Dec 31, 2018, 9:41 pm
Last edit by: alexj7
CAUTION - TURNAROUND
"One customer did have issues. Wang Guanran, who documents his travels on hktravelblog.com, had his plans to travel to New York on Wednesday cut short when he was prevented from flying by immigration officials in Vietnam... he was detained by Vietnamese immigration officials, who said it was illegal to return to his city of origin while in transit." - Source:SCMP, 2 January 2019
Also https://rapidtravelchai.boardingarea...-direct-turns/
Visa Information: check out the Vietnam visa/VOA thread in the Asia forum. You can get either a visa on arrival where you get the stamp on arrival) or a "looseleaf" visa in advance from a VN Consulate in the US (which allows you to go straight to the immigration queue). There are sometimes lines for the VOA stamp and so the loosleaf approach can save you some time.
Seat Assignments
per NWPlatinum below - Cathay blocks out all seats except for 2D for some reason. I never understood the reasoning behind this but in any event just contact them for a seat assignment and they’ll let you have your choice. They like to block out seats for people with bassinets and babies. But you can usually get 2A, which is the best see if you’re solo traveler. Just say I want seat 2A and I’ll move if requested at the airport (never was asked to move)
Basic Visa Options for US Citizens
1. One month, one entry
2. One month, multiple entries
3. Three months, one entry
4. Three months, multiple entries
5. One year, multiple entries
Everyone needs an e-visa approval before boarding if they will enter the country. (e.g. clear customs). Connecting flights - even on separate tickets - do not require a visa IF IF IF the connecting airline has a counter in the transit area. (The airline may have their own rules.) Going back to the same country is not allowed without clearing customs first.
Expect the visa check at your point of departure. (Computer will flag your ticket.) The actual stamp is received on arrival (in most cases). (There is also the possibility of a visa insert with no need to go to 'visa on arrival'.)
Official Site: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States
Lounge Access (Access Requirements)
JFK - AA Flagship First (F Departure)
ORD - British Airways Club / First Lounge T5 (J / F departures). AA Flagship lounge T3 (logistics in this post)
BOS
SFO - CX Lounge Terminal A (F or J Departure)
YVR - CX Lounge Gate 67
HKG
HAN - Song Hong Lounge (KA) or ACV/NIA Business Lounge (KA)
DAD
Current status:
- Deal is no longer active (can't book this anymore)
Mainstream media coverage:
- Cathay Pacific says it will honour first and business-class tickets sold in error in move that could cost it millions [SCMP, 2 January 2019]
- Cathay Pacific error sees $16,000 flights sold for $675 [The Guardian, 2 January 2019]
- Bloomberg article by Kyunghee Park
- South China Morning Post article by Danny Lee
- Follow up article from Danny Lee SCMP with individual anecdotes and analyst comments.
- Oriental Daily Hong Kong & Macao news article discussing the fare via lens of airline "mismanagement" (Chinese)
Post your trip dates and itinerary here:
Please use (+1) to denote you are in F and can guest someone (or more than 1 person) into the F lounges in HKG.
January:
1/9: KA 294 HAN-HKG - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/10: CX 888 HKG-YVR - tonykline1947 (+1)
1/18: KA 296 HAN-HKG - SOWK
1/19: CX 888 HKG-YVR - SOWK
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Governator
1/21: KA 227 DAD-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 840 HKG-JFK - usairchairman (+1)
1/21: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Governator
1/22: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Governator
1/23: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Governator (won't fly this one)
1/23: CX5227 DAD-HKG rbAA
1/23: CX840 HKG-JFK rbAA (can guest at Wing FC or Pier FC as I have 5hrs+)
1/26: CX 227 DAD-HKG - Synd(+1)
