Hong Kong's ban on passengers transiting from high risk countries

[FlyingFiona]

With Hong Kong's recent ban on transit passengers from high risk countries I am debating whether it's worth even considering them for a return flight to MEL from CDG mid-June. I'd prefer not to have to change my reward flights just because they throw up another ban around that time. The alternative is to fly CDG-HEL-SIN-MEL. The frustrating thing is that CX have the only direct flight in Business Class and it arrives in in the evening (rather than 05h50 as the other does - iiick.)

I don't recall Singapore (or Helsinki for that matter) having a similar ban so it certainly seems the safer option.

But I wondered what your thoughts were?

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Are you trying to earn points or use points for an award flight? I’m assuming you are trying for Oneworld.

There is an option via SIN Qantas-Air France.

Also there is Qatar unless you have an aversion because of their personal female search procedures.

 

[FlyingFiona]

Are you trying to earn points or use points for an award flight? I’m assuming you are trying for Oneworld.

There is an option via SIN Qantas-Air France.

Also there is Qatar unless you have an aversion because of their personal female search procedures.

I'm redeeming points, and so am limited to those two journeys as the current only options around the date I want to fly (actually three, I just found an EK flight with availability as well. Although it also not direct, it goes via DXB and SIN).

 

[oznflfan]

With Hong Kong's recent ban on transit passengers from high risk countries I am debating whether it's worth even considering them for a return flight to MEL from CDG mid-June. I'd prefer not to have to change my reward flights just because they throw up another ban around that time. The alternative is to fly CDG-HEL-SIN-MEL. The frustrating thing is that CX have the only direct flight in Business Class and it arrives in in the evening (rather than 05h50 as the other does - iiick.)

I don't recall Singapore (or Helsinki for that matter) having a similar ban so it certainly seems the safer option.

But I wondered what your thoughts were?

Would not risk flying through HKG anytime in 2022.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I'm redeeming points, and so am limited to those two journeys as the current only options around the date I want to fly (actually three, I just found an EK flight with availability as well. Although it also not direct, it goes via DXB and SIN).

I now see your original post mentions rewards flights - my bad

I agree - going through CX/HKG is not a good idea.

In terms of Business Classic Reward for 180k + taxes via Perth and Doha (eg I see seats on 14/6/22) mainly on Qatar is a pretty good deal.

And having followed Australians state border restriction thread, transit through PER is permissible (this option QF to QR is 3hrs in Perth)

Otherwise Dubai/Emirates is a good option. I did read a thread where people suggested other close airports instead of CDG to get better availability but I can’t find it now.

 

[FlyingFiona]

I now see your original post mentions rewards flights - my bad

I agree - going through CX/HKG is not a good idea.

In terms of Business Classic Reward for 180k + taxes via Perth and Doha (eg I see seats on 14/6/22) mainly on Qatar is a pretty good deal.

And having followed Australians state border restriction thread, transit through PER is permissible (this option QF to QR is 3hrs in Perth)

Otherwise Dubai/Emirates is a good option. I did read a thread where people suggested other close airports instead of CDG to get better availability but I can’t find it now.

Thank you! I'll check out flying via Perth, I hadn't really given that much thought. There is a good routing via Helsinki which I tried booking but which the system throws up an error message right at the last step, so not sure what's going on there. It might afford me the chance to look at those PER flights.

Noted re avoid HKG!

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Thank you! I'll check out flying via Perth, I hadn't really given that much thought. There is a good routing via Helsinki which I tried booking but which the system throws up an error message right at the last step, so not sure what's going on there. It might afford me the chance to look at those PER flights.

Noted re avoid HKG!

I should note that via Perth while transit is permissible, if the rules stay as they are using the Business lounge (if any open) in the international terminal might not be permitted for transits ... That part is not really clear.

Edit: to add link to WA Government rules on 'layover' COVID-19 coronavirus: Interstate travel
Also Perth Airport between T3 and T1 Perth Airport - Passengers | Transferring between terminals

The other aspect is Qatar has recently introduced a Business lite fare with no lounge (but might not be relevant if you have access to lounge due to Status), so you should try to check/double check which Business type is being offered under Business Classic Rewards

PS Also don't return via Perth because of the current WA rules with international caps and 14 day quarantine.

PPS I think Qatar has more/better availability from Adelaide! and save the hassle of state borders.

 

[FlyingFiona]

The other aspect is Qatar has recently introduced a Business lite fare with no lounge (but might not be relevant if you have access to lounge due to Status), so you should try to check/double check which Business type is being offered under Business Classic Rewards

My understanding from previous announcements by Qatar is that points flights are treated as though they are full fares...unless this has changed in the last month or two.

PPS I think Qatar has more/better availability from Adelaide! and save the hassle of state borders.

I had previously checked this when I booked my original flight but hadn't thought to try again -thanks!

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Bryce]

Would not risk flying through HKG anytime in 2022.

I have just booked alternate flights SYD-LYS to avoid HK. Have 04/04 tickets with Cathay SYD-CDG but can't rely on that after the latest transit extension.

 

[tomlee1986]

best to avoid hkg to be honest as this area is not a safe area

 

[Beasley]

Its a pity about Hong Kong as we have enjoyed a couple of great stopovers there when heading to Europe. But we wouldnt consider it now ... in the current political climate.

 

[tomlee1986]

Its a pity about Hong Kong as we have enjoyed a couple of great stopovers there when heading to Europe. But we wouldnt consider it now ... in the current political climate.

i wish to welcome you back to HKG in future - this is more upsetting for me compared to most people here in this forum - not because of travel but this was a city where i spent my early years since birth in this city, and it was more upsetting for me to lose my homeland of birth to what its happening now