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 9, 2019, 9:30 pm
#1231
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,783
The AirTrain is a bit more efficient than walking, especially in February temperatures 
My guess is you're looking to fly DL5136. It looks like the plane usually goes back and forth between NYC and BUF for a good chunk of the day, so the flight should be on time unless there are weather issues. The big question will be... whether there are weather issues!
If you really want to play it safe, you could give yourself a little bit more time. The Flagship Lounge at JFK is no Wing or Pier, but you would at least have access to Flagship Dining.
My guess is you're looking to fly DL5136. It looks like the plane usually goes back and forth between NYC and BUF for a good chunk of the day, so the flight should be on time unless there are weather issues. The big question will be... whether there are weather issues!
If you really want to play it safe, you could give yourself a little bit more time. The Flagship Lounge at JFK is no Wing or Pier, but you would at least have access to Flagship Dining.
Oh... this is one of those ‘impossible’ and stressful questions. 4.5 hours is plenty of time... if... no weather. Between t-storms and winter weather Ive been burned too many times and won’t risk such a ‘short’ layover on separate tickets.
If i’ve scored some amazing seats that really can’t be changed I’ll leave at least 8 hours connecting time and spend the day with a Hilton day rate at the airport (or similar).
I know that sounds crazy padding, but based on 15+ years of doing these connections... if for nothing else, the stress leading up to departure day isn’t worth it as you sit tracking the weather
Arrgghh. Tough call. There's a JetBlue flight that arrives at 6.41pm that might be a better option, I guess. I think SkyTeam Elite Plus gives me two free bags on DL but with JetBlue I'd have to both for both which would make the ticket about $40 more expensive. I guess it's a small price to pay for a bit more room to move.
Jan 9, 2019, 10:27 pm
#1232
Join Date: May 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG100, Hyatt Globalist, MGM Gold, Caesars Diamond
Posts: 636
Hello. I am in Hanoi and return on the beginning of one of these Cathay Fares. It begins HAN-HKG-SFO. My question is I am on Cathay Dragon in J first leg and HKG-SFO in A on second. I would like to leave earlier than my 750pm on 13th in order to spend time with a friend in HKG. Any idea if I can change according to Dragon or regular Cathay or stand by on earlier same day flight? Any info on cost/headache of leaving the HKG airport for a few hours would also be greatly appreciated.
Jan 9, 2019, 11:48 pm
#1233
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: BA GGL, A3 GOLD, AS MVP GOLD, O6 DIAMOND
Posts: 89
Just wanted to add my experience in case it helps anyone.
I didn't think the fare would be honored, so I booked a departure as soon as I could, and ended up booking HAN-HKG-JFK in J/F departing on 1/2.
I then had to get to HAN (I was in China at the time), and from what I could tell, US passport holders did NOT need a visa for an international-international transit at HAN. I managed to find a cheap ticket that departed within a few hours that would get me into HAN at 2am on ZH (from SZX). That would give me plenty of time to figure things out since my flight on KA didn't depart for 8 hours.
Interestingly enough, I was never once asked to show a Vietnam visa, neither at my original checkin with CA, nor when I checked in with ZH at SZX. Once I arrived in HAN, I found the transit/immigration area, and noticed that there were doors leading up to the departures area labeled "Transit", however they were both locked. There was a transit desk, but at 2am, it was empty. I inquired at the visa desk, and they told me to wait at the transit desk and they would call someone. I technically did not need the transit desk since I was able to checkin for my CX flights online and was able to print the boarding passes out before I left SZX. Mobile boarding passes were not allowed for HAN. So when I arrived in HAN,I already had my onward boarding passes in hand. After a few minutes, someone came over to look at my boarding passes, but tried to tell me that I needed to checkin and needed a visa. When I pointed to the words "Boarding pass" on my printed out boarding pass, they still said I would need a visa until I mentioned that I did not have any checked bags. They then asked me to wait a few minutes while they radioed someone, and after a few minutes someone came down through the "Transit" door and let me go through which brought me up to the security check just beyond the immigration counters. After that it was a simple check and then I was in the terminal for the rest of the night until my flight.
A tip if you are stuck overnight in HAN like I was, at the far left end of the terminal are a few chairs that are for napping and it is relatively quiet there. Most benches in the airport also do not have arm rests, so it is easy to lie down on the benches to get some rest as well. Thankfully, most of the tvs in the terminal were also on silent (except one showing a sporting match near the security checkpoint). Once it became 6 (or maybe 7) some of the lounges started to open, and CX J allows you to use either the VN lounge, or a specific 3rd party lounge (I can't remember which one).