1/26: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Synd(+1)
1/29 KA 227 DAD-HKG - miffSC
1/29 CX 846 HKG-JFK - miffSC
1/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - Synd (+1)
1/30: CX 865 JFK - YVR - HKG - ss2k(+1) can guest someone at JFK Flagship dining (i think)
February:
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - Synd (+1) - will try not to fly this one
2/1: CX 220 - HKG - DAD - ss2k (+1) - will probably stay in DAD for couple of days if anyone wants to join
2/2: CX865 JFK-YVR-HKG rbAA (can guest at JFK AA FL FC)
2/3 - KA 227 - DAD-HKG - swgsword, Pochama
2/3 - CX 840 - HKG-JFK - Pochama
2/4 - CX 888 - HKG-YVR-JFK - swgsword (+1, also FL at JFK)
2/4: CX5220 HKG-DAD rbAA (tight connection :50 so no lounge time unless I misconnect)
2/10: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
2/11: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
2/15: CX 831 JFK-HKG - usairchairman (+1)
2/15: CX 812 HKG-BOS - AnttiV
2/16: KA 220 HKG-DAD - usairchairman (+1)
2/18 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
2/19: KA 296 HAN-HKG - IncaTrails
2/19: CX 812 HKG-BOS - IncaTrails
2/22: CX 811 BOS-HKG - AnttiV
March:
3/01: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/01 CX ### HAN-HKG - billbligh (+3)
3/02 CX888 HKG-YVR (0100) billybligh(+3)
3/03: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
3/03: CX 764 SGN-HKG - zebes
3/04: CX 806 HKG-ORD - zebes
3/05: CX1790 HAN-HKG - dordal
3/06: CX872 HKG-SFO - dordal
3/08: CX 873 SFO-HKG - princesakura
3/11: KA 223 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/12: CX 865 YVR-HKG - SOWK
3/13: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - SOWK
3/14: CX 5227 DAD-HKG - Hudute
3/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Hudute
3/15: CX 5527 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Frebay (+1)
3/15: CX 845 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/16: KA 228 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/17: CX 890 HKG-EWR - SiempreBCNJFK
3/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura (+1)
3/20: CX ### HKG-JFK - tcormier (+2)
3/20: CX 888 HKG-(YVR)-JFK - captainstubing (+1)
3/22: CX 831 JFK-HKG - captainstubing
3/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK - jongesander (+1)
3/25: CX 899 EWR-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: KA 226 HKG-DAD - SiempreBCNJFK
3/26: CX 845 JFK-HKG - swgsword
3/27: KA 220 HKG-DAD - swgsword (+1)
3/27: KA ### HAN-HKG - Mauibaby2008
3/27: CX ### HKG-JFK - Mauibaby2008
3/28: CX 766 SGN-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
3/28: CX 846 HKG-JFK - SiempreBCNJFK
3/29: CX 5296 HAN-HKG - LHG
3/29: CX 872 HKG-SFO - LHG
3/29: CX 807 ORD-HKG - zebes
3/31: CX 767 HKG-SGN - zebes
April:
4/3 CX 845 JFK-HKG - miffSC
4/4 KA 220 HKG-DAD - miffSC
4/6 KA 294 HAN-HKG - frisbfreek
4/7 CX 830 HKG-JFK - frisbfreek (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - bostonbali (+1)
4/13: KA 294 HAN-HKG - swgsword
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK bostonbali (+1)
4/14: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK swgsword (+1)
4/19: KA 298 HAN-HKG shek3112
4/19: CX 846 HKG-JFK shek3112 (+3)
4/19: CX 806 HKG-ORD Oshkosh105 (+1)
4/20: CX 807 ORD-HKG Oshkosh105
4/29: CX 845 JFK-HKG shek3112 (+3)
4/30: KA 299 HKG-HAN shek3112 (may change)
4/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
May:
5/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
5/1: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
5/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
5/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - zip10001
5/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - zip10001
5/10: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
5/11: CX5297 HKG-HAN - dordal
5/11: KA 296 HAN-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 888 HKG-YVR - james_yuen (+1)
5/12: CX 5294 HAN-HKG - dordal
5/13: CX 872 HKG-SFO - dordal
5/13: BA 28 HKG-LHR - driveswith (+1)
5/15 CX865 YVR-HKG - james_yuen (+1)
