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)
Jan 3, 2019, 1:18 am
#811
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I have the same question. I have J and A fares booked through Orbitz. I was wondering about changing the dates since I may not be able to travel on the dates I originally booked. It would be nice to know if I can change the dates and still have my precious ticket.
Jan 3, 2019, 1:35 am
#812
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
IIRC, passengers on CX-marketed codeshares departing on non-OW operated flights are not entitled access to CX lounges by virtue of travel class (except for Air NZ codeshares, subject to certain restrictions). One will be directed to whatever lounge VN has contract with, which I presume is the Skyteam lounge. You will though have access to the CX lounges when you depart on CX to North America, but not on the return when you connect to VN.
Different rules apply for MPC elite members.
Different rules apply for MPC elite members.
Last edited by NWplatinum; Jan 3, 2019 at 2:00 am
Jan 3, 2019, 1:56 am
#813
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
For LAX it would seem AA Flagship First Lounge in Terminal 4 is the best, especially for the a la carte dining options they offer. Otherwise the Oneworld First lounge at TBIT is the best option.
For IAD it seems you have 1 choice only since AA doesn't have a lounge there. This is the BA lounge.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:01 am
#815
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK
Posts: 2,375
I know they have an arrangement with NZ, but I'm curious about this one. Is there a source that shows the arrangement?
Jan 3, 2019, 2:03 am
#816
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I know that I’ve read about VN passengers obtaining access to CX lounges in HKG as they have some special arrangement. I can’t find the thread, but I remember other skyteam people all asking and chirping if they could get access too if not flying VN. But it is strictly a deal and limited to VN, as I’m sure those flying them on this ticket will see in HKG. If you’re on VN J you get access to CX J lounges but only VN, no exceptions.
However, I would assume we will get reports of people who fly VN and what lounge they accessed. I know I read the thread probably 6 months ago or so. I could be wrong, but it would make sense given how much codesharing we have seen they do together on a lot of this Vietnamese cities. I think a full fare J/F passenger would be pretty pissed off if he got to HKG, purchased a CX ticket, and was only to be told “sorry you have to go to some ****** Skyteam Lounge” on arrival in HKG after a 16 hr flight.
However, I would assume we will get reports of people who fly VN and what lounge they accessed. I know I read the thread probably 6 months ago or so. I could be wrong, but it would make sense given how much codesharing we have seen they do together on a lot of this Vietnamese cities. I think a full fare J/F passenger would be pretty pissed off if he got to HKG, purchased a CX ticket, and was only to be told “sorry you have to go to some ****** Skyteam Lounge” on arrival in HKG after a 16 hr flight.
Last edited by NWplatinum; Jan 3, 2019 at 3:04 am
Jan 3, 2019, 2:03 am
#817
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK
Posts: 2,375
Regarding LAX I did some investigation since I'm doing the same itinerary as you (my flight dates are in the wiki; are we on the same flights?) .
For LAX it would seem AA Flagship First Lounge in Terminal 4 is the best, especially for the a la carte dining options they offer. Otherwise the Oneworld First lounge at TBIT is the best option.
For IAD it seems you have 1 choice only since AA doesn't have a lounge there. This is the BA lounge.
For LAX it would seem AA Flagship First Lounge in Terminal 4 is the best, especially for the a la carte dining options they offer. Otherwise the Oneworld First lounge at TBIT is the best option.
For IAD it seems you have 1 choice only since AA doesn't have a lounge there. This is the BA lounge.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:17 am
#818
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK
Posts: 2,375
I know that I’ve read about VN passengers obtaining access to CX lounges in HKG as they have some special arrangement. I can’t find the thread, but I remember other skyteam people all asking and chirping if they could get access too if not flying VN. But it is strictly a deal and limited to VN, as I’m sure those flying them on this ticket will see in HKG. If you’re on VN J you get access to CX J lounges but only VN, no exceptions.
fwiw, advice in the lounge thread on the CX forum suggests that VN doesn't have an arrangement with CX (see here and its subsequent reply). granted this is from Aug 2017, and things may have changed, though as a general rule lounges on codeshare flights depend on the operating carrier as opposed to the marketing carrier.
finally, one arrangement i know of is that all MPC elite members are entitled access to CX lounges when flying on CX codeshares, without exception.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:26 am
#819
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Regarding LAX I did some investigation since I'm doing the same itinerary as you (my flight dates are in the wiki; are we on the same flights?) .
For LAX it would seem AA Flagship First Lounge in Terminal 4 is the best, especially for the a la carte dining options they offer. Otherwise the Oneworld First lounge at TBIT is the best option.
For IAD it seems you have 1 choice only since AA doesn't have a lounge there. This is the BA lounge.
For LAX it would seem AA Flagship First Lounge in Terminal 4 is the best, especially for the a la carte dining options they offer. Otherwise the Oneworld First lounge at TBIT is the best option.
