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 5, 2019, 2:07 am
#1006
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: BKK, CDG, TLS
Programs: QR G, A3 G, EK G, IHG Amb, GHA Black, WOH LT something
Posts: 1,306
Originally Posted by VN Ministry Foreign Affairs
For foreigner who enters Viet Nam as unilateral visa-exempted: the entry date must be at least 30 days from the previous exit as unilateral visa-exempted person. Otherwise that person is required to have approprate visa to enter Viet Nam.
Jan 5, 2019, 2:10 am
#1007
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Shangri-la Gold, Taj Gold, Krisflyer Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 101
My understanding is that you can enter with your Irish passport and e-visa. Then, re-enter with your British passport as you will not need a visa.
This is what I plan to do. I am a UK/US dual citizen. I am getting an e-visa for my first entry, and then 3 weeks later, using my British passport to re-enter.
You cannot hold two e-visas at the same time. Also, you cannot re-enter within 30 days of leaving on the same passport unless you have a multiple entry visa.
This is what I plan to do. I am a UK/US dual citizen. I am getting an e-visa for my first entry, and then 3 weeks later, using my British passport to re-enter.
You cannot hold two e-visas at the same time. Also, you cannot re-enter within 30 days of leaving on the same passport unless you have a multiple entry visa.
Jan 5, 2019, 2:24 am
#1008
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
I just went to the official Vietnamese visa website and paid $25 for a visa (why do they want to know your religion?) that should take 3 days to get approved (so it says) and print it out for presentation the directions say. When I enter Vietnam I will present this print out visa, but can I present it in JFK too to get on the flight to HKG?
Jan 5, 2019, 3:10 am
#1009
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
This visa nonsense is making my head spin. I need one official entry to catch the fare and get into Vietnam. But I’m not gonna take the HKG-SGN portion on the return. Obviously I have to present something in JFK so they allow me to board the flight to HKG.
I just went to the official Vietnamese visa website and paid $25 for a visa (why do they want to know your religion?) that should take 3 days to get approved (so it says) and print it out for presentation the directions say. When I enter Vietnam I will present this print out visa, but can I present it in JFK too to get on the flight to HKG?
You can hold 2 evisa at the same time (probably the best option)
OR
you can change your ticket and introduce a stopover in HKG (stopovers are free so just $100 change fee on most fares)
OR
you can buy an onwards air asia/vietjet ticket out of Hanoi to 3rd country (KUL tends to cost $20 or so)
Jan 5, 2019, 3:30 am
#1010
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
No you cannot, once the evisa has been used (it is single entry) it's gone. You might be lucky, but I wouldn't risk it.
You can hold 2 evisa at the same time (probably the best option)
OR
you can change your ticket and introduce a stopover in HKG (stopovers are free so just $100 change fee on most fares)
OR
you can buy an onwards air asia/vietjet ticket out of Hanoi to 3rd country (KUL tends to cost $20 or so)
You can hold 2 evisa at the same time (probably the best option)
OR
you can change your ticket and introduce a stopover in HKG (stopovers are free so just $100 change fee on most fares)
OR
you can buy an onwards air asia/vietjet ticket out of Hanoi to 3rd country (KUL tends to cost $20 or so)
I read someone say in this thread that you can get a letter from a visa company saying you’ll get one on arrival for $8 or something? Could I forge my own letter just to get on the flight to HKG? A lot of people on here have said they’ve presented used visas to get on flights. Also I’m flying into Saigon, not Da Nang or Hanoi as many of you are FWIW. I wanted to be able to get all flights to AS since Cathay dragon and VN codeshare wouldn’t credit to MileagePlan.
Jan 5, 2019, 3:36 am
#1011
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 509
Why does the Vietnamese government ask for your religion?
I read someone say in this thread that you can get a letter from a visa company saying you’ll get one on arrival for $8 or something? Could I forge my own letter just to get on the flight to HKG? A lot of people on here have said they’ve presented used visas to get on flights. Also I’m flying into Saigon, not Da Nang or Hanoi as many of you are FWIW. I wanted to be able to get all flights to AS since Cathay dragon and VN codeshare wouldn’t credit to MileagePlan.
Jan 5, 2019, 3:47 am
#1012
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
A country decides their own entry requirements, if they ask for religion that’s their prerogative.
i would not forge an invitation letter, as they are registered and if the airline does cross check they will realise it’s fraudulent.
and yes those letters are cheap and exist - in fact you could get a letter inviting you for 2 or multiple entries. And with such letter get the entry visa stamped at airport upon paying the appropriate visa fee. $25 for single entry, $50 for double entry visa and $135 multiple entry
i would not forge an invitation letter, as they are registered and if the airline does cross check they will realise it’s fraudulent.
and yes those letters are cheap and exist - in fact you could get a letter inviting you for 2 or multiple entries. And with such letter get the entry visa stamped at airport upon paying the appropriate visa fee. $25 for single entry, $50 for double entry visa and $135 multiple entry
Jan 5, 2019, 4:04 am
#1013
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
The religion question was just curiousity. Anyone know why they want that information?
Alright. I just want to get on the flight to Hong Kong. I’m not going to enter Vietnam a second time because I’m not taking the last segment from BOS-HKG.