5/16 KA 299 HKG-HAN - james_yuen (+1)
5/19: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Frebay (+1)
5/20: CX 5224 HKG-DAD - Frebay (+1)
5/21: KA 296 HAN-HKG - AndrewT84
5/22: CX 872 HKG-SFO - AndrewT84
5/24: CX 811 BOS-HKG - IncaTrails
5/25: KA 297 HKG-HAN - IncaTrails
5/28: CX 764 SGN-HKG - JetSetDave
5/28: CX 858 HKG-SEA - JetSetDave
5/30: CX 841 JFK-HKG - zip10001
5/31: KA 224 HKG-DAD - zip10001
5/31: CX 5294 (KA) HAN-HKG maverikbc (+1)
June:
6/1: CX 888 HKG-YVR maverikbc (+1)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - sgan317 (+2)
6/2: KA 221 DAD-HKG - greendx
6/2: CX 840 HKG-JFK - greendx
6/3: CX 888 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Mrow (+1)
6/8: CX 766 SGN-HKG - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: CX 846 HKG-JFK - Quanh79 (+3)
6/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - UAPremierGuy
6/8: KA 221 DAD-HKG - Evianon
6/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - Evianon (+1)
6/9: KA 294 DAD-HKG - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Frebay (+1)
6/10: CX 845 JFK-HKG - UAPremierGuy
6/11: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Evianon
6/12: KA 220: HKG-DAD - Evianon
6/12: CX 841 JFK-HKG - Mrow (+1)
6/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Hudute
6/13: KA 299 HKG-HAN - Mrow (+1)
6/13: CX 5220 HKG-DAD - Hudute
6/17: KA 225 DAD-HKG - CruisingAlitiude47
6/18: CX 830 HKG-JFK - CruisingAlitiude47
6/22: KA 294 HAN-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 830 HKG-YVR - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: CX 888 HKG-JFK - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
6/22: KA 221 DAD-HKG ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/22: CX 840 HKG-JFK ZohyeahZ (+2)
6/28: CX 865 JFK-HKG - greendx
6/30: KA 220 HKG-DAD - greendx
July:
7/3: CX 857 SEA-HKG - JetSetDave
7/4: CX 767 HKG-SGN - JetSetDave
7/4: KA 294 HAN-HKG - Majuki
7/4 CX 872 SFO-HKG - princesakura
7/5: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Majuki
7/5: KA 227 DAD-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/6: CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK- afirm (+1)
7/7: CX 841 JFK-HKG - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 224 HKG-DAD - afirm (+1)
7/8: KA 296 HAN-HKG - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 840 HKG-JFK - terryversay (+1)
7/8: CX 872 - HKG-SFO - princesakura
7/9: CX 841 JFK-HKG - JALOO5-Flyer
7/11: CX 873 SFO-HKG - AndrewT84
7/12: KA 297 HKG-HAN - AndrewT84
7/12: CX 845 JFK-HKG - CruisingAltitude47
7/13: KA 220 HKG-DAD - CruisingAltitude47
7/14: KA 221 DAD-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 840 HKG-JFK - nutty92 (+2)
7/14: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+2)
7/15: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+2)
7/17: CX 840 HKG-JFK - danfl44 (+1)
7/20: CX 865 JFK-HKG zOhYeahz (+2)
7/22: KA 224 HKG-DAD zOhYeahz (+2)
7/25: CX 841 JFK-HKG - danfl44 (+1)
7/27: CX ### JFK-HKG - tcormier (+2)
7/30: KA 221 DAD-HKG - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 HKG-YVR - driveswith (+1)
7/31: CX 888 YVR-JFK - driveswith (+1)
August:
8/5: KA 225 DAD-HKG - sriegert
8/6: CX 888 HKG-JFK - sriegert
8/6 KA 221 DAD-HKG - aradisc (+1)
8/7 CX 888 HKG-YVR-JFK - aradisc (+1)
8/7: KA 221/840 DAD-HKG-JFK Brituchenite
8/9: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Quanh79 (+1)
8/9: CX767 HKG-SGN - Quanh79 (+1)
8/10 CX 840 HKG-JFK - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/11 CX 841 JFK-HKG - driveswith (+1)
8/11 KA 294 DAD-HKG - pochi
8/12 KA 225 DAD-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/12 CX 888 HKG-JFK - pochi (+1)
8/13 CX 830 HKG-JFK - Dancrane (+1)
8/17 CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
8/17 CX 841 JFK-HKG - pochi (+1)
8/17 KA 297 HKG-HAN - thefilipinotraveler (+1)
8/18 CX 845 JFK-YVR-HKG - swgsword
8/19 KA 299 HKG-HAN - swgsword (+1)
8/19 CX 841 JFK-HKG - Dancrane (+1)
8/20 KA 224 HKG-DAD - Dancrane (+1)
8/23 CX 845 JFK-HKG - sriegert
8/23 CX812 HKG-BOS - paul4471 (+2)
