In-town check-in
 

I've read a little about in-town check-in in Hong Kong, even a day early. I understand that this requires one to be an Airport Express train passenger. Does it work this way: if you check in a day early, they take the train fare from the Octopus card, and it's programmed not to take the fare again when you take the train the next day? Is there any extra fare for the three single bus rides between hotel and station (round trip the day of check-in, and one trip the day of departure)? I'd be eligible for this, taking a flight to Vietnam on Cathay Pacific. My bottom line question is whether it's worthwhile to do this rather than take the A21 bus from the New World Renaissance Kowloon. The bus is cheaper, has no change of vehicles, and may be more scenic, but takes longer. Can I expect to make it in a comfortable time taking a 6 a.m. bus for a 9 a.m. departure? I'll have another HK stop on my return (Holiday Inn Golden Mile), taking NW to the U.S. at a similar time, which I understand would not be eligible for in-town check-in. Of four single airport-city trips, maybe I'd like to take one on the train to experience it. Perhaps doing in-town check-in on the day of departure, if it just needs to be done 90 minutes early, would work best; any thoughts?

Correct. In principle yes, but I'm not convinced that will work if you use the Octopus for anything else in between. I would talk to the person at the Airport Express Customer Service Desk (right next to the barriers for the in-town check-in) and explain what you need to do - they will probably open the gate for you. The buses from the Airport Express station to hotels are free, and no-one actually checks whether you used the Airport Express.
Yes, very comfortably. I think you may be able to in-town check-in if you don't have any bags, but there's not much point, especially if you have a seat pre-reserved. Maximum 90 minutes, but if you are going to the US you may not be able to. Maybe better to take the train on your way back from Vietnam.


[This message has been edited by christep (edited 10-28-2002).]

Thank you, Christep, for that information. If I use in-town check-in as I prepare to board the train on the morning of my flight to Vietnam, how does the efficiency, etc., of check-in at Kowloon station compare with airport check-in at that time?

I haven't used the Kowloon station enough to be sure, but the HK Airport Express station is always very quick and efficient. There can sometimes be some big queues at the airport, particularly if you don't have any OneWorld status and have to use the normal economy check-in.

Having said that if you do have OW Emerald status then go and check in at the First Class counters at the airport where they have terminals which automatically tell you things like the weather where you are going and that sort of stuff while they are processing your check-in.

If you are travelling to Vietnam on cabin baggage only then you also have the option of the CXpress terminals which are at the Airport Express stations and the airport. I have never seen anyone else use these, but they are so easy if you have a seat pre-reserved - just swipe your frequent flyer card and everything is printed out for you.