be rushing through the airport with the kids as missing the flight would inevitably be rather costly. Do they have cold beer??? Am I missing a trick here? I was planning to hire a van & driver for the day to take us up to Mutianyu first then back to the airport. I believe we should aim to get to Mutianyu ASAP. How long will we spend at the wall, and is there anything else worth doing between Mutianyu and the airport ? Just starting to think if we leave the hotel at 8am, would we be better off making for the 4.30pm flight rather than booking the 6.30pm? |
Thanks again - I assume there's nothing else out that way worth seeing on the way between the Wall and the airport?
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Originally Posted by Swiss Tony
(Post 23820524)
Thanks again - I assume there's nothing else out that way worth seeing on the way between the Wall and the airport?
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