8/24 - KA 220 HKG-DAD - sriegert
8/24 CX1790/VN592 HAN-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/25 CX888 HKG-YVR ritesa (+1)
8/26 CX 872 HKG-SFO - princesakura
8/27 CX865 YVR-HKG ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX835 JFK-HKG - terryversay (+1)
8/30: CX830 HKG-JFK - JALOO5-Flyer (+1)
8/31: KA297 HKG-HAN - terryversay (+1)
8/30 KA299 HKG-HAN ritesa (+1)
8/30: CX865CX5/220 JFK-YVR-HKG-DAD Brituchenite
8/30: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-JFK-DCA - GlobalNelson
September:
9/1: CX 766 SGN-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 192 / CX 7686 HKG-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: AA 303 LAX-IAD - quinzinho (+1)
9/1: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Majuki
9/1: CX 1791 HKG-HAN - paul4471 (+2)
9/2: KA 297 HKG-HAN - Majuki
9/6: AA 1139 IAD-LAX - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: AA 193 / CX 7685 LAX-HKG - quinzinho (+1)
9/8: CX 767 HKG-SGN - quinzinho (+1)
9/7: KA 221 DAD-HKG - ChiefNWA
9/7: CX 840 HKG-JFK - ChiefNWA
9/9: VN592-CX840 HAN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
9/14: KA296-CX810 HAN-HKG pschafer+1 in J
9/14: CX 851 SFO-HKG - princesakura
9/26: CX 764 SGN-HKG - Phrantic
9/27: CX 806 HKG-ORD - Phrantic
9/28: CX 845 JFK-HKG - Pochama
9/29: KA 220 HKG-DAD - Pochama
9/30: CX ### JFK-HKG - Mauibaby2008
October:
10/01: KA ### HKG-HAN - Mauibaby2008
10/05: CX855-KA299 YVR-HKG-HAN - pschafer+1 in J
10/08 CX5221 - CX890 DAD-HKG-EWR MCI777
10/10 CX841 - CX5224 JFK-HKG-DAD MCI777
10/10: CX865-KA297 JFK-HKG-HAN - Zebranz
10/11: CX 865 JFK-HKG - ChiefNWA
10/12: KA 220 HKG-DAD - ChiefNWA
10/12: CX 873 SFO-HKG - dordal
10/13: CX5299 HKG-HAN
10/15: VN594-CX840 SGN-HKG-JFK - Zebranz
10/16-17: KA221J/CX888A DAD-HKG-YVR-JFK - Shareholder
10/19 CX865 YVR-HKG maverikbc (+1)
10/20 CX1791 (VN) HKG-HAN maverikbc (+1)
10/25: CX/KA ### DCA-JFK-HKG-HAN - GlobalNelson
10/30: CX 831 JFK-HKG - SiempreBCNJFK
10/31: CX 721 HKG-SGN - SiempreBCNJFK
November:
11/1: CX 831 JFK-HKG - sgan317 (+2)
11/1: KA/CX ### HAN-HKG-YVR - GlobalNelson
11/2: KA 220 HKG-DAD - sgan317 (+2)
11/4-6: CX865A/KA220J (CX5220J) JFK-HKG-DAD - Shareholder
11/7: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/7: CX841-CX799 JFK-HKG-SGN - Zebranz (changed due to CX Cxl CX845)
11/8: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/8: CX 845 JFK-HKG - nutty92 (+2)
11/9: KA 228 HKG-DAD - nutty92 (+2)
11/11: KA296-CX872 HAN-HKG-SFO - Zebranz
11/12: CX 1764 SGN-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/13: CX 806 HKG-ORD - chitink (+1)
11/17: KA 227 DAD-HKG - Paul5795 (+1)
11/18: CX 872 HKG-SFO - Paul5795 (+1)
11/26: CX 807 ORD-HKG - chitink (+1)
11/26: CX873-KA295 SFO-HKG-HAN - Zebranz (might abandon KA295)
11/27: CX 721 HKG-SGN - chitink (+1)
11/29: KA296 HAN-HKG - JAeX
11/30: CX872 HKG-SFO - JAeX
11/30: KA 227 DAD-HKG-Tennislover9
11/30: CX 846 HKG-JFK-Tennislover9
11/30: CX726 SGN-HKG- stephem (+4)
11/30: CX858 HKG-SEA- stephem (+4)
December:
12/02: HKG-SFO CX872- uclabruin82
12/14: KA 294 HAN-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX 830 HKG-JFK - calcjr23 (+1)
12/15: CX873 SFO-HKG - Paul5795
12/17: KA226 HKG-DAD - Paul5795
12/18: CX 807 ORD-HKG - Phrantic
12/19: CX 865 YVR-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 841 JFK-HKG - FormallyKnownAs (+1)
12/19: CX 865 JFK-YVR - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: CX 865 YVR-HKG - calcjr23 (+1)
12/20: KA 295 HKG-HAN - FormallyKnownAs (+1) may abandon
12/20: CX 767 HKG-SGN - Phrantic
12/20: CX 845 JFK-HKG-Tennislover9
12/20: CX857 SEA-HKG- stephem (+4)
12/21: CX799 HKG-SGN- stephem (+4)
12/21: KA 228 HKG-DAD-Tennislover9 (may abandon)
12/21: KA 297 HKG-HAN - calcjr23 (+1)
12/21: CX873 SFO-HKG - JAeX
12/23: KA297 HKG-HAN - JAeX
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - Frebay (+1)
12/24: KA 295 HKG-HAN - Frebay (+1)
12/24: CX 873 SFO-HKG - UCLABruin82
FARES (YMMV) listed alphabetically - F booked into J/A; J booked into I,D,C.
