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)
May 30, 2019, 12:38 pm
#2221
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 281
I did not to back to back but there is a transit area, with signage. If you coming off the Cathay flight, others have mentioned that there was staff to meet them and take them through. There is no way you would do it in the time if you have to clear immigration. Here is a photo of the signage for transit.
May 30, 2019, 1:22 pm
#2222
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Programs: OZ *G, HHonors Gold, Aclub Plat
Posts: 1,025
Data Point on missed connection, prior to missing it.
My positioning flight on AA was delayed by 3+ hours. I would have misconnected to CX in JFK. I was able to call CX and reschedule the flight for 5 days later. ($100 change fee). There was nothing earlier in First, but there were a few options 5-6 days out from my misconnect. (I called CX prior to CX JFK flight departing.) The whole process took about 30 minutes. I did not ask about a J seat, so maybe I could have gotten out earlier in J.
Side note - AA policy on 3+ hour wx delay sucks. Your only choices are fly next day or refund. I had to refund and buy new - cost me an extra $100.
My positioning flight on AA was delayed by 3+ hours. I would have misconnected to CX in JFK. I was able to call CX and reschedule the flight for 5 days later. ($100 change fee). There was nothing earlier in First, but there were a few options 5-6 days out from my misconnect. (I called CX prior to CX JFK flight departing.) The whole process took about 30 minutes. I did not ask about a J seat, so maybe I could have gotten out earlier in J.
Side note - AA policy on 3+ hour wx delay sucks. Your only choices are fly next day or refund. I had to refund and buy new - cost me an extra $100.
May 31, 2019, 6:19 am
#2223
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Best Western Diamond Selec
Posts: 535
VN lounge may be for those taking VN, but mine was KA, so I could choose from other 2. The wiki post has been updated, I chose to go to Hong Song. It's comfortable, it has showers, the food spread is decent. While it's nothing like CX lounges at HKG, even J lounges, but I appreciate local foods and Dalat wines. They still don't taste as good as $1-2 that I get from streets or wines that I had in Dalat, though. The omaat has recently posted a review.
I'm stuck in a middle seat in f, I was hoping to change my seats at check in , but I was told it's a full f cabin HKG-YVR.
Jun 1, 2019, 2:28 am
#2224
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors
Posts: 238
A couple of data points that may help somebody:
- Upon entry to DAD, customs noticed that my middle name was not entered into the visa on arrival portal online (there was no option for a middle name according to my partner). They called the SilkAir rep and threatened to send me back to SIN which would have ruined the entire itinerary. After a while and a bucket full of tears from my partner, they accepted 1.5 million dong to correct the "mistake".
- Upon return to DAD, we were delayed by 6 hours at JFK due to the plane landing at EWR due to thunderstorms. We missed our connection at HKG obviously but received boarding passes as we exited the plane and were sent via BKK with CX and then onto DAD with Bangkok Airways. It was disappointing to miss 3 hours in one of the lounges but managed to squeeze in 30 minutes at the wing. Hard to fault CX, as this was out of their control.
- When entering DAD, my partner was almost denied entry on her multiple entry Visa due to an incorrect stamp provided when leaving DAD the first time. The agent ended up reluctantly using whiteout on the stamp and allowed entry. Honestly, these two bad experiences at customs will make me not want to come to Vietnam again anytime soon.
In saying all of that, what did other people who stayed in DAD think? The tourism industry here seems to be booming. The service I had at the Hilton was the best I have ever received.
- Upon entry to DAD, customs noticed that my middle name was not entered into the visa on arrival portal online (there was no option for a middle name according to my partner). They called the SilkAir rep and threatened to send me back to SIN which would have ruined the entire itinerary. After a while and a bucket full of tears from my partner, they accepted 1.5 million dong to correct the "mistake".
- Upon return to DAD, we were delayed by 6 hours at JFK due to the plane landing at EWR due to thunderstorms. We missed our connection at HKG obviously but received boarding passes as we exited the plane and were sent via BKK with CX and then onto DAD with Bangkok Airways. It was disappointing to miss 3 hours in one of the lounges but managed to squeeze in 30 minutes at the wing. Hard to fault CX, as this was out of their control.
- When entering DAD, my partner was almost denied entry on her multiple entry Visa due to an incorrect stamp provided when leaving DAD the first time. The agent ended up reluctantly using whiteout on the stamp and allowed entry. Honestly, these two bad experiences at customs will make me not want to come to Vietnam again anytime soon.
In saying all of that, what did other people who stayed in DAD think? The tourism industry here seems to be booming. The service I had at the Hilton was the best I have ever received.
