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[Premium Fare Gone]: CX: Vietnam to North America from $674 (J) and $1100 (F)

Old Dec 31, 2018, 9:41 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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 theyll 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 youre solo traveler. Just say I want seat 2A and Ill 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)
    • CX announced that they will honor all tickets! Tweet here. Facebook here.

Mainstream media coverage:



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)
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[Premium Fare Gone]: CX: Vietnam to North America from $674 (J) and $1100 (F)

Old Jan 3, 2019, 3:55 am
  #826  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 509
Originally Posted by Granite64
I'm thinking about skipping the HKG-DAD segment on the way back and flying back to Europe ex-HKG, will there be any problems if I skip this last flight?
I am planning on doing the same, not sure yet if there will be issues. I dont think so, if you dont check bags
haroon145 is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:01 am
  #827  
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,861
Originally Posted by NWplatinum
Do AA lounge dragons know CX F pax get First Flagship Dining? This is the first Ive heard of this, and good news for me. Also people who are talking about the AA Flagship, did you go to the F dining area which is the cordoned off area in the back thats only accessible with a slip you get at the front? Not the buffet for J passengers.
I believe CX only has arrangement at JFK for their F pax to use the Flagship Dining. In LAX they won't be eligible since the designated lounge is QF F
jona970318 is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:06 am
  #828  
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by NWplatinum


Do AA lounge dragons know CX F pax get First Flagship Dining? This is the first Ive heard of this, and good news for me. Also people who are talking about the AA Flagship, did you go to the F dining area which is the cordoned off area in the back thats only accessible with a slip you get at the front? Not the buffet for J passengers.

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. Its 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 youll 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 Ive been in the AA F lounge its 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. Theyll hire anyone off the street who has little to no experience and get them working right away since America isnt 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. Ive found the service in Australia to be impeccable but LAX doesnt 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 youre traveling in F, Id 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 youre in J out of LAX dont expect to be wowed but still worth showing up slightly early to try both lounges.
thanks both of you! Will check out both lounges during my transit!
mapleaves is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:16 am
  #829  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
Originally Posted by zig2
It's kind of early but let me ask. Have anyone looked into the fare rules to see if it is possible to change the return leg to create a stopover in HKG?
Not going to do a change at any reasonable cost unless there is a substantial schedule change on your original flights. Or, in my case, I have apx 60 minutes to connect from the JFK-HKG flight and the onward HKG-DAD, so hoping for a delay to cause the misconnect.
rbAA is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:18 am
  #830  
 
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
Originally Posted by NWplatinum


Do AA lounge dragons know CX F pax get First Flagship Dining? This is the first Ive heard of this, and good news for me. Also people who are talking about the AA Flagship, did you go to the F dining area which is the cordoned off area in the back thats only accessible with a slip you get at the front? Not the buffet for J passengers.

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. Its 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 youll 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 Ive been in the AA F lounge its 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. Theyll hire anyone off the street who has little to no experience and get them working right away since America isnt 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. Ive found the service in Australia to be impeccable but LAX doesnt 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 youre traveling in F, Id 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 youre in J out of LAX dont expect to be wowed but still worth showing up slightly early to try both lounges.
The other poster and myself are flying this deal on AA metal in F between HKG and IAD via LAX. Therefore we have the access.
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:45 am
  #831  
 
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Originally Posted by quinzinho
The other poster and myself are flying this deal on AA metal in F between HKG and IAD via LAX. Therefore we have the access.
LAX-IAD is not a FF route from memory so you wont
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 4:50 am
  #832  
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Originally Posted by quinzinho
The other poster and myself are flying this deal on AA metal in F between HKG and IAD via LAX. Therefore we have the access.
You would have access at JFK, but I dont think youd have access at LAX. Youd be directed to the Flagship Lounger at LAX based on your CX flight but no special arrangement to accesss AA Flagship First Dining.

Instead you could access QF F lounge, which is still pretty decent.

