Hong Kong Airport Transit Experiences

[ckbag]

Hi Guys,

I am looking to fly to Japan via Cathay so wondering what the transit experience is like from security/screening perspective?

From my research it reads like there are no document/testing requirements to transit through Hong Kong Airport now but I am wondering whether passengers would get screened or randomly tested for Covid before being allowed to board the connecting flight? I want to avoid a situation where you could be dragged off into their quarantine facilities.

Would appreciate any recent experiences.

 

[AustSerbKor]

I'm watching with interest as I've booked a cheap J trip for the family BNE-ICN in June. We've got 7 hours on the way but my big concern is the 14 hours overnight on the return unless I change to ICN-HKG-MEL-BNE for the return but that would mean a 55 minute transfer in HKG.

 

[Mattg]

Does anyone know if transit passengers are currently able to access the lounges in Hong Kong, given the local COVID restrictions?

 

[encryptededdy]

Does anyone know if transit passengers are currently able to access the lounges in Hong Kong, given the local COVID restrictions?

You can access The Pier Business. The Pier First is closed, and The Wing First is only open for travellers starting from Mainland China or Hong Kong.

 

[AustSerbKor]

Does anyone know if transit passengers are currently able to access the lounges in Hong Kong, given the local COVID restrictions?

On Google I found a forum (can I name it here?) where people were saying if you are transiting and have proof or vaccination, you can enter the Pier lounge without the Hong Kong Covid-19 App.

However, If you are boarding from Hong Kong you need the Hong Kong Leaving Home Safe (LHS) App. If you stayed in HKG for less than 3 days LHS will show orange and you cannot enter the lounge or any bar in Hong Kong.

The Cathay website says everyone needs the LHS app and proof of vaccination which would mean no lounge for transiting which would be less than ideal especially as this is the first time I've shelled out for business brought on by my economy seats are too small rant.

It would be great to hear first hand experiences and I am happy to share mine in June next year when hopefully restrictions will have eased further.

 

[djtech]

When you get off the plane, you'll get split into either the Arriving Passengers queue or the transiting passengers queue. For transiting passengers, the LHS app is not necessary. The pier business lounge is available for international departures whether you are originating or transiting in Hong Kong. For Hong Kong residents with LHS app, a blue code is required to enter. However, for transit passengers, proof of vaccination is sufficient for entry. You may still be subjected to random temperature checks.
The Wing First class lounge is reserved for Mainland China flights.

 

[uiopui]

I recently transited through HK airport. As above I just followed the transit / transfer line and you are funnelled into a security check (eg bag scan) line with no speedy line for business class passengers. They have the temperature cameras when you enter the lounge but I didn't see the staff monitoring them. I arrive late at night so my experience may be different but the entire airport was closed and I could hear passengers without lounge access complaining about food etc.

No forms, app, QR code required for transit passengers and none asked for at airport checkin either. I flew BKK - HKG - MEL.

I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience to be honest as Cathay A350 was great, I got a normal meal served on plates with no covid type plastic coverings etc. Everything seemed normal / relaxed to be honest.

 

[djtech]

I recently transited through HK airport. As above I just followed the transit / transfer line and you are funnelled into a security check (eg bag scan) line with no speedy line for business class passengers. They have the temperature cameras when you enter the lounge but I didn't see the staff monitoring them. I arrive late at night so my experience may be different but the entire airport was closed and I could hear passengers without lounge access complaining about food etc.

No forms, app, QR code required for transit passengers and none asked for at airport checkin either. I flew BKK - HKG - MEL.

I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience to be honest as Cathay A350 was great, I got a normal meal served on plates with no covid type plastic coverings etc. Everything seemed normal / relaxed to be honest.

I will say food situation outside of the lounge is quite dire. Most shops are closed even during the day. I recall I think most duty free shops are closed, and only the tripadvisor convenience store was open. Food court options I think were limited to two restaurants (Putien and something else I don't remember) airside that were open and mostly servicing crew. I think Maccas is open but that is on the departures so not accessible if you are transiting.

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

When you get off the plane, you'll get split into either the Arriving Passengers queue or the transiting passengers queue. For transiting passengers, the LHS app is not necessary. The pier business lounge is available for international departures whether you are originating or transiting in Hong Kong. For Hong Kong residents with LHS app, a blue code is required to enter. However, for transit passengers, proof of vaccination is sufficient for entry. You may still be subjected to random temperature checks.
The Wing First class lounge is reserved for Mainland China flights.

"proof of vaccination"

2 doses is sufficient?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

"proof of vaccination"

2 doses is sufficient?

Best to double check, but yes… seems to be ok. A friend transited HKG yesterday from TPE to YYZ and they had no problems, and just the two doses.

 

[djtech]

"proof of vaccination"

2 doses is sufficient?

The definition for fully vaccinated will change to 3 shots after 30th November for adults and 2 doses for children. So 2 doses for now, but booster is required in a few days.

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

The definition for fully vaccinated will change to 3 shots after 30th November for adults and 2 doses for children. So 2 doses for now, but booster is required in a few days.

boo! lol

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The definition for fully vaccinated will change to 3 shots after 30th November for adults and 2 doses for children. So 2 doses for now, but booster is required in a few days.

Thanks for the update!

I note for pure transit… not leaving the airport… you just need to satisfy the entry requirements of the country you are going to. So may not require a booster.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Intel on best HKG CX J Lounge for 2hr transit pls?

 

[encryptededdy]

Intel on best HKG CX J Lounge for 2hr transit pls?

If it's only 2h I'd just go to the one closest to your gate. But generally speaking I think The Pier is the best.

 

[djtech]

If showering, the pier business for shower and noodles then QF for desert (cheese cake to die for + menu items near QF departure times). If not showering, the deck for noodles.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Ok so how about shower and noodle free breakfast? Champs thrown in of course

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Views of the learned brethren re most desirable seats on CX 777-300ER? Any advantage in selecting 'Bassinet Seats'? CX 3 class Boeing 777-300ER type 77K - aeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans or CX 4 class Boeing 777-300ER type 77A - aeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

 

[OATEK]

Views of the learned brethren re most desirable seats on CX 777-300ER? Any advantage in selecting 'Bassinet Seats'? CX 3 class Boeing 777-300ER type 77K - aeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans or CX 4 class Boeing 777-300ER type 77A - aeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

I have found the crew use the bulk head projection as a service area for drink trays, rubbish trays etc (can be annoying), but some argue there is more foot space when in lie flat mode..

 

[djtech]

Ok so how about shower and noodle free breakfast? Champs thrown in of course

Catering pretty much the same across all the CX lounges. Just go whatever is closest to gate and also depending on crowds. Pier and Deck have similar design which I prefer to the older Wing lounge. Qantas catering also not bad if departing near QF departure times but otherwise CX much better. Oh and QF lounge not open on some days in the morning so that rules out.