Jun 1, 2019, 9:18 am
#2225
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: MSP
Posts: 36
A couple of data points that may help somebody:
- Upon entry to DAD, customs noticed that my middle name was not entered into the visa on arrival portal online (there was no option for a middle name according to my partner). They called the SilkAir rep and threatened to send me back to SIN which would have ruined the entire itinerary. After a while and a bucket full of tears from my partner, they accepted 1.5 million dong to correct the "mistake".
- Upon return to DAD, we were delayed by 6 hours at JFK due to the plane landing at EWR due to thunderstorms. We missed our connection at HKG obviously but received boarding passes as we exited the plane and were sent via BKK with CX and then onto DAD with Bangkok Airways. It was disappointing to miss 3 hours in one of the lounges but managed to squeeze in 30 minutes at the wing. Hard to fault CX, as this was out of their control.
- When entering DAD, my partner was almost denied entry on her multiple entry Visa due to an incorrect stamp provided when leaving DAD the first time. The agent ended up reluctantly using whiteout on the stamp and allowed entry. Honestly, these two bad experiences at customs will make me not want to come to Vietnam again anytime soon.
In saying all of that, what did other people who stayed in DAD think? The tourism industry here seems to be booming. The service I had at the Hilton was the best I have ever received.
- Upon entry to DAD, customs noticed that my middle name was not entered into the visa on arrival portal online (there was no option for a middle name according to my partner). They called the SilkAir rep and threatened to send me back to SIN which would have ruined the entire itinerary. After a while and a bucket full of tears from my partner, they accepted 1.5 million dong to correct the "mistake".
- Upon return to DAD, we were delayed by 6 hours at JFK due to the plane landing at EWR due to thunderstorms. We missed our connection at HKG obviously but received boarding passes as we exited the plane and were sent via BKK with CX and then onto DAD with Bangkok Airways. It was disappointing to miss 3 hours in one of the lounges but managed to squeeze in 30 minutes at the wing. Hard to fault CX, as this was out of their control.
- When entering DAD, my partner was almost denied entry on her multiple entry Visa due to an incorrect stamp provided when leaving DAD the first time. The agent ended up reluctantly using whiteout on the stamp and allowed entry. Honestly, these two bad experiences at customs will make me not want to come to Vietnam again anytime soon.
In saying all of that, what did other people who stayed in DAD think? The tourism industry here seems to be booming. The service I had at the Hilton was the best I have ever received.
Never encountered issues going to other countries without using the middle name, but again, I've been reading horror stories in particular about Vietnam.
Jun 1, 2019, 10:34 am
#2226
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
Heading to Da Nang in July for 6 nights (2 at the four points by sheraton and 2 at the IC with our free night certificates, then 1 night in Hue and 1 night back in DAD at local hotels before leaving). Appreciate the above posts about the evisas and the middle names as I need to order ours soon. (Will land in HAN and presumably enter the country there before taking a local flight on VA to DAD a few hours later). Would love to hear what others liked doing in DAD area and if anyone found a good local driver and car (with AC) that they would recommend. I figured we would do a day trip to Hoi An and another one to My Son if it isn't too hot during our time there.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
Jun 1, 2019, 10:39 am
#2227
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
Heading to Da Nang in July for 6 nights (2 at the four points by sheraton and 2 at the IC with our free night certificates, then 1 night in Hue and 1 night back in DAD at local hotels before leaving). Appreciate the above posts about the evisas and the middle names as I need to order ours soon. (Will land in HAN and presumably enter the country there before taking a local flight on VA to DAD a few hours later). Would love to hear what others liked doing in DAD area and if anyone found a good local driver and car (with AC) that they would recommend. I figured we would do a day trip to Hoi An and another one to My Son if it isn't too hot during our time there.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
Da Nang -
Sheraton 4 points was great. On the far end of the beach. But taxi's are cheap.
Dragon bridge on the weekend is a 'must see'.
Marble mountain was awesome.
We just used taxi's for both. Easy.
Jun 1, 2019, 10:56 am
#2228
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: LATAM Black; AA EXP
Posts: 262
- Upon return to DAD, we were delayed by 6 hours at JFK due to the plane landing at EWR due to thunderstorms. We missed our connection at HKG obviously but received boarding passes as we exited the plane and were sent via BKK with CX and then onto DAD with Bangkok Airways. It was disappointing to miss 3 hours in one of the lounges but managed to squeeze in 30 minutes at the wing. Hard to fault CX, as this was out of their control.
Was flying the same day as you were although on the 14:50 flight so didn't have the delay. Actually the EWR landed in JFK and the JFK flight landed in EWR (both cases due to the thunderstorm) causing huge delays. For a moment I wondered if they would just swap planes and, depending on the load in F just downgrade the passengers.. glad it didn't happen...