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Old Jan 3, 2019, 5:10 am
  #833  
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Originally Posted by absoluy


You would have access at JFK, but I dont think youd have access at LAX. Youd be directed to the Flagship Lounger at LAX based on your CX flight but no special arrangement to accesss AA Flagship First Dining.

Instead you could access QF F lounge, which is still pretty decent.
What's the point of people engaging in this lounge hopping nonsense?

They're flying Cathay Pacific First Class with proper catering including caviar and champagne. Absolutely no reason to go berserk over AA Flagship Dining which was designed so people don't have to deal with the dog food they serve on board. I take that back - our dog wouldn't eat what American serves.
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 5:17 am
  #834  
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Originally Posted by NWplatinum
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.
If you really intend to drop the segment then you can just as well get creative and design one yourself that looks like the real deal.

A check-in agent at JFK won't know how a VOA Confirmation for every single country looks like at any given time and there is no way for them to live confirm the validity of it since it's not an ETA.

What I did for RGN: I had ONE Visa that I used for three months on multiple trips as I was able to "transit" at RGN each time, at least inofficially [the TG ground staff let me through the glass door into the departure gate and disappeared with my passport, then came back with my boarding passes). If your airport in VN has a transit zone and you don't want to enter the country then one legitimate visa is sufficient even if you never use it.

Last edited by skywalkerLAX; Jan 3, 2019 at 5:22 am
skywalkerLAX is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2019, 6:32 am
  #835  
 
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Here is what I have learned in the last day...

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

For me, they have been very quick in their responses. (We have multiple tickets throughout the year so opted for the 1-year multiple entry visa.) After submitting your application you will get an email confirmation. You are asked to send them a text message. A few hours later we got a text back with the cost; $400 for two annual visas including all costs. The last email says 3-day service including FedEx overnight delivery. So we are expecting our visas next week.
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 6:39 am
  #836  
 
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Originally Posted by Global321
Here is what I have learned in the last day...

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

For me, they have been very quick in their responses. (We have multiple tickets throughout the year so opted for the 1-year multiple entry visa.) After submitting your application you will get an email confirmation. You are asked to send them a text message. A few hours later we got a text back with the cost; $400 for two annual visas including all costs. The last email says 3-day service including FedEx overnight delivery. So we are expecting our visas next week.
You'd have to have a ton of tickets, a single entry Evisa is only $25.
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 6:43 am
  #837  
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Originally Posted by ChiefNWA
You'd have to have a ton of tickets, a single entry Evisa is only $25.
Yeah. Just get e-visa closer to departure.
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 7:08 am
  #838  
 
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I just tried to change my booking to see if I can change my HKG-HAN flight as I'm booked on VN since there is a mild panic that my parents won't be able to access the first class lounge because they have an 8 hour layover. CX is quoting me USD199.98 for two people to change the HKG-HAN sector onto Cathay Dragon metal. Contemplating doing this but scared to risk my booking. Any advice?

Also from what I understand, I don't have to worry about my parents entering and exiting the country as they do not require visas anyway right? (the only benefit of being SEAsian and yes i've checked phew)
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 7:30 am
  #839  
 
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Originally Posted by teledude
LAX-IAD is not a FF route from memory so you wont
Yes I have since I am on F on AA metal between HKG and LAX (refer their own website) . Checking the FFD topic in the AA forum on FT I see confirmations as well.

Last edited by Pat89339; Jan 3, 2019 at 11:04 am Reason: TOS 12
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Old Jan 3, 2019, 7:33 am
  #840  
 
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Originally Posted by skywalkerLAX
What's the point of people engaging in this lounge hopping nonsense?

They're flying Cathay Pacific First Class with proper catering including caviar and champagne. Absolutely no reason to go berserk over AA Flagship Dining which was designed so people don't have to deal with the dog food they serve on board. I take that back - our dog wouldn't eat what American serves.
Do you think they will still serve caviar and expensive champagne after this sale? Ofcourse I hope they do, but I am a little concerned about it .
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