- DAD-IAD: ~$1,483 (F)
- DAD-JFK: ~$675 (J) ~$845 (F)
- DAD-SFO: ~$931 (J)
- HAN-BOS: ~$1,120 (J) ~$1,200 (F)
- HAN-IAD: ~$1,000 (J) ~$1,400 (F)
- HAN-JFK: ~$1,324 (J) ~$1,444 (F)
- HAN-SFO: ~$1,240 (F)
- HAN-YVR: ~$768 (J) ~$988 (F)
- SGN-JFK: ~$1,849 (F)
- SGN-ORD: ~$1,115 (F)
- SGN-SEA: ~$1,109 (J)
[Premium Fare Gone]: CX: Vietnam to North America from $674 (J) and $1100 (F)
Dec 26, 2020, 10:26 am
#3076
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD | MDW
Programs: AA Plat | United Silver | Hyatt Globalist | Hilton Diamond | Marriott Titanium | IHG Ambassador
Posts: 84
Today's data point for Dec 31 flight to HAN (KA portion from HKG to HAN cancelled) ... Twitter first said refund only as Dragon is no longer. Asked about flights available to SGN instead and was told Jan 4/5 is first available (J). I asked about my concern that Vietnam won't let tourists in. Twitter said not their problem and then refund is the only other remaining choice. I delayed decision. Will call HKG office tomorrow.
Dec 26, 2020, 11:38 am
#3077
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Skype call to Hong Kong office today. Was informed they don't fly to HAN any longer and no idea when it will resume. She did say they fly to SGN, but my ticket was over a year old. I told her we would have flown in time if that was an option. She said needs to be first available and started looking for dates and then confirmed we're all American travelers. At which point she said, you can't go to Vietnam because it's restricted. I said yes, that I knew that and had hoped to get a later in the year flight when the country has reopened. She put me on a long hold. Then came back to say they recommended taking a partial ticket refund, BUT was willing to make a one time only change. I selected SGN in late May. She read a long disclaimer saying no further voluntary changes, if flights canceled then next available is the only option, if we don't fly, then no refunds. We accepted. Can successfully kicked further down the road!
As for the "If flights canceled then next available is the only option, if we don't fly, then no refunds"... if they cancel it... ha ha... no way you can just say too bad. Good thing there is a CoC!
Great job pushing it... in May who knows what exceptions/adjustments/etc there will be if they don't fly it.
Dec 27, 2020, 6:25 pm
#3078
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: ATL
Programs: HH D, MB G, IHG P, Nat'l EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 496
I called today about a DAD flight scheduled for later this week and was told the only options were a partial refund (via my OTA, Priceline) or to waitlist for F on the first available JFK-HKG-SGN, which I was told was Feb 6. I tried asking for the first day with A class availability so that I could push the ticket out to October, but was told they couldn't extend it that far. Decided to HUCA and/or see what options Priceline offers.