I had no problems boarding either of my flights for HKG or JFK and ended up enjoying them.
In case anyone is curious, both flights credited to my AA account within a few days and I earned the following (as ExecPlat):
HAN-HKG (J)
EQM: 785
EQD: 131
RDM: 1,282
HKG-JFK (A)
EQM: 12,105
EQD: 2,421
RDM: 21,789
I didn't think the fare would be honored, so I booked a departure as soon as I could, and ended up booking HAN-HKG-JFK in J/F departing on 1/2.
I then had to get to HAN (I was in China at the time), and from what I could tell, US passport holders did NOT need a visa for an international-international transit at HAN. I managed to find a cheap ticket that departed within a few hours that would get me into HAN at 2am on ZH (from SZX). That would give me plenty of time to figure things out since my flight on KA didn't depart for 8 hours.
Interestingly enough, I was never once asked to show a Vietnam visa, neither at my original checkin with CA, nor when I checked in with ZH at SZX. Once I arrived in HAN, I found the transit/immigration area, and noticed that there were doors leading up to the departures area labeled "Transit", however they were both locked. There was a transit desk, but at 2am, it was empty. I inquired at the visa desk, and they told me to wait at the transit desk and they would call someone. I technically did not need the transit desk since I was able to checkin for my CX flights online and was able to print the boarding passes out before I left SZX. Mobile boarding passes were not allowed for HAN. So when I arrived in HAN,I already had my onward boarding passes in hand. After a few minutes, someone came over to look at my boarding passes, but tried to tell me that I needed to checkin and needed a visa. When I pointed to the words "Boarding pass" on my printed out boarding pass, they still said I would need a visa until I mentioned that I did not have any checked bags. They then asked me to wait a few minutes while they radioed someone, and after a few minutes someone came down through the "Transit" door and let me go through which brought me up to the security check just beyond the immigration counters. After that it was a simple check and then I was in the terminal for the rest of the night until my flight.
A tip if you are stuck overnight in HAN like I was, at the far left end of the terminal are a few chairs that are for napping and it is relatively quiet there. Most benches in the airport also do not have arm rests, so it is easy to lie down on the benches to get some rest as well. Thankfully, most of the tvs in the terminal were also on silent (except one showing a sporting match near the security checkpoint). Once it became 6 (or maybe 7) some of the lounges started to open, and CX J allows you to use either the VN lounge, or a specific 3rd party lounge (I can't remember which one).
I had no problems boarding either of my flights for HKG or JFK and ended up enjoying them.
In case anyone is curious, both flights credited to my AA account within a few days and I earned the following (as ExecPlat):
HAN-HKG (J)
EQM: 785
EQD: 131
RDM: 1,282
HKG-JFK (A)
EQM: 12,105
EQD: 2,421
RDM: 21,789
Jan 9, 2019, 11:59 pm
#1234
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
It’s always a fun game to try and pick out the MRers on these mistake/cheap premium flights. When Hainan had the $1300 J fares LAX-CSX if you were white you were an FTer. I am Caucasian and was asked questions by the check in agent, gate agent, and the person that was sitting next to me why I was going to Changsha. 
It’s always easy to pick out the really obvious ones. I’m starting Presidents’ Day weekend to US and return the Sunday.
It’s always easy to pick out the really obvious ones. I’m starting Presidents’ Day weekend to US and return the Sunday.
Jan 10, 2019, 12:40 am
#1235
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,607
The system that determines what gets credited is different to the system that renders the manage my booking front-end. Mileage credits should be fine.
Jan 10, 2019, 12:40 am
#1236
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 585
Hello. I am in Hanoi and return on the beginning of one of these Cathay Fares. It begins HAN-HKG-SFO. My question is I am on Cathay Dragon in J first leg and HKG-SFO in A on second. I would like to leave earlier than my 750pm on 13th in order to spend time with a friend in HKG. Any idea if I can change according to Dragon or regular Cathay or stand by on earlier same day flight? Any info on cost/headache of leaving the HKG airport for a few hours would also be greatly appreciated.