For IAD it seems you have 1 choice only since AA doesn't have a lounge there. This is the BA lounge.
Some prefer the Qantas F lounge in LAX. Some prefer the AA F Flagship Dining Lounge. I personally think the AA F section of the lounge is much better than QF. It’s newer, quieter, way less crowded since the QF lounge caters to ALL of OW it can get busy during rush hour times. Lots of times you’ll have to flag down waiters during the busy times in QF. The food is better in the AA lounge imho, and definitely the service is better since everytime I’ve been in the AA F lounge it’s usually me, and one other person.
The QF lounge service is terrible. They claim the waiters get “swissotel training” or some other BS. But I had a long layover and had a long conversation with the bartender in the QF lounge once and he told me literally everything. They’ll hire anyone off the street who has little to no experience and get them working right away since America isn’t a tipping culture, the tips are terrible and nobody with luxury experience wants to work in that lounge (the US QF). This would explain the service discrepancies between QF Australia and the QF LAX lounge. I’ve found the service in Australia to be impeccable but LAX doesn’t even seem like the same league and the tipping would explain that. The shower suites are also much better, bigger, and newer in AA.
Show up early for the flight. If you’re traveling in F, I’d personally go to both lounges as they are connected without having to go back through security now that they opened the tunnels connecting terminals and you can try both lounges. They are both a treat. If you’re in J out of LAX don’t expect to be wowed but still worth showing up slightly early to try both lounges.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:30 am
#820
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
YES and NO. During the booking process on CX website you were given the option to book a business class fare with three different options
Save - High Change/Cancellation Fee
Standard - Low Change/Cancellation Fee
Flex - No Change/Cancellation Fee
Each of the three options has a fare basis code associated to it. If I remember correctly, CX website was offering the Standard and the Flex at very low fares, the Save was pricing much higher. (or something like that). I'm sure that 80% of the people booking these low Business and First class tickets chose the cheapest fare without knowing that they will have to pay cancellation/change fees after the 24 hour grace period. Very few people read and understood the fare condition summary that CX website gave during the booking path. Unfortunately this is a common rookie mistake, specially when the Flex option was just $25 more on each direction. I decided to pay the extra $50 just in case I needed to make a change or cancel after the 24 hour grace period. In the end, we all need to fly to Vietnam to start these trips and if something goes wrong, I know I can call CX and cancel the entire itinerary without having to pay a cancellation fee.
For people booking via OTAs, I don't think they get to choose between the 3 options since CX does not have direct connectivity so it should only offer one option (don't know which one). That's exactly why I wouldn't book via an OTA if the airline's own website has the same pricing and is able to issue an E-TKT.
I will venture to say NO, since I can see that CX hasn't reopened the A, I, C and D buckets ex-Vietnam. But if someone was able to do it, please share your experience.
Save - High Change/Cancellation Fee
Standard - Low Change/Cancellation Fee
Flex - No Change/Cancellation Fee
Each of the three options has a fare basis code associated to it. If I remember correctly, CX website was offering the Standard and the Flex at very low fares, the Save was pricing much higher. (or something like that). I'm sure that 80% of the people booking these low Business and First class tickets chose the cheapest fare without knowing that they will have to pay cancellation/change fees after the 24 hour grace period. Very few people read and understood the fare condition summary that CX website gave during the booking path. Unfortunately this is a common rookie mistake, specially when the Flex option was just $25 more on each direction. I decided to pay the extra $50 just in case I needed to make a change or cancel after the 24 hour grace period. In the end, we all need to fly to Vietnam to start these trips and if something goes wrong, I know I can call CX and cancel the entire itinerary without having to pay a cancellation fee.
For people booking via OTAs, I don't think they get to choose between the 3 options since CX does not have direct connectivity so it should only offer one option (don't know which one). That's exactly why I wouldn't book via an OTA if the airline's own website has the same pricing and is able to issue an E-TKT.
I will venture to say NO, since I can see that CX hasn't reopened the A, I, C and D buckets ex-Vietnam. But if someone was able to do it, please share your experience.
If someone cancels their tickets do us all a favor and try changing it first and see what happens.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:50 am
#821
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
I'll defer to what sounds like your superior knowledge, but still wanted to ask about the bolded statement. When my wife and Iwent to Vietnam almost three years ago, getting the evisa online was fine, but processing it upon arrival at SGN was a real PITA. We sat in the waiting area for at least 30 minutes upon arrival while the rather rude staff processed the paperwork. IIRC correctly, friends with whom we rendezvoused in town with got a regular visa and breezed through immigration.
Would we have to wait at a separate counter if we got the multi-entry rather than the evisa? If not, and if we could simply present our passports and visas at the immigration counter, I'm very tempted to go for that instead, especially since we'd be entering Vietnam twice.