Dec 27, 2020, 8:33 pm
#3079
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
I called today about a DAD flight scheduled for later this week and was told the only options were a partial refund (via my OTA, Priceline) or to waitlist for F on the first available JFK-HKG-SGN, which I was told was Feb 6. I tried asking for the first day with A class availability so that I could push the ticket out to October, but was told they couldn't extend it that far. Decided to HUCA and/or see what options Priceline offers.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Dec 29, 2020, 4:09 pm
#3080
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Looks like I'm probably a no-go and loosing this battle... HUCA with the CX HKG number/office multiple times today and even after getting an agent that was willing to rebook to first available in business (since no A fare availability), the "system" did not allow her to confirm/re-issue the changes because of the "Vietnam flight restrictions" in the system.
I guess you win some and loose some. I delayed making changes until as close to departure with the hope to push the "first available" to later and later and that strategy backfired.
I guess you win some and loose some. I delayed making changes until as close to departure with the hope to push the "first available" to later and later and that strategy backfired.
Dec 29, 2020, 4:32 pm
#3081
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Looks like I'm probably a no-go and loosing this battle... HUCA with the CX HKG number/office multiple times today and even after getting an agent that was willing to rebook to first available in business (since no A fare availability), the "system" did not allow her to confirm/re-issue the changes because of the "Vietnam flight restrictions" in the system.
I guess you win some and loose some. I delayed making changes until as close to departure with the hope to push the "first available" to later and later and that strategy backfired.
I guess you win some and loose some. I delayed making changes until as close to departure with the hope to push the "first available" to later and later and that strategy backfired.
10.2.2 Except as otherwise provided by the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or applicable law, if we cancel a flight, fail to operate a flight reasonably according to the schedule, fail to stop at your destination or Stopover destination, or cause you to miss a connecting flight on which you hold a confirmed reservation, we shall, at your option, either:
10.2.2.1 carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or
10.2.2.2 within a reasonable period of time re-route you to the destination shown on your Ticket by our own services or those of another Carrier, or by other mutually agreed means and class of transportation without additional charge. If the fare, and charges for the revised routing are lower than what you have paid, we shall refund the difference;
10.2.2.3 or make a refund in accordance with the provisions of Article 11;
(Bold Red mine)
Bottom line, I think you could push back and say, put me in First Class on the first available date. (The CoC makes no mention of fare class.) If my flight is canceled in March I plan to make this exact argument.
It is very odd they are fighting this now; they have been so good throughout this whole situation. There cannot be that many of these tickets left and there are so few people flying why start now? Also refunding equals a cash drain.
Dec 29, 2020, 4:45 pm
#3082
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Sorry to hear that. The CX CoC seems to disagree with what you are saying...
10.2.2 Except as otherwise provided by the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or applicable law, if we cancel a flight, fail to operate a flight reasonably according to the schedule, fail to stop at your destination or Stopover destination, or cause you to miss a connecting flight on which you hold a confirmed reservation, we shall, at your option, either:
10.2.2.1 carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or
10.2.2.2 within a reasonable period of time re-route you to the destination shown on your Ticket by our own services or those of another Carrier, or by other mutually agreed means and class of transportation without additional charge. If the fare, and charges for the revised routing are lower than what you have paid, we shall refund the difference;
10.2.2.3 or make a refund in accordance with the provisions of Article 11;
(Bold Red mine)
Bottom line, I think you could push back and say, put me in First Class on the first available date. (The CoC makes no mention of fare class.) If my flight is canceled in March I plan to make this exact argument.
It is very odd they are fighting this now; they have been so good throughout this whole situation. There cannot be that many of these tickets left and there are so few people flying why start now? Also refunding equals a cash drain.
10.2.2 Except as otherwise provided by the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or applicable law, if we cancel a flight, fail to operate a flight reasonably according to the schedule, fail to stop at your destination or Stopover destination, or cause you to miss a connecting flight on which you hold a confirmed reservation, we shall, at your option, either:
10.2.2.1 carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or
10.2.2.2 within a reasonable period of time re-route you to the destination shown on your Ticket by our own services or those of another Carrier, or by other mutually agreed means and class of transportation without additional charge. If the fare, and charges for the revised routing are lower than what you have paid, we shall refund the difference;
10.2.2.3 or make a refund in accordance with the provisions of Article 11;
(Bold Red mine)
Bottom line, I think you could push back and say, put me in First Class on the first available date. (The CoC makes no mention of fare class.) If my flight is canceled in March I plan to make this exact argument.
It is very odd they are fighting this now; they have been so good throughout this whole situation. There cannot be that many of these tickets left and there are so few people flying why start now? Also refunding equals a cash drain.