Was flying the same day as you were although on the 14:50 flight so didn't have the delay. Actually the EWR landed in JFK and the JFK flight landed in EWR (both cases due to the thunderstorm) causing huge delays. For a moment I wondered if they would just swap planes and, depending on the load in F just downgrade the passengers.. glad it didn't happen...
Jun 1, 2019, 10:51 pm
#2229
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors
Posts: 238
Would love to hear what others liked doing in DAD area and if anyone found a good local driver and car (with AC) that they would recommend. I figured we would do a day trip to Hoi An and another one to My Son if it isn't too hot during our time there.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
I hope we don't run in to the same custom agents as early riser did.
Jun 2, 2019, 8:24 am
#2230
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, BA Silver, Hertz President's Club
Posts: 483
Thank you for the data point. I am going to ensure that the evisa for my wife and daughter have the middle name on it, since our US Passport has their middle name. Has anyone had issues traveling to Vietnam without the middle name on the boarding pass? I'm slightly worried as I read that Vietnam, in particular, seems to be a stickler for the middle name. FWIW, we are positioning to Vietnam using Vietnam Airlines before flying out from Hanoi using CX.
Never encountered issues going to other countries without using the middle name, but again, I've been reading horror stories in particular about Vietnam.
Never encountered issues going to other countries without using the middle name, but again, I've been reading horror stories in particular about Vietnam.
I was coming back from YVR (via HKG) - as a GBR citizen I was visa waiver the first time - no issues experienced. On my eVisa - my surname was spelt incorrectly (2 letters the wrong way round). I had a visa on arrival (VOA) letter ready in case. I was sent to the visa application desk upon approaching the counters, with no idea if it had anything to do with my spelling error.
Not sure if this is standard, but I handed my passport and eVisa over. 5 mins later, the eVisa (that id printed) had been stamped and returned. I returned to the immigration desk, no issues and was granted entry.
My initial research suggests it’s a hit and miss in Vietnam - and you have to bite the bullet with your chances. Some will look over it, some won’t.
Jun 2, 2019, 10:01 pm
#2231
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NY
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 121
Since I can’t make my return flight on the ticket, I called Cathay to change a date. And of course September October November came back all full. But the nice girl on the phone offered to cancel the current date and put me on the waiting list of any date that I selected. Says if it becomes available somebody will call and only need to pay the change fee then. Don’t know how it’ll work out but at least it’s an alternative to forfeiting the ticket.
It’s also YMMV tho, the first phone agent pretended that she can only search one day at a time and tried to be unhelpful (I guess she knows it’s an error fare ticket), second one had a drastically different attitude.
It’s also YMMV tho, the first phone agent pretended that she can only search one day at a time and tried to be unhelpful (I guess she knows it’s an error fare ticket), second one had a drastically different attitude.
Jun 3, 2019, 10:28 pm
#2232
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
Anyone crediting to Alaska in the last few weeks? Seems like CX is very slow submitting the credit at the moment.
Not only on this particular ticket ex VN but also regular ones.
Not only on this particular ticket ex VN but also regular ones.
Jun 4, 2019, 2:02 am
#2233
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 609
out of curiosity how slow is very slow? We’ll be flying the return in oct. Our plan is to book one way back to the US using points earned. We’ll be in Asia 2 weeks and if it posts we can fly first back. If it doesn’t then we would be in business.
Jun 4, 2019, 3:07 am
#2234
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
Same as my friend who flew SIN-HKG-JFK return. The return flights around the 14th never posted to her Alaska account. Maybe they only post once per month?
You're playing a dangerous game by the way. What if suddenly availability dries up and you won't be able to get either First or Business?
Last edited by skywalkerLAX; Jun 4, 2019 at 5:34 am
Jun 4, 2019, 6:47 am
#2235
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 609
My CX flight on May 10th posted within a couple of days but since then nothing.
Same as my friend who flew SIN-HKG-JFK return. The return flights around the 14th never posted to her Alaska account. Maybe they only post once per month?
You're playing a dangerous game by the way. What if suddenly availability dries up and you won't be able to get either First or Business?
Same as my friend who flew SIN-HKG-JFK return. The return flights around the 14th never posted to her Alaska account. Maybe they only post once per month?
You're playing a dangerous game by the way. What if suddenly availability dries up and you won't be able to get either First or Business?
the reality of F (or even J) on CX looks grim. Our plan is
1) CX F
2) JL F
3) CX J
4) JL J
our flexibility for the return is to leave on a Tuesday but will our time away from work until the following Monday so if it turns out we need to take a few extra days that’s fine or even fly to ORD, BOS, WAS would all be fine too and then can get back from those cities. Surely there’s bound to be availability on at least one flight for two within a 5 day window to a variety of cities aye?