VA - EY at Hong Kong Airport

[Thibault]

Hi all,
I hope you are all well.

I am flying out back to Paris in 15 days.
I will be flying VA to HKG and then connect with Etihad.
I never went to HKG airport
I am Etihad Gold (like VA gold)
I will have a luggage tagged priority

Here is my question :
My VA flight lands at 5.20 PM

Do I have enough to catch EY833 that leaves at 7.45 PM or it’s not possible ?
I can also catch EY6290 (HX codeshare) that leaves at 10.45PM.
It would be on 2 different PNR

They are almost the same price but would obviously be in Europe as fast as possible.
The MCT for HKG between EY/VA seems to be 1hrs but I guess only if it’s the same PNR.

EY check in counters closes 1h before flight departure and 45 mns for premium passengers

I read online that it was possible to transfer directly and that the airport can grab the bag and check it again, however I am not sure at all ?

I have a French passport and heard that HKG was a fast airport so I would like your advices on it.

Thanks all

 

[Mattg]

I believe that VA *should* be able to check you in for your connecting EY flight in Australia, meaning the 19:45 departure would give you enough time. Just show them your Etihad itinerary when you check-in with VA in Australia.

If for some reason they won't do this, you should still have enough time to clear immigration/customs and check-in with Etihad in HKG as long as your inbound VA flight is punctual. If you arrive late, there is a risk you won't make it.

 

[Thibault]

Hi Mattg,

Thanks for your answer.
I think I will book the direct flight this afternoon.

I would prefer to fly the 787 instead of an A330 and B777 to go to Abu Dhabi.

It seems that the flight is pretty punctual and that should be fine.

 

[EtihadAirways]

Hi Thibault. Feel free to send us your booking references via private message on our Twitter or Facebook channel, and we will check with our airport team for you. Thank you. *Ari

 

[Thibault]

Hi all,

Just to update you about the situation :

I booked my direct flight on EY from HKG. I also called Virgin Australia and the customer representative has been able to link my VA and EY PNR together so my luggage should be checked-through. She told me that VA will be able to check me in directly from BNE all the way to Paris.

I have also been able to book my EY flights under the triple miles promo, so so far so good. I have found the Virgin Call centre very helpful and nice.

I will keep you updated about how it goes in two weeks!

 

[Thibault]

Hey all,

Just wanted to report about my experience with Virgin and Etihad.

The lady at the check in counter at Brisbane was more than happy to check through my luggage to EY at HKG despite having 2 PNR.
As soon as she checked through my luggage, the Virgin app showed my Etihad itinerary.
Haven't had to do a thing at Hong Kong but just check in at a transfer counter and head to the Hong Kong Airlines lounge.

My luggage was amongst the first to arrive at the baggage claim at Paris !

A great experience overall and the VA product from MEL to HKG is excellent in Y !
I will try next week to get EY to check through my luggage to BNE via VA in HKG.
I just cannot change my seat anymore on VA's website as the EY flights changed the PNR.

My Etihad flights were credited instantly, and I am waiting for the VA ones to credit. Also need to wait for the triple promo to kick in !