Yea, not sure why they are fighting this.... I get a sense that some of the agents I've talked to wants to help and push it out but seems like their hands are tied and/or need someone higher up to override the "system"
Dec 29, 2020, 5:08 pm
#3083
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
I just sent this email to [email protected] (got the email address from https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...trictions.html)
To whom it may concern,
My current reservation (booking ref XXXXXX) flight to Hanoi has been cancelled due to Cathay Dragon no longer flying.
Pursuant to the terms of ticket and Cathay's General Conditions of Carriage 10.2 with respect to Cancellations, Rerouting, Delays, etc, I am requesting the option as provided in article 10.2.2.1 ( carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or) 10.2.2.1 to be rebooked for the first available flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Hoping to get it in writing that they are denying my request and maybe taking them to small claims court.
To whom it may concern,
My current reservation (booking ref XXXXXX) flight to Hanoi has been cancelled due to Cathay Dragon no longer flying.
Pursuant to the terms of ticket and Cathay's General Conditions of Carriage 10.2 with respect to Cancellations, Rerouting, Delays, etc, I am requesting the option as provided in article 10.2.2.1 ( carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or) 10.2.2.1 to be rebooked for the first available flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Hoping to get it in writing that they are denying my request and maybe taking them to small claims court.
Dec 30, 2020, 6:57 am
#3084
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 18
I just sent this email to [email protected] (got the email address from https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...trictions.html)
To whom it may concern,
My current reservation (booking ref XXXXXX) flight to Hanoi has been cancelled due to Cathay Dragon no longer flying.
Pursuant to the terms of ticket and Cathay's General Conditions of Carriage 10.2 with respect to Cancellations, Rerouting, Delays, etc, I am requesting the option as provided in article 10.2.2.1 ( carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or) 10.2.2.1 to be rebooked for the first available flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Hoping to get it in writing that they are denying my request and maybe taking them to small claims court.
To whom it may concern,
My current reservation (booking ref XXXXXX) flight to Hanoi has been cancelled due to Cathay Dragon no longer flying.
Pursuant to the terms of ticket and Cathay's General Conditions of Carriage 10.2 with respect to Cancellations, Rerouting, Delays, etc, I am requesting the option as provided in article 10.2.2.1 ( carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charges and; where necessary, extend the validity of your Ticket; or) 10.2.2.1 to be rebooked for the first available flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Hoping to get it in writing that they are denying my request and maybe taking them to small claims court.
Dec 30, 2020, 7:53 am
#3086
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Got this reply in writing pushing me to business class on Jan8 which I have pushed back...
Originally Posted by [h3
_______________________[/h3] to Cathay
6:51 AM (0 minutes ago)
Hi,
I am not willing to be downgraded to business class. I understand that my ticket is already expired but per the ticket conditions quoted above, I am entitled for the ticket validity to be extended to the first flight where first class is operating on the SFO-HKG flight which looks to be sometime in March.
Please proceed as requested. If there is further pushback on this request, I will be looking to file a complaint with the Department of Transport in the United States.
Thanks again.
On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 11:02 PM Cathay Pacific Vietnam <[email protected]> wrote:Dear Mr XXXX
Due to the flight SFO-SGN is operated as normal. The first flight available is on 08JAN21. During this time Cathay only operated business class.
We are sorry your ticket is already expired and Cathay only allow to rebook on first flight that we have is 08JAN21 as per my advice before. Please inform me in case you have documents to enter to Vietnam then I will request approval to reroute your ticket to SFO-SGN.
Thanks and regards
6:51 AM (0 minutes ago)
Hi,
I am not willing to be downgraded to business class. I understand that my ticket is already expired but per the ticket conditions quoted above, I am entitled for the ticket validity to be extended to the first flight where first class is operating on the SFO-HKG flight which looks to be sometime in March.
Please proceed as requested. If there is further pushback on this request, I will be looking to file a complaint with the Department of Transport in the United States.
Thanks again.
On Tue, Dec 29, 2020 at 11:02 PM Cathay Pacific Vietnam <[email protected]> wrote:Dear Mr XXXX
Due to the flight SFO-SGN is operated as normal. The first flight available is on 08JAN21. During this time Cathay only operated business class.
