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)
Mar 29, 2019, 5:57 pm
#1952
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SEA
Posts: 2,021
VISA
FYI. I just got my one month, multi entry visa delivered today. It was a pretty painless process (easier than it was when I got a visa 10 years ago).
I filled out the form online Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States Used my computer to take a photo that I uploaded. I had to verify my number with a text. I then paid the embassy $155 via PayPal.
The visa came that week.
Since I am going to be entering Vietnam twice within a few days, I felt this was the safer bet than trying to do two, one time entries.
I filled out the form online Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States Used my computer to take a photo that I uploaded. I had to verify my number with a text. I then paid the embassy $155 via PayPal.
The visa came that week.
Since I am going to be entering Vietnam twice within a few days, I felt this was the safer bet than trying to do two, one time entries.
Mar 29, 2019, 7:16 pm
#1953
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Because we had the Vietnam Airlines codeshare we could not get our bp's ahead of time. So, when we landed in JFK (on our domestic) we happened to be to gates down from the departing early CX flight to HKG, the one that stops in YVR. I simply asked the agent for our bp's and said 'it would be great if we could get on the earlier flight to HAN'. She looked, saw there were seats available and said 'sure no problem'. A few minutes later we were on our way to FFD with our new bp's. Completely painless and the agent did it without hesitation or question.
Ticket #2 - First legs, none posted. Filled out the online form and about a week later the miles were credited correctly.
Ticket #1 - Return legs, both segments posted in about 3-4 days after landing in HAN.
For me going forward...
If one segment posts and one does not, I fill out the online 'missing credit form' within 48 hours of the first posting.
If neither segment posts, I wait about 5-7 days and if still not posted, I then fill out the online 'missing credit form'.
Mar 29, 2019, 10:37 pm
#1954
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
FYI. I just got my one month, multi entry visa delivered today. It was a pretty painless process (easier than it was when I got a visa 10 years ago).
I filled out the form online Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States Used my computer to take a photo that I uploaded. I had to verify my number with a text. I then paid the embassy $155 via PayPal.
The visa came that week.
Since I am going to be entering Vietnam twice within a few days, I felt this was the safer bet than trying to do two, one time entries.
I filled out the form online Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the United States Used my computer to take a photo that I uploaded. I had to verify my number with a text. I then paid the embassy $155 via PayPal.
The visa came that week.
Since I am going to be entering Vietnam twice within a few days, I felt this was the safer bet than trying to do two, one time entries.
Mar 29, 2019, 10:56 pm
#1955
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SEA
Posts: 2,021
Mar 29, 2019, 11:21 pm
#1956
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
But I had 13 tickets ex Yangon so that helped a lot.
Mar 31, 2019, 9:49 am
#1957
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska Airlines MVP Gold
Posts: 301
Just finished flying the ex-HAN portion of the ticket. I was able to turn around in HAN with no problems using an evisa. Flew in on BL (HKG-HAN) and flew out on KA (HAN-HKG). I ended up printing my boarding pass at HKG arrival lounge so that I wouldn't be stuck landslide at HAN until the KA counters opened.
I asked if I could switch flights for the HKG-JFK segment at HKG. Even though EF showed F1 for the flight I wanted, the agent wasn't able to get the switch done for me, even after calling "control". (RM?)
I asked if I could switch flights for the HKG-JFK segment at HKG. Even though EF showed F1 for the flight I wanted, the agent wasn't able to get the switch done for me, even after calling "control". (RM?)
Mar 31, 2019, 10:20 am
#1958
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Just finished flying the ex-HAN portion of the ticket. I was able to turn around in HAN with no problems using an evisa. Flew in on BL (HKG-HAN) and flew out on KA (HAN-HKG). I ended up printing my boarding pass at HKG arrival lounge so that I wouldn't be stuck landslide at HAN until the KA counters opened.
I asked if I could switch flights for the HKG-JFK segment at HKG. Even though EF showed F1 for the flight I wanted, the agent wasn't able to get the switch done for me, even after calling "control". (RM?)
I asked if I could switch flights for the HKG-JFK segment at HKG. Even though EF showed F1 for the flight I wanted, the agent wasn't able to get the switch done for me, even after calling "control". (RM?)
Mar 31, 2019, 11:32 am
#1959
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
Mar 31, 2019, 11:42 am
#1960
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
Downgraded from A to J with financial windfall CX, anyone else ever get this?
Never heard of this happening before but we booked First class tickets HAN-SFO on CX. The shorter segments were in J as those flights did not have 3 classes.
Flew back to the USA this weekend and had a 12 hour layover in HKG. Asked if there was an earlier flight we could take and was offered one 6 hours earlier for $100 change fees and would be standby for J class. We declined as we were really looking forward to the "A" experience. About 2 hours prior to our flight, while waiting in the Wing, we were overhead paged to the desk. We were told there was an aircraft swap and all 5 of the passengers were being downgraded to business seats. However they gave us each a bulging envelope of HG dollars for the price difference in the cost of the seat (which was much more than we paid for our original mistake fare tickets. Score! (but also disappointed to miss trying out the first class experience and most of all to miss getting the 350X miles flown in my alaska account).
Now thinking we will have to figure out a way to use the second half of our tickets and go back instead of discarding them. (Will need to call and figure out a way to change the tickets for a more suitable date etc).
