Columbo, Sri Lanka
 

Has anyone done a turn-around in Columbo? I see CX has flights.

I did HGK-DEL-HKG turnaround this spring, which was problem. I checked bags through to DEL (at recommendation of CX HKG check-in staff). Then waited an hour in line at customs only to find out that I was not allowed to go to baggage. Finally, CX staff in DEL had to get my bags and check in. In retrospect, now I would just leave bags in HKG baggage check, and take carry-on HKG-DEL-HKG, and just go to BA lounge and relax.

I'll let you know next week. I heading there on my RTW to go White Water Rafting. News and Film at 11.

Where in HKG did you leave your bags? I am considering either a HKG-DEL-HKG run or a HKG-KHI-HKG run and am facing the same problem. Any advice would be appreciated.

By the way, has anyone done a HKG-KHI-HKG run? Do you have to clear Pakistan immigration and customs or can you remain in-transit?

Baggage check (LEFT LUGGAGE) is very easy to locate. It is the main terminal by departures/ticketing desks.
Web site:

http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aguide/baggage.html

Describes where it is. Note rates are in HKG$ (HKG$16 approx = US$1), so not bad.

Terry

it's actually closer to us$2 or us$2.25, but still not bad (there are 7.8 hkd per usd)

Just did the Colombo turnaround. I failed to notice my passport had less than 6 months left on it so instead of spending a couple of days I spent a couple of hours in Colombo. At first, counter staff was not going to allow me to go but I talked to a supervisor and told them that since I didn't check any bags I wouldn't have to go through immigration. The airport is a beehive of activity at 2AM with shops, restaurants and the internet cafe all open.

You can do the turn-around but with renewed tensions in Sri Lanka, if someone gets suspicious you may miss your flt before you explain MRs.

Be aware, there is a risk you may not fly out from the country at moment.

Sri Lanka under state of emergency
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_...55E401,00.html

Re: Tensions in Sri Lanka

Yeah, I read about in WSJ this a.m. Have already booked (not ticketed) RTW for 1/6/04 departure. Can probably eliminate CMB if things don't settle down in next month.
Thanks!

Bump.

Any recent reports on travelling to/from CMB? I am considering a very brief visit next month as part of a DONE4.

If you are wondering about 'tension,' no need to worry. I think CX is now letting its crew stay in CMB. (When the situation gets tense, CX usually has their crew turn around with no overnight stay.)

SQ has since 1 Jan. been offering a fast track immigration card to premium cabin pax. I would ask if CX would have a similar card.

If your brief visit means a turnaround, then just go upstairs to the transfer counter after arriving and being shuttled on a bus to the immigration area.

I did turn-around on CX 703 10 days ago. Went pretty smoothly. And I talked to CX crew member. They had been overnighting in BKK, but now are staying in CMB.
Just a hint. You take bus from plane to immigration. Do NOT clear immigration. Upon entry from bus to terminal turn RIGHT before customs and go up the stairs. At top of stairs you immediately turn RIGHT, walk 10 paces, and get your boarding pass at Air Sri Lanka desk. And, I bought gifts (tea, beautiful masks) in duty-free area. Maybe get foot massage if guy is available.

I would encourage you not to do a turnround if you have the time - Sri Lanka is a beautiful place, and the people are extremely friendly. I had a great week there with my GF (I was goingto say "recently" but I discover it was 18 months ago!) up in the hill country around Kandy, Nurawa Eliya and Ella. It isn't "big sight" tourism but it is a very interesting country to see. (It is also rather touching to see how proud the locals are of some of the temples which, particularly if you have just come from Bangkok, are, frankly, fairly non-descript - this adds to the charm of the place rather than detracts from it IMO).

We worked with Malik at Dream Vacations ( http://www.tourslanka.com ) to put together a customised version of one of their tours and it all went very well. They have an emphasis on using ecologically sound suppliers. My GF particularly enjoyed her time at the Ella Adventure Park, which was very well (and safely) run. Dream Vacations have expanded the range of what they do considerably in the past year.

Also try to take the journey from the Hill Country back to Colombo on the train if you can - this is always a great way to see a country.

Totally agree. I should clarify "brief visit" to mean 48 hours, but would extend that in a heartbeat if time permits. A friend of mine is Sri Lankan and would look after me, despite a very short stay.

The info on a turnaround sounds appealing to those who would prefer to avoid the crowds at BOM/DEL. Of course, those are also very interesting places to visit, depending on the time of year.

Thanks to all for the update.

CMB is a neat destination and is much safer today then a year ago-although not perfect. It is nice to hear about the fast track cards that SQ is giving out since the lines can get long at certain times. As for an immediate turn I have never done this, but it sounds like a few have and I can picture this going as smoothly as mentioned. If you do clear customs keep in mind that there is a departure tax that will need to be paid.

Just for my interest-why would you do a turn around to DEL, KHI or CMB or anywhere else in that region from HKG?

It doesn't appear to be a mileage run per se since LAX or JFK would fit that title much better.