We are sorry your ticket is already expired and Cathay only allow to rebook on first flight that we have is 08JAN21 as per my advice before. Please inform me in case you have documents to enter to Vietnam then I will request approval to reroute your ticket to SFO-SGN.
Thanks and regards
Dec 30, 2020, 6:18 pm
#3087
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: ATL
Programs: HH D, MB G, IHG P, Nat'l EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 496
No way SGN will be open in February, a point you should not hesitate to make. FWIW - Sometimes it helps to mention you are calling from the USA. (Not sure why.) I would also have a specific date in mind. October might be a stretch, but asking for confirmed First in May might not be. Also if you can cite anything from Vietnam about being not being open until X might help your case. Unfortunately, I could not find anything about Vietnam's reopening, except "until further notice". Thailand has said not until the second quarter of 2021... but they are in the early stages of a potential mass breakout.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Keep fighting the good fight!
Dec 30, 2020, 6:23 pm
#3088
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Thanks for the tips. I called Priceline, but my reservation has been purged from their system so they can no longer help. I called CX and made the points mentioned above, but still only got the option to confirm into J and waitlist for F in March. After pushing a bit, they agreed to escalate it to a different department to see if they could put me on the first confirmed flight with A class availability. I'm waiting for a call back, but am not hopeful as I'm running out of time (flight is this weekend). I'm considering a refund, as I don't want to re-book to J in March and then not be able to cancel/refund at that point, as VN is very unlikely to be open by then.
Dec 30, 2020, 6:51 pm
#3089
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: ATL
Programs: HH D, MB G, IHG P, Nat'l EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 496
Always happy to help. Did you try to mention the CoC? I did not read it until a few days ago. After reading it, it appears to give us a bit more 'argument' power. End of the day, the CoC trumps 'policy'. And the CoC makes no mention of fare classs. Just another thought for you as time is running out. Good luck and keep us updated!
10.2.2.2 specifies "mutually agreed means and class of transportation," so maybe I'll try that on my next call or when I get a call back.
Dec 30, 2020, 8:45 pm
#3090
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: RDU
Posts: 713
Called the HKG reservation line this evening about my cancelled "A" class JFK-HKG-DAD flight booked for tomorrow, December 31 (the first available date when I last rebooked in October due to HKG-DAD cancellations). After first suggesting to contact my travel agent (PL) to request a refund because DAD is not served by CX and KA is no more, when I asked about other destinations the agent said the only other option would be SGN and then put me on hold for maybe 10 minutes.
After that, the agent said that they could rebook me to SGN but that the latest date they could offer would be 90 days after my current reservation, i.e. March 31. They also advised me that in the event that Vietnam is still closed to non-residents by then I should contact my travel agent to request a refund. I agreed to a date in late March and the ticket was reissued, as expected in J for the JFK-HKG leg since A isn't currently available. I did not even discuss the class of service with the agent knowing that currently there isn't any A availability. If that situation changes closer to the new travel date, I'll follow up separately.
Given that HKG-SGN probably will be operating by then, it'll likely be the end of the line for this one for me. My original outbound was in September 2019, then I did two voluntary changes of the return leg (directly with CX, not PL) in October 2019 and January 2020 by paying the change fee, and three COVID-related reissues in May, August, and October 2020 due to flight cancellations of rescheduled flights. In the end, I had a great flight back in September 2019, and while I had hoped to enjoy one more, at this point I would just view it as icing on the cake. At least in my case, I feel CX has handled this really well.
After that, the agent said that they could rebook me to SGN but that the latest date they could offer would be 90 days after my current reservation, i.e. March 31. They also advised me that in the event that Vietnam is still closed to non-residents by then I should contact my travel agent to request a refund. I agreed to a date in late March and the ticket was reissued, as expected in J for the JFK-HKG leg since A isn't currently available. I did not even discuss the class of service with the agent knowing that currently there isn't any A availability. If that situation changes closer to the new travel date, I'll follow up separately.
Given that HKG-SGN probably will be operating by then, it'll likely be the end of the line for this one for me. My original outbound was in September 2019, then I did two voluntary changes of the return leg (directly with CX, not PL) in October 2019 and January 2020 by paying the change fee, and three COVID-related reissues in May, August, and October 2020 due to flight cancellations of rescheduled flights. In the end, I had a great flight back in September 2019, and while I had hoped to enjoy one more, at this point I would just view it as icing on the cake. At least in my case, I feel CX has handled this really well.