Transit at HKG - current situation (merged thread)
#106
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,315
All flights to China require a free PCR test at the airport 5-8 hours before departure. At the time of the PCR test they will check the colour of your QR code. So as long as you have a blue QR code at the time of your mandatory China PCR test, you're good to go. Nobody checks it after this.
#107
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,033
All flights to China require a free PCR test at the airport 5-8 hours before departure. At the time of the PCR test they will check the colour of your QR code. So as long as you have a blue QR code at the time of your mandatory China PCR test, you're good to go. Nobody checks it after this.
#108
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Programs: SPG Gold, QR Silver, CX Gold, AMEX Plat, AMEX Gold
Posts: 143
All flights to China require a free PCR test at the airport 5-8 hours before departure. At the time of the PCR test they will check the colour of your QR code. So as long as you have a blue QR code at the time of your mandatory China PCR test, you're good to go. Nobody checks it after this.
#110
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: QR Platinum, HH Diamond, FB Gold
Posts: 32
Here is my story on how I did my transit at HKG airport, hopefully this will help others here with a similar itinerary.
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
Last edited by TKFrequentFlyer; Nov 19, 2022 at 1:14 am
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,688
...
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
...
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
...
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
#112
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: QR Platinum, HH Diamond, FB Gold
Posts: 32
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,688
#115
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Programs: SPG Gold, QR Silver, CX Gold, AMEX Plat, AMEX Gold
Posts: 143
Here is my story on how I did my transit at HKG airport, hopefully this will help others here with a similar itinerary.
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
#116
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,033
TMK, you don't need to show LHS in order to check in...just to enter certain restaurants/lounges or get a PCR test to fly north.
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: BA Gold, A3 Gold, FB Gold, Bonvoy Titanium / LTP, Accor Plat
Posts: 13,890
Is there anywhere good for sleeping in the airport at the moment? Would be flying CX early January with a ~12 hour transit (9pm-9am), am a OWE. Previously I wouldn't have thought twice about getting an airport hotel landside but...
Last edited by typical; Dec 7, 2022 at 1:12 am Reason: Clarity
#118
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 8
Here is my story on how I did my transit at HKG airport, hopefully this will help others here with a similar itinerary.
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
I booked the following flights on separated PNR's:
CX270 AMS - HKG departure on November 11 at 12:30, arrival on Nov 12 at 07:20
HX775 HKG - BKK departure on November 12 at 12:10, arrival on November 12 at 14:10.
Layover time: 4 hours and 50 minutes.
I checked in online for my Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and was able to do so without any issues. 20 hours before my flight I filled in the health declaration form for arrival in Hong Kong, I received a green QR code. On the form you have to state that you did a Rapid test (RAT test) and the result was negative. They didn't ask for proof anywhere, not in Hong Kong and neither in Amsterdam. Although I checked in online and received a virtual boarding pass, I still went to the check-in desk (which I advice since everyone with a mobile boardingpass was stopped at the gate and the documents check was performed there). At the check-in desk I was asked for my green QR code and my final destination was marked as Hong Kong and not Bangkok since I was unable to provide a boardingpass for my onward flight therefore I need to meet visa regulations for Hong Kong (which fortunately wasn't an issue with my Dutch passport).
Hong Kong airlines did not provide a boardingpass since online check-in was unavailable. This seems to be the case with most flights, therefore don't expect to get a boardingpass for your onward flight.
Upon boarding I was all clear and no further checks were performed at the gate. (Marechaussee had sniffing dogs smell on everyone entering the plane, so don't go crazy in Amsterdam the night before)
As a side note; the flight itself was a huge disappointment. Service in J was next to non-existent, no refills, no checkups, no smile, no nothing, purser was a dragon who before boarding checked masks and told everyone in a yelling voice DON'T ENTER THE PLANE, MASKS FIRST AND IN HONG KONG YOU ALL NEED A MASK. Goshh easy woman.... As an emerald I'll avoid CX altogether in the future, it was one of my favourite airlines, but not anymore. Might have been one of the worst long-haul flights in a long time and I have a lot of experience in J with many airlines. So the whole point of flying through Hong Kong was gone, rather would have flown pretty much any other airline.
But all that aside! Arrival in Hong Kong was a mess, I hoped I would be able to get a boarding pass at the Hong Kong airlines transfer desks, but there were none. Only desks that were open was the Cathay Pacific desk and an Air Canada/Air New Zealand desk so don't expect to get a boarding pass unless you are flying CX. I asked the CX staff if there was a possibility to check-in for my flight with Hong Kong Airlines without entering the country, but they told me no.
So I had to enter Hong Kong. PCR swab test was taken before immigration, very easy how that all went and just like that I entered Hong Kong. Went immediately to the Hong Kong airlines check-in desk and got my new boardingpass. They didn't ask for a QR code or anything (meanwhile I checked my health QR code online and saw that I got an AMBER (Orange QR code). Went through security without any issues. I went to the new Chase Sapphire Lounge and they asked if I had the LeaveHomeSafe app, I said I was a transit passenger and they let me in after I signed a paper.
In the lounge I received my PCR results via E-mail (Around 2.5 hours later after I took the test). Boarded my flight to Bangkok without any issues.
Next day I received an SMS that I have to upload my covid test. Got a bit scared, but after logging in again to the health website I checked the box that I left Hong Kong and I haven't received any further SMS or Email.
Had a wonderful trip to Asia in the end
How long did the process take until you were airside again?
#119
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: BA Silver, Lufthansa FTL, KrisFlyer Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 81
I'd be interested to know this, too. Have an 18-hour transit in early January on CX. Think the only option might be the relaxation area in the CX lounge?
#120
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
Food and drinks were OK. You can find places to stretch. A "sleeping" area can be found in the back of the lounge (way back).. Shower is available.
The airside was totally deserted as 90+% of shops were NOT open. I found maybe 1 restaurant was open.
Last edited by allset2travel; Dec 8, 2022 at 4:20 am Reason: edit: sp ck