I’m scheduled to fly them LAX to BKK March 11 in mistake fare business class purchase. I wanted to push the flight to as late in the price range ($600.00) of the tickets offered because I had just been to Thailand the previous April. Now, I’m getting nervous reading about Hong Kong Airlines over the last two days. I don’t have to go for any compelling reason, and I can Cecelia and get back all but $250 of the cost of the ticket. I have no idea if I can make a claim through my credit card company if they cease operations. I’ve got about 10 days to decide if I’ll cancel before Hong Kong Airlines has to make a sizable payment to creditors and I’m leaning toward cancelling.

Just completed a YVR-HKG-HAN, BKK-HKG-YVR trip on Hong Kong Airlines in Y yesterday. Overall, the flights were fine and I found their service comparable to other airlines such as Eva and Asiana.

The planes are clean and well-maintained, and the cabin staff was always attentive and efficient in responding to requests. The meals were decent and the in-flight entertainment is good enough to keep you occupied for a while. The flights were all on time or early and I don’t really have any complaints about the in-air service.

The main issues experienced were all before we took off or after we landed. Specifically, one of our checked bags was lost and their HKG staff had no clue where it was. It took 3 days and ongoing escalation from my end for them to figure out where it was (delayed baggage comp offer for two passengers impacted by this : USD 65 total)

Somehow they also kept trying to assign us seats in the rear of the plane or split us across middle seats, even though I had confirmed seats with customer service. There was no equipment change and no other reasoning offered aside from “I think maybe you misunderstood”, but they finally managed to resolve the issue in each case after I showed them printout of seat assignments etc.

I can’t comment on the risks due to the financials etc., but in terms of the flight itself, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Hong Kong airlines again if a good deal is available (but will definitely pack a change of clothing to deal with delayed luggage etc.)

It sounds like Hong Kong Airlines has decent customer service to handle unexpected problems. This is, as opposed to China Eastern Airlines, who lost my bag on the way to Chiangmai, never contacted me, never responded to my calls or emails but finally responded 11 days into my vacation because I got Thai Airlines involved and they tracked down my suitcase, which I had to make 2 trips to the airport in Chiangmai to collect. They still refuse my written requests for compensation.
After talking with my credit card company and Priceline today, I decided to keep my reservation on Hong Kong Airlines. If it turns out badly for me, I do have avenues for compensation with both companies mentioned. The worst case scenario is that I’m stuck at my house in Chiangmai for an extra month, waiting for a decent one way fare to LAX. Maybe, I should get a 60 day visa to Thailand, just in case.

My conversation with a Priceline agent suggested that they would do something for compensation if Hong Kong airlines ceased operations while I was in Thailand, before my return flight. He was purposely vague on what that compensation would be but I’m assuming that it wouldn’t be cash. Your best bet is file a dispute with your credit card company.

Most of my stay tab will be at my house in Chiangmai but I will need a hotel room in Bangkok for 1-2 nights. The recent news about the bonds being backed gives me enough confidence to reserve the rooms, paying in advance (non refundable). I’ll wait on that until one week before my trip.