What to do with bags for 15hrs in Hong Kong

[Fleetz]

We are arriving into Hong Kong around 7:30am from London and are due to fly out 23:40 that night to Cairns.

So we have approx 17 hours to kill in Hong Kong before our flight. Wondering what option might exist for stowing bags or even better have them checked in. I suspect the later is not possible as typically the gate doesn't open until 2-3 hours before the flight.

We fly into Hong Kong on Qantas and out to Cairns with Cathay.

Anyone know what options we might have?

Regards,

Fleetz

 

[markis10]

You should be able to get them checked all the way through to CNS by QF in london, if that does not work then there should be no issues re checking at HKG in the departures level.

 

[Fleetz]

You should be able to get them checked all the way through to CNS by QF in london, if that does not work then there should be no issues re checking at HKG in the departures level.

Hi Markis10,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Would this apply if the bookings are done seperately? The CNS >HKG >CNS booking is a seperate booking to HKG>LHR>HKG.

Assuming QF can check our bags at through to Cairns (via Cathay) would we then have to be in a transit lounge for 17hours?

Sorry not seasoed travellers...feeling our way through the travel mine field.

Thanks,

Fleetz

 

[markis10]

Hi Markis10,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Would this apply if the bookings are done seperately? The CNS >HKG >CNS booking is a seperate booking to HKG>LHR>HKG.

Assuming QF can check our bags at through to Cairns (via Cathay) would we then have to be in a transit lounge for 17hours?

Sorry not seasoed travellers...feeling our way through the travel mine field.

Thanks,

Fleetz

You can always ask them to link the bookings, and you can leave HKG despite being in transit to explore the city no problems at all, if your baggage is through checked just go through immigration as if you were not transiting (via baggage hall etc) and on return from the city go through immigration on the departures level. HKG is a nice airport but not for 17 hours.

 

[docjames]

If you search there are also multiple threads on things to do in HKG for a 17hr transit.....

 

[Fleetz]

You can always ask them to link the bookings, and you can leave HKG despite being in transit to explore the city no problems at all, if your baggage is through checked just go through immigration as if you were not transiting (via baggage hall etc) and on return from the city go through immigration on the departures level. HKG is a nice airport but not for 17 hours.

Thanks again Markis10,

Last question would I have to call Qantas or Cathay to link the flights? Or both?

Cheers,

Fleetz

 

[docjames]

There are also (realtively cheap and secure) baggage lockers at HKG.

 

[markis10]

Ring QF and see if they can link them, failing that have a copy of the CX itin when checking in and the check in agent will be able to through check, seeing as its one world to one world should not be an issue.

 

[djfuzz]

There are also (realtively cheap and secure) baggage lockers at HKG.

Since checking through seems to be the best option for you, I'm not sure how helpful this is - but FWIW, I believe leaving bags with left luggage at HKG is only HKD55 per bag for the first 24 hours.

 

[serfty]

There are also (realtively cheap and secure) baggage lockers at HKG.

Left luggage at HKG? Yes ... Lockers? I am not aware of any.

 

[docjames]

My bad - i meant "left luggage".

FWIW - some people will have non-checked carryons ("rollaboards for want of a better term) that they do not want to check in but dont want to haul around for 15hrs either

 

[MrHyde]

Left luggage at HKG? Yes ... Lockers? I am not aware of any.

There are token operated lockers in the hallway that goes under the train station (linking two terminals together). Thats where I normally try and leave things... however, sometimes the attendant is not there to provide the tokens.

 

[markis10]

There are token operated lockers in the hallway that goes under the train station (linking two terminals together). Thats where I normally try and leave things... however, sometimes the attendant is not there to provide the tokens.

"A secure short-term baggage storage facility is located on Level 3 of Terminal 2. All items have to go through security screening before going into the lockers. Security screening is available from 09:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday. However, passengers can retrieve baggage at any time throughout the day"

Passenger Guide - Arrivals - Baggage Storage - Hong Kong International Airport


The OP would have to wait until 9AM in this case.

 

[Fleetz]

Thanks