Flew back to the USA this weekend and had a 12 hour layover in HKG. Asked if there was an earlier flight we could take and was offered one 6 hours earlier for $100 change fees and would be standby for J class. We declined as we were really looking forward to the "A" experience. About 2 hours prior to our flight, while waiting in the Wing, we were overhead paged to the desk. We were told there was an aircraft swap and all 5 of the passengers were being downgraded to business seats. However they gave us each a bulging envelope of HG dollars for the price difference in the cost of the seat (which was much more than we paid for our original mistake fare tickets. Score! (but also disappointed to miss trying out the first class experience and most of all to miss getting the 350X miles flown in my alaska account).
Now thinking we will have to figure out a way to use the second half of our tickets and go back instead of discarding them. (Will need to call and figure out a way to change the tickets for a more suitable date etc).
Mar 31, 2019, 12:10 pm
#1961
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ORD, LAS
Programs: AA-EXP, BAEC Silver, Hyatt-Globalist, Hilton-gold, SPG-gold
Posts: 855
Never heard of this happening before but we booked First class tickets HAN-SFO on CX. The shorter segments were in J as those flights did not have 3 classes.
Flew back to the USA this weekend and had a 12 hour layover in HKG. Asked if there was an earlier flight we could take and was offered one 6 hours earlier for $100 change fees and would be standby for J class. We declined as we were really looking forward to the "A" experience. About 2 hours prior to our flight, while waiting in the Wing, we were overhead paged to the desk. We were told there was an aircraft swap and all 5 of the passengers were being downgraded to business seats. However they gave us each a bulging envelope of HG dollars for the price difference in the cost of the seat (which was much more than we paid for our original mistake fare tickets. Score! (but also disappointed to miss trying out the first class experience and most of all to miss getting the 350X miles flown in my alaska account).
Now thinking we will have to figure out a way to use the second half of our tickets and go back instead of discarding them. (Will need to call and figure out a way to change the tickets for a more suitable date etc).
Flew back to the USA this weekend and had a 12 hour layover in HKG. Asked if there was an earlier flight we could take and was offered one 6 hours earlier for $100 change fees and would be standby for J class. We declined as we were really looking forward to the "A" experience. About 2 hours prior to our flight, while waiting in the Wing, we were overhead paged to the desk. We were told there was an aircraft swap and all 5 of the passengers were being downgraded to business seats. However they gave us each a bulging envelope of HG dollars for the price difference in the cost of the seat (which was much more than we paid for our original mistake fare tickets. Score! (but also disappointed to miss trying out the first class experience and most of all to miss getting the 350X miles flown in my alaska account).
Now thinking we will have to figure out a way to use the second half of our tickets and go back instead of discarding them. (Will need to call and figure out a way to change the tickets for a more suitable date etc).
Mar 31, 2019, 12:25 pm
#1962
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
many many thanks for posting this lhg. we have the same 12 hour layover and are struggling with whether to go into town or try to get it changed. but once we commit to the lounge to try to change it, then we are pretty much stuck for 12 hours walking between lounge to lounge, eating, drinking, bathing, etc. 1st world problems. We are starting this adventure Han-hkg-yvr in a couple of weeks and will do the reverse in October. I also would be disappointed to miss the opportunity to fly in A but a bucket of money could encourage me. Do you believe there is any cause and effect related to the fact that you had inquired, or it would have all gone the same way regardless. I wonder what would have happened if you had been on the town and arrived back a few hours before departure?
Mar 31, 2019, 2:44 pm
#1963
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
many many thanks for posting this lhg. we have the same 12 hour layover and are struggling with whether to go into town or try to get it changed. but once we commit to the lounge to try to change it, then we are pretty much stuck for 12 hours walking between lounge to lounge, eating, drinking, bathing, etc. 1st world problems. We are starting this adventure Han-hkg-yvr in a couple of weeks and will do the reverse in October. I also would be disappointed to miss the opportunity to fly in A but a bucket of money could encourage me. Do you believe there is any cause and effect related to the fact that you had inquired, or it would have all gone the same way regardless. I wonder what would have happened if you had been on the town and arrived back a few hours before departure?
As for the idea of going in to town, I would vote yes. In our case, my husband had a bad cold so he went through to the lounge and found a sleeping room and then showered. I left the airport and opted to do a shorter trip. I took the S1 bus (you need exact (or close to) amount, as there is no change given, and the fare is 3.5 HKD each way). I got off at the tram stop on Lantau Island and took the 25 minute (very impressive ride!) up to the Buddha. It is super touristy and the "village" is really a bunch of shops/restaurants but once you walk through it (think Disneyland), you can go up the steps to the Buddha and also see part of the Tian Tan Monastery. I didn't rush and spent about 4 hours away from the airport doing this. It was nice to stretch my legs a bit before more sitting (lounge and flight).
Mar 31, 2019, 2:54 pm
#1964
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,403
(If the downgrade happens a day or more prior to departure, then the method of ticketing comes in. For cash fares you obviously still get the difference. But for partner issued award tickets you may or may not get any balance back depending on how the fare is constructed and whether the dector has any value in the overall calculation.)
Mar 31, 2019, 3:02 pm
#1965
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
Again, many thanks. I hope other people can benefit from this quick session on this. I really like that idea. I was going to take the train to Kowloon. seems like it is 20 - 30 minutes. With the octopus I think it is 105 hkd, but if you return within 24 hours the return is free. again, I think. so we were going to go all the way into town, walk around, and then go back and hit the lounge. I'm not certain what we will do without bags, I was going to leave them in the lounge until I found out on this thread that it is complicated to get from the lounge back to landside. When we do the return trip, I am thinking of jumping ship in Hong Kong if they won't let me do a layover, perhaps I can negotiate that while my wife is crying about not being in 'A'.