Alright. I just want to get on the flight to Hong Kong. I’m not going to enter Vietnam a second time because I’m not taking the last segment from BOS-HKG.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:15 am
#1014
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
You can buy a cheap low cost carrier ticket ex Vietnam to satisfy transit to a third country. Options may include Air Asia, Viet Jet or Jetstar. No refund, but if you find a cheap ticket it might not matter.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:18 am
#1015
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: MPC SL
Posts: 110
Seems like APEC card allows for visa-free stay in Vietnam for no more than 60 days? Does anyone know whether that’s true or not?
i will need to enter Vietnam twice within about 9 days so just wanna make sure it will be fine... if not, I will just go ahead and get 1 month multiple entries visa
i will need to enter Vietnam twice within about 9 days so just wanna make sure it will be fine... if not, I will just go ahead and get 1 month multiple entries visa
Jan 5, 2019, 4:23 am
#1016
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
Seems like APEC card allows for visa-free stay in Vietnam for no more than 60 days? Does anyone know whether that’s true or not?
i will need to enter Vietnam twice within about 9 days so just wanna make sure it will be fine... if not, I will just go ahead and get 1 month multiple entries visa
i will need to enter Vietnam twice within about 9 days so just wanna make sure it will be fine... if not, I will just go ahead and get 1 month multiple entries visa
Jan 5, 2019, 4:35 am
#1017
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Im curious with the people that booked the AA codeshares and are not taking CX. Was this available after CX pulled the fare? Did one of you say you booked the AA codeshare a day and a half after CX mistake fare was pulled? If so where did you book? The only reason I ask is so I know where to check for a mistake fare next time it gets pulled if I miss it.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:38 am
#1018
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
Vietnam is a communist country. They may wish to prevent practitioners of certain religions that either question, or challenge, the communist beliefs.
You can buy a cheap low cost carrier ticket ex Vietnam to satisfy transit to a third country. Options may include Air Asia, Viet Jet or Jetstar. No refund, but if you find a cheap ticket it might not matter.
You can buy a cheap low cost carrier ticket ex Vietnam to satisfy transit to a third country. Options may include Air Asia, Viet Jet or Jetstar. No refund, but if you find a cheap ticket it might not matter.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:43 am
#1019
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Hong Kong SAR
Programs: OZ & BA Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott & Accor Plat
Posts: 295
Im curious with the people that booked the AA codeshares and are not taking CX. Was this available after CX pulled the fare? Did one of you say you booked the AA codeshare a day and a half after CX mistake fare was pulled? If so where did you book? The only reason I ask is so I know where to check for a mistake fare next time it gets pulled if I miss it.
Just searched via google flights and then it linked me through to cathaypacific.com but it took a few trail & errors (I believe i posted previously on this thread how so maybe that helps too). By then definitely no cathay flights available and the only time the cathaypacific.com website worked and not route me through LHR (ending up in an error) was when there was an AA-operated flight available. So decided to jump on that (at the same time thought maybe if the fare wasn't honored then maybe its harder to 'find' me or cancel an AA-operated ticket 
). Hope this helps!
Jan 5, 2019, 5:35 am
#1020
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 487
This visa nonsense is making my head spin. I need one official entry to catch the fare and get into Vietnam. But I’m not gonna take the HKG-SGN portion on the return. Obviously I have to present something in JFK so they allow me to board the flight to HKG.
I just went to the official Vietnamese visa website and paid $25 for a visa (why do they want to know your religion?) that should take 3 days to get approved (so it says) and print it out for presentation the directions say. When I enter Vietnam I will present this print out visa, but can I present it in JFK too to get on the flight to HKG?
The following are what I think are the best options with the following assumptions: you plan on entering Vietnam prior to commencing the CX ticket*, the Vietnam-HKG and HKG-Vietnam legs are less than 30 days apart and you are planning on flying all legs of the CX ticket.
For passport holders eligible for visa exemption (e.g. UK):
1st entry to Vietnam: visa exemption
2nd entry to Vietnam: eVisa or single entry visa on arrival letter. eVisa will be marginally cheaper as you do not have to pay for the visa on arrival letter and will not involve the additional visa on arrival queue (although I do not think this adds too much time to the process as the bottlenecks are downstream at immigration/customs). Another option is airside transfer to another flight within 24 hours to a 3rd country (i.e. NOT Hong Kong) if you are transiting in an airport in Vietnam which permits airside transfer without visa. If there is any doubt, my recommendation is a single entry visa on arrival letter as this covers all eventualities.
For passport holders not eligible for visa exemption:
1st entry to Vietnam: eVisa, single entry visa on arrival letter or 1 month multiple entry visa on arrival letter.
2nd entry to Vietnam: eVisa, single entry visa on arrival letter or use earlier multiple entry visa. Another option is airside transfer to another flight within 24 hours to a 3rd country (i.e. NOT Hong Kong) if you are transiting in an airport in Vietnam which permits airside transfer without visa. If there is any doubt, my recommendation is a 1 month multiple entry visa on arrival letter for the 1st entry to Vietnam as this covers all eventualities.
If you are not intending to fly the last leg of the CX ticket (i.e. HKG - Vietnam) then your best option is a single entry visa on arrival letter dated to cover the date when you are scheduled to enter Vietnam the second time.
*If you are not planning on entering Vietnam prior to commencing the CX ticket then you must fly in from a 3rd country (i.e. NOT Hong Kong). If there is any doubt, my recommendation is a single entry or 1 month multiple entry visa on arrival letter as this will allow you to enter the country if the officials do not permit you to do an airside transfer without visa. Visa on arrival letters are not expensive and if you are attempting tight transfers in either direction then they are a good insurance option should you misconnect.