Some questions regarding my first SC run to HKG

[awilcockson]

So as posted elsewhere, I've managed to score a JASA to HKG for the princely nett cost of 18K points + $540. Not bad for a 520 (possibly 560) SC point earn

I arrive into HKG at 6am and fly out again the same day at 8pm.

I've done plenty of transits previously where I have left the airport to explore the city, but this is a bit different as it's not actually a transit as such.

My question is: Am I going to cop any flack 1. Checking in in Brisbane with carry on only or 2. At immigration in HKG when I try to enter the country with carry on only?

I'm assuming that having my e-ticket showing the return flight for later the day will see me right, but I'd just like to be sure.

I've already got my day planned out, express train to Kowloon, Star Ferry to Hong Kong island, up the peak (if the sky is clear) then back down for a nice authentic Schezuan lunch, then back to the airport to visit 2 CX J lounges, 2 CX F Lounges, the QF/BA J and F lounges (only for completeness) and the new CX lounge.

Should be a good day

 

[trippin_the_rift]

:::jealous:::

You shouldn't have any problems. Mrs Trippin did an almost identical stopover in HKG recently without any problems

 

[awilcockson]

:::jealous:::

You're jealous? Mister "ride in JT's 707"?

You shouldn't have any problems. Mrs Trippin did an almost identical stopover in HKG recently without any problems

Cheers mate.

 

[Danger]

Well I'm certainly jealous!

Would you mind divulging your routing and approximate dates (I completely understand if no)?

 

[awilcockson]

Would you mind divulging your routing and approximate dates (I completely understand if no)?

No problem at all.

Thursday Nov 24 QF97 BNE-HKG 23:15-06:00 (Friday)
Friday Nov 25 QF128 HKG-SYD 20:00-08:15 (Saturday)
Saturday Nov 26 QF516 SYD-BNE 10:05-10:30

Note that QF97 is close to sold out of the cheap fares.

Also note that the reason it is costing me only 18K points is that this flight will push me over 2,400 SCs and therefore I get an extra 50K points. Otherwise the cost would be 68K points after taking the points for the trip and the loyalty bonus into account.

It would be great if someone else decided to tag along, someone to talk to over lunch

 

[harvyk]

Can't see why you'd have any problems, I've got a HKG stamp in my passport where I arrived in country at 2pm and I departed at 7pm, so you'll have no problems... I had carry on only...

 

[reductionist]

2. At immigration in HKG when I try to enter the country with carry on only?

I have done hand luggage only through HKG immigration many times. On at least 2 occasions I have escorted a family member to a taxi stand and then gone straight back through immigration for another flight. No dramas.

 

[awilcockson]

Excellent, seems like I'll be fine. Off to search for things to do in HKG

edit: I've been there before, spent 5 days. Just need to work out what to fit into a 8 hour visit.

 

[reductionist]

I recall having a short discussion regarding schezuan cuisine with you in the F lounge recently, so I know you're committed to it.

But, if anyone else is considering lunch in HKG I'd recommend the Michelin-star dumpling place.

So cheap & awesome. They'll likely give you a number and say "come back in an hour" though.

Tim Ho Wan, Michelin-star restaurant, Kowloon | Wonton joy

 

[penegal]

It would be great if someone else decided to tag along, someone to talk to over lunch

I would love to join you for lunch (v. tempting CX routing exSIN currently)... Alas I can't because I have to go to a wedding back in the DPRV

 

[penegal]

Also, you will be fine...

If you want an epic day, go to Shenzhen. Some crazy Schezuan food not too far afield

 

[Mal]

My shortest HKG visit was roughly 20 mins. Went through customs, collected stamp (needed it for my HK Frequent visitor card), went upstairs and entered airport again. Was given a strange look, but no issues or questions. Have also done 2-odd hour turnarounds many times.

I'd be more worried about Australian Immigration - but should be ok (use Smartgate, explain the truth if required, and be prepared for a search of your bag if they don't believe you).

 

[amaroo]

Like your style - can't see any issues with getting out & about.

Some ideas-
Dump the bags at the secure lockers
Jump on the Air Port Express to Kowloon
Take the Star Ferry over to Central
Go to Happy Foot and enjoy the next hour or so of total relaxation
Walk around & savour the sights of central
Time for lunch - Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Shopping or sight seeing......cable car ride out to the Big Buddha provides greats views of the airport on a clear day or the one out to Ocean World has fantastic views of the coast......don't visit ocean world just do the round trip on the cable car
Head back to one of the F lounges and enjoy

 

[reductionist]

Might be some ideas in this SMH article from today. http://m.smh.com.au/travel/activity/food-and-wine/scene-in-hong-kong-20111117-1nkl1.html

 

[amaroo]

Might be some ideas in this SMH article from today. Scene in Hong Kong | smh.com.au

Love the name of the patisserie in the last section, page 2......maybe pack some indocin, just in case

 

[Austman]

I'd be more worried about Australian Immigration - but should be ok (use Smartgate, explain the truth if required, and be prepared for a search of your bag if they don't believe you).

Yes - this is where I've had 'problems' after some very short international trips. You might be 'flagged' by Australian immigration for a closer check by customs.

In HKG, where I lived for a while - there will be no problems.

 

[JohnK]

So double points and double SCs?

Enjoy. Some people have all the luck....

 

[fflyer]

Hi awilcokson

Hope you dont mind my question, I am often looking at including a visit to HKG as part of an SC run. How are you able to get 520 (+) SC for the following?

Thursday Nov 24 QF97 BNE-HKG 23:15-06:00 (Friday)
Friday Nov 25 QF128 HKG-SYD 20:00-08:15 (Saturday)
Saturday Nov 26 QF516 SYD-BNE 10:05-10:30

Any help for newcomer would be most appreciated it.

fflyer

 

[Austman]

Hi awilcokson

Hope you dont mind my question, I am often looking at including a visit to HKG as part of an SC run. How are you able to get 520 (+) SC for the following?

Thursday Nov 24 QF97 BNE-HKG 23:15-06:00 (Friday)
Friday Nov 25 QF128 HKG-SYD 20:00-08:15 (Saturday)
Saturday Nov 26 QF516 SYD-BNE 10:05-10:30

Any help for newcomer would be most appreciated it.

fflyer

It's due to the double SC offer made to some QFF'ers for Australia-Hong Kong flights:

To celebrate the launch of the A380 flying from Sydney to Hong Kong from 15 January 2012, for a limited time we're offering you the opportunity to earn Double Status credits^ on all eligible* Qantas International flights between Australia and Hong Kong. What do I have to do? 1. Register for this offer 2. Book and travel on an eligible* Qantas International flight between Australia and Hong Kong from 17 November 2011 to 17 May 2012

BNE-HKG J CLASS: 120 X 2 = 240 SCs
HKG-SYD J CLASS: 120 X 2 = 240 SCs
SYD-BNE J CLASS: = 40 SCs

TOTAL: 520 SCs

 

[awilcockson]

It's due to the double SC offer made to some QFF'ers for Australia-Hong Kong flights:


BNE-HKG J CLASS: 120 X 2 = 240 SCs
HKG-SYD J CLASS: 120 X 2 = 240 SCs
SYD-BNE J CLASS: = 40 SCs

TOTAL: 520 SCs

Exactly. I'm hoping I get double SCs on the syd-BNE leg as well, giving me 560