Hong Kong In-town check-in

[HardieBoys]

Checked in for my flight this morning (Monday 16th Jan) for my flight on Tuesday (17th Jan) evening. No hassles. Tomorrow I can hang out all day, catch the train directly to the airport, and not have to allow extra time for problems at check-in (e.g. people who take 20 minutes to check-in). To steal a phrase from Macca's: I'm lovin' it.

Note that the in-town check-in has only one QF desk, for all classes. The in-town check-in is conditional on taking the Airport Express. If you're using the much less expensive buses, you'll have to schlep out to CLK to check-in.

 

[straitman]

Checked in for my flight this morning (Monday 16th Jan) for my flight on Tuesday (17th Jan) evening. No hassles. Tomorrow I can hang out all day, catch the train directly to the airport, and not have to allow extra time for problems at check-in (e.g. people who take 20 minutes to check-in). To steal a phrase from Macca's: I'm lovin' it.

Note that the in-town check-in has only one QF desk, for all classes. The in-town check-in is conditional on taking the Airport Express. If you're using the much less expensive buses, you'll have to schlep out to CLK to check-in.

I've used the in town checkin on one occasion only and found it to be fantastic. Quick, easy, friendly and efficient. I'll definately use it in future.

Also there is no comparison between the bus and train. Train is a few bucks dearer however I don't think I'd be exagerating if I said brilliant.

 

[Rossmurdoch]

Used it many times and can't fault it , checkin in the morning go to the office and train to the airport for the evening QF flight home

 

[esque]

Note that the in-town check-in has only one QF desk, for all classes. The in-town check-in is conditional on taking the Airport Express. If you're using the much less expensive buses, you'll have to schlep out to CLK to check-in.

Does anyone know if you're less likely to be upgraded if you use the in-town check in? It seems that could be the case, as the fewer staff there may not have that authority.

 

[simongr]

Just in relation to the bus vs. train. I willbe in HKG a fair bit next year and found the taxi ride a tad expensive and incredibly long. Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

 

[serfty]

Used it half a dozen times now; I don't think it would make much difference as far as op-ups go. I have found the staff at the QF ITCI counter extremely professional and courteous.

AFAIK, Most such upgrades are not determined a check-in counters.

Earlier this year, when travelling WHY back home, my WP status & BP details were separately noted on what appeared to be a manual (possible) upgrade list by the QP agent when first entering the lounge.

 

[esque]

Used it half a dozen times now; I don't think it would make much difference as far as op-ups go. I have found the staff at the QF ITCI counter extremely professional and courteous.

AFAIK, Most such upgrades are not determined a check-in counters.

Earlier this year, when travelling WHY back home, my WP status & BP details were separately noted on what appeared to be a manual (possible) upgrade list by the QP agent when entering.

Thanks for the reply

 

[serfty]

Just in relation to the bus vs. train. I willbe in HKG a fair bit next year and found the taxi ride a tad expensive and incredibly long. Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

The train is comfortable and quick (24 mins) and costs HKD100 one-way Central to Airport. (~AUD18)

You can use the ITCI up to 24 hours before your flight thereby enabling you to proceed to the Wing/Pier a couple of hours earlier than normal. (Those cabanas are great) You can't do this at the airport as check-in generally opens only 2-3 hours before scheduled departure time.

The AE runs every 12 minutes from ~6am to ~1am both ways.

More about fares here: MTR

Last October, my party of 4 used the Airport Express Group Ticket for HKD250 each-way (We did this to and from the airport).

 

[codash1099]

Just in relation to the bus vs. train. I willbe in HKG a fair bit next year and found the taxi ride a tad expensive and incredibly long. Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

I'd take the Airport Express and ITCI any time.

Times Square is close to Causeway Bay MTR and not too far to walk. Changing trains at Hong Kong Station --> Island line is also not too difficult.

 

[serfty]

...Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

As codash1099 posted, that's near Causeway Bay MRT station; simple to catch a "Sheung Wan" line train and get off at Central, then follow the Airport express signs.

Here the Octopus Card is your friend. (Certainly if you are visiting HKG regularly; buy one and keep it and unused credit for the next visits.)

 

[Mal]

I've been upgraded on Cathay when checking in at the central train station.

I don't believe checking in there is conditional on using the train - rather that you'll still be charged the train fare regardless of whether you catch the train or not...

Also note that you can't use ITCI for some destinations due to security concerns.

It really is a great system!!

 

[SeatBackForward]

I don't believe checking in there is conditional on using the train - rather that you'll still be charged the train fare regardless of whether you catch the train or not...

To get to the check-in counters you need to pass through the railway gates, either by swiping your Octopus card or by purchasing a single use ticket. You are then allowed to use the train within 24hrs or something like that.

 

[straitman]

Just in relation to the bus vs. train. I willbe in HKG a fair bit next year and found the taxi ride a tad expensive and incredibly long. Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

One of the Causeway Bay exits to the MTR is into Times Square so that's easy.

With regard to the upgrade. I/we've checked in early in the morning for a late evening flight. There was mention of an upgrade for one though nothing else said until boarding then all 3 of us were give upgrades.

Got to win sometimes :!:

 

[SF&]

Just in relation to the bus vs. train. I willbe in HKG a fair bit next year and found the taxi ride a tad expensive and incredibly long. Our office is in Times square and I stayed pretty close to that and wouldnt mind walking if the train is easy and comfortable (a la NRT-Tokyo).

Both my brother and i got upgraded on a cx flight in town check in.

 

[coyote501]

Does anyone know if you're less likely to be upgraded if you use the in-town check in? It seems that could be the case, as the fewer staff there may not have that authority.

I recently used the in-town check in on a CX flight from HKG-KUL and was suprised to find that as we checked in we were both upgrade to J class.

Like you I thought that they would not have the authority to upgrade however was presently suprised.

Happy Days....

 

[straitman]

I recently used the in-town check in on a CX flight from HKG-KUL and was suprised to find that as we checked in we were both upgrade to J class.

Like you I thought that they would not have the authority to upgrade however was presently suprised.

Happy Days....

coyote501

See my post #13 above.

 

[Mal]

Like you I thought that they would not have the authority to upgrade however was presently suprised.

Computer says YES!



Happy Days (I love that term!)

 

[serfty]

...
Like you I thought that they would not have the authority to upgrade however was presently suprised. ...

Computer says YES!



Happy Days (I love that term!)

coyote501, It is likely in this case you had been preselected for that upgrade. As Mal alluded, your J seat was what came up on the Agent's Computer Screen.

 

[Reggie]

Rekindling an old thread.

Can someone confirm that the QF desks are open during the opening hours of the ITCI. Our flight is at 2325, and we wish to check our bags in around 1830.

Has anyone done this recently?

 

[samh004]

Rekindling an old thread.

Can someone confirm that the QF desks are open during the opening hours of the ITCI. Our flight is at 2325, and we wish to check our bags in around 1830.

Has anyone done this recently?

Per the MTR website, you can check-in to Qantas flights up to 24 hours prior to departure, and the desks are open from 0530-0030 daily.