Would we have to wait at a separate counter if we got the multi-entry rather than the evisa? If not, and if we could simply present our passports and visas at the immigration counter, I'm very tempted to go for that instead, especially since we'd be entering Vietnam twice.
Evisa just means you register online and get to print it out yourself. You NEED to have a physical copy as they will request it. You do not have to go through the waiting process for the "visa on arrival" desk. You just go through immigration like everybody else.
Evisa is only one time. There is no multiple entry. However, they are pretty good at getting it done within a few days, as the websites states.
If you got the multi-entry yes, you wouldn't need another evisa. You would need to wait that first time to get your visa, however, which could easily be half an hour. And with the evisa there is no more waiting at the desk anyway, so you are not saving any time. You are wasting time. I did the multiple entry visa, and now think it is a waste of time (and about the same price, it is $25 per evisa, $50 for multiple entry 1 month visa with $10 stamp fee I paid for some agency online to create me a letter).
(if you are also worried about passport space you would save space with the evisa as well, because you don't get a whole page taken up by the visa)
Jan 3, 2019, 2:58 am
#822
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
The terminology is confusing.
Evisa just means you register online and get to print it out yourself. You NEED to have a physical copy as they will request it. You do not have to go through the waiting process for the "visa on arrival" desk. You just go through immigration like everybody else.
Evisa is only one time. There is no multiple entry. However, they are pretty good at getting it done within a few days, as the websites states.
If you got the multi-entry yes, you wouldn't need another evisa. You would need to wait that first time to get your visa, however, which could easily be half an hour. And with the evisa there is no more waiting at the desk anyway, so you are not saving any time. You are wasting time. I did the multiple entry visa, and now think it is a waste of time (and about the same price, it is $25 per evisa, $50 for multiple entry 1 month visa with $10 stamp fee I paid for some agency online to create me a letter).
(if you are also worried about passport space you would save space with the evisa as well, because you don't get a whole page taken up by the visa)
Evisa just means you register online and get to print it out yourself. You NEED to have a physical copy as they will request it. You do not have to go through the waiting process for the "visa on arrival" desk. You just go through immigration like everybody else.
Evisa is only one time. There is no multiple entry. However, they are pretty good at getting it done within a few days, as the websites states.
If you got the multi-entry yes, you wouldn't need another evisa. You would need to wait that first time to get your visa, however, which could easily be half an hour. And with the evisa there is no more waiting at the desk anyway, so you are not saving any time. You are wasting time. I did the multiple entry visa, and now think it is a waste of time (and about the same price, it is $25 per evisa, $50 for multiple entry 1 month visa with $10 stamp fee I paid for some agency online to create me a letter).
(if you are also worried about passport space you would save space with the evisa as well, because you don't get a whole page taken up by the visa)
I have absolutely zero idea how the Visa program works for US citizens. I need one visa to get into SGN, and probably another to present to staff at JFK before boarding? However I plan to get off in HKG, so do I need to buy multiple entry? Is it wise to just buy 1 evisa and tell them I’m getting the other one on arrival? A friend of mine who just came back from Vietnam said Asiana wouldn’t let him on the plane and asked him for his visa.
Jan 3, 2019, 3:03 am
#823
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
I have absolutely zero idea how the Visa program works for US citizens. I need one visa to get into SGN, and probably another to present to staff at JFK before boarding? However I plan to get off in HKG, so do I need to buy multiple entry? Is it wise to just buy 1 evisa and tell them I’m getting the other one on arrival? A friend of mine who just came back from Vietnam said Asiana wouldn’t let him on the plane and asked him for his visa.
For your return to SGN you will need another evisa, just apply and have one, even though you won't be using it as you will get off in HKG. There is no such thing as "visa on arrival" meaning you have no visa. For visa on arrival you will need a document from an agency saying you have a "visa on arrival". There are many agencies that will do that for you. If you wish to save yourself a few bucks, you can do that instead (I think you can find agencies online that will do it for $8). With that document you are good to actually apply for a visa on arrival, and the airline will accept that as a visa.
For US citizens you cannot just show up and ask for a visa (you can, you'll have to get your way past the airlines and I'm not sure how much it will cost you once you actually arrive in Vietnam, as the whole transit without visa is very sketchy. And if you actually want to enter, be prepared to cough up some money at the airport to "convince" the officials (disclaimer, I've never done it that way, but presume with enough grease anything works)).
Jan 3, 2019, 3:43 am
#824
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,799
I have absolutely zero idea how the Visa program works for US citizens. I need one visa to get into SGN, and probably another to present to staff at JFK before boarding? However I plan to get off in HKG, so do I need to buy multiple entry? Is it wise to just buy 1 evisa and tell them I’m getting the other one on arrival? A friend of mine who just came back from Vietnam said Asiana wouldn’t let him on the plane and asked him for his visa.