ADL - PEK... connection time in HKG

[badwolf]

Hi all,

I am looking at flying from Adelaide to Beijing.... These are the flights I am looking at.

ADL - SYD 7:55 - 10:30

SYD - HKG 11:55 - 17:50

HKG - PEK 19:00 - 22:10

The first 2 legs are with Qantas, the third to Beijing with Dragonair


The connection time in HKG is only an hour. Will that be enough? I've got these from the Qantas website so I assume they wouldn't sell a ticket with an impossible connection...

Thanks for any help

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

The connection time in HKG is only an hour. Will that be enough? I've got these from the Qantas website so I assume they wouldn't sell a ticket with an impossible connection...

I would be surprised if you could book the ticket - HK normally draws the line at 90mins - and you do have to go through a slowish screening. That said, you may get escorted through but it won't be a comfortable connection especially if you are a little late in to the the gate.

More experienced HK travellers may be able to advise.

 

[mannej]

I would be surprised if you could book the ticket - HK normally draws the line at 90mins - and you do have to go through a slowish screening. That said, you may get escorted through but it won't be a comfortable connection especially if you are a little late in to the the gate.

More experienced HK travellers may be able to advise.

I thought MCT in HKG was 50/55 minutes?

All on time it can be done fairly easily but there is not much fat to chew


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[anat0l]

A bit of scouting (not using KVS, which would be better) finds that the standard MCT at HKG is 60 minutes. There are some exceptions, although this connection doesn't appear to be one of them.

This is probably why the connection appears as an option when using the QF booking engine.

In more practical terms, it is possible to make this connection, but take note:

• You should have no problem checking your bags all the way from ADL to PEK. If you have to pick up your bags in HKG, you can kiss your connection good bye. But like I said, it shouldn't happen and bags should be checked in all the way.
• Try and make sure you get your boarding passes (all of them) all the way to PEK. You don't want to have to stuff around at HKG to get your PEK BP.
• HKG is a big airport. Once you touch down, don't waste any time. Get to the nearest security checkpoint; push through as quickly as possible. Check the monitors before going through transit security if possible to find your gate. If the gate is 501 or above, you'll have to catch the shuttle bus to the Satellite terminal, which you can find after going through transit security. The bus departs from the end of the main terminal closest to the entry to airside (i.e. not the "pier"); if you are at the "pier" you should use the automated train to get back to the other side, then follow the signs to gate 501 and above.
• In any case, move quickly once you arrive at HKG. The connection is possible, but every minute counts. At T-20 minutes if you're not near your gate, start putting on some serious speed. Look out for any attendants who may be holding "Final Call" signs for your flight. If you get their attention, they may radio ahead to the gate to inform them that you are coming.
• If your QF flight to HKG is delayed, start formulating what you should do when you arrive in HKG. Since your flights will all be on the same booking, you have some "protection" however given that the onward flight is with KA but your ticket was booked with QF, things could get a bit complicated.
  
  Sometimes, CX/KA will be waiting at the gate with a placard, possibly with your name on it, which may help you get your connection especially if you are running late.
  
  If you will misconnect, in theory if you go to a service point (or transit desk) for QF or KA they will probably stick you on the next flight to PEK (make sure you then work out what happens to your luggage). However, if this means the flight will not depart until the next day, then you will probably need to make some accommodation arrangements if the airline will not do this for you. Naturally, make sure you have travel insurance so you can cover the costs, plus the costs, for example, for rearranging your hotel plans in PEK.

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

I thought MCT in HKG was 50/55 minutes?

The reason I thought it was 90 was that one of our regular flights is a Cathay flight changing in HK - Qantas/Amex won't issue the ticket for this, and so we always try and change it at the start of the first leg. So probably more about what QF will ticket than HKIA imposed times.

I'd do an hour CX to CX because I know they will be waiting at the gate to collect me, but changing from QF to KA makes it trickier.

 

[Dreamliner]

I would have thought that if the website allows the booking than they will ensure you make the connection. Otherwise they will pay all expenses if you have to overnight?It may be worth considering using jetstars new service to Beijing. With their sales, etc you may even be able to fly in business for a similar price. Jetstars business I think is pretty damn good for a budget airline!!

 

[Voyages]

SYD - HKG 11:55 - 17:50

HKG - PEK 19:00 - 22:10

In June, I had a 1 hour connection (from a CX flight SGN-HKG, then Dragon Air HKG-PEK) and I had no problem. No time for the Lounge of course. Perhaps it helps if you sit towards the front on the QF flight, and make sure you walk reasonably fast once landed We got the gate number for the next flight from someone holding a placard on arrival.

At the boarding gate for the flight to PEK, they even told me (WP) and my parents (both NBs) to jump the queue.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

60 mins is PLENTY of connecting time at HKG.

Even with 45 mins you can make your flight.

40 mins and you will make it but your bags may not.

(this is from dozens of connections QF to CX/KA, and CX-KA/CX-KA in HKG over the last three years)

The only delay will be the transit security check point - however you can be smart with these and look for one which has few passengers.

On disembarking most passengers seem to head towards the exit and use one of the two transfer points near the arrivals hall. These can have queues of 100 or more.

The other transfer security points (you may have to turn around and walk against the flow of arriving passengers) are often empty. (Basically, when you come out of the jet-bridge, look left AND right for transit security signs... most people only look towards the main exit and take the closest transfer point after they start walking)