Leaving aside visa requirements, it is fairly easy to head out of the airport to town and back. Upon arrival at HkG, head towards immigration instead of the transfer gate (which would lead back to the departures area upstairs). Once past that and customs, head towards the Airport Express train. Buy a return ticket. The trip to Hong Kong Island is about 25 minutes and the train departs every 10 minutes.
Jan 10, 2019, 12:42 am
#1237
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Arrgghh. Tough call. There's a JetBlue flight that arrives at 6.41pm that might be a better option, I guess. I think SkyTeam Elite Plus gives me two free bags on DL but with JetBlue I'd have to both for both which would make the ticket about $40 more expensive. I guess it's a small price to pay for a bit more room to move.
Look at worst it seems like a 7 hour drive? So on the day of travel if the weather looks bad/is bad the back up is always to hop in a rental car and leave by 3 or 4pm for New York.
Jan 10, 2019, 12:45 am
#1238
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
It's a glitch. And CX knows about it. In the event someone is travelling before the glitch is resolved it really is very simple... keep all their boarding passes and send them in after travel for the miles to be credited.
Thankfully this isn't rocket science
Jan 10, 2019, 1:54 am
#1239
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Oh... this is one of those ‘impossible’ and stressful questions. 4.5 hours is plenty of time... if... no weather. Between t-storms and winter weather Ive been burned too many times and won’t risk such a ‘short’ layover on separate tickets.
If i’ve scored some amazing seats that really can’t be changed I’ll leave at least 8 hours connecting time and spend the day with a Hilton day rate at the airport (or similar).
I know that sounds crazy padding, but based on 15+ years of doing these connections... if for nothing else, the stress leading up to departure day isn’t worth it as you sit tracking the weather
Arrgghh. Tough call. There's a JetBlue flight that arrives at 6.41pm that might be a better option, I guess. I think SkyTeam Elite Plus gives me two free bags on DL but with JetBlue I'd have to both for both which would make the ticket about $40 more expensive. I guess it's a small price to pay for a bit more room to move.
And on top of that, you'd be on evening flights on either the JetBlue or Delta ones you've mentioned. Particularly during winter, the planes and their schedules have a chance of getting seriously backed up or canceled due to weather, mechanical, de-icing, cancellations or other problems earlier in the day. If you have the time, $$ or hotel points to spare, I'd fly in the previous day and overnight at a decent hotel. (Most near JFK apparently aren't that great. But there are other, better, cheaper ones elsewhere in the NYC county of Queens, where JFK is location.) Or if that understandably sounds too extreme, I'd at least opt for a morning flight, book a hotel for that night (so you can hang out during the day) and hope for an early check-in.
I know this may sound overly cautious, but I think Buffalo to JFK in February calls for extra caution when your great, unchangeable CX trip is at issue.
Jan 10, 2019, 6:57 am
#1242
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,256
My roommate had a similar issue to what some of you are saying. He had two J tickets booked before he found a good routing in F. He cancelled both J tickets online within an hour of booking. Yesterday he received partial refunds for both, roughly half, so probably that $250 deduction someone above said.
He called CX last night and the rep said the 24-hour rule did not apply as he booked they were ticketed from Saigon. He was using the US site for sure, even has a screenshot of the schedule he was booking that he sent me before ticketing and it shows the US site.
The rep had him submit a request online to support to get it fully refunded, so we'll see if that works, if not, it's off to Twitter.
Luckily, I only booked one so I don't have to deal with this.
He called CX last night and the rep said the 24-hour rule did not apply as he booked they were ticketed from Saigon. He was using the US site for sure, even has a screenshot of the schedule he was booking that he sent me before ticketing and it shows the US site.
The rep had him submit a request online to support to get it fully refunded, so we'll see if that works, if not, it's off to Twitter.
Luckily, I only booked one so I don't have to deal with this.
Jan 10, 2019, 10:51 am
#1244
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: AA Plat Pro; DL Gold; UA Silver; IHG Plat; Marriott Titanium; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 104
can someone with EF or a HAN to SFO itinerary booked through CX site check to see if there is any first class availability on HAN - HKG - SFO on Feb 9 or 10th? I booked through orbitz and when i try to change outbound flight to a day or two later, it is quoting me nearly 2k more and dropping me down to biz class. thanks in advance!
Jan 10, 2019, 10:54 am
#1245
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska Airlines MVP Gold
Posts: 301
Edit: seems like the tickets only change to J with reprice now, even with A inventory. On the bright side, BA options now show up.
Last edited by ft543; Jan 10, 2019 at 11:03 am