Overnight Stopover in HKG
 

I have arranged for a 19-hour stopover in HKG on a flight from BKK to JFK. I am flying via American Airline miles on Cathay Pacific. I have been told that, depending on the way my ticket is written, I may be unable to leave the HKG airport. Is there any truth to this? Thanks for any help and advice!

None whatsoever. The only question is whether your passport would allow you to enter HK without a visa. If it is a US or Thai one (amongst many others) then no problem at all.

I suspect you travel on CX all the way...
Your baggage can be checked all the way to JFK, and boarding pass issued on both segments. You can leave airside to landside without any problem as long as you fulfill the visa requirement as christep said.

Welcome to Flyertalk and HK forum!

Some airlines have a transfer restriction pertaining to bags. For example, for Continental luggage can only be checked-through if the layover is 12hours or less. Check with CX to see what their policies are so you're not stuck in the airport with large bags and nowhere to go. As long as you make sure your Passport is one that doesn't need a visa to enter Hong Kong, or if you get your visa beforehand, you're free to leave the airport.

If worst comes to worst and the OP's luggage isn't checked all the way through, OP can leave his luggage with baggage storage. One of them located in each of the terminals, although OP will obviously arrive in T1.

Enjoy your nineteen hours in Hong Kong!

Thanks!
 

Thank you all so much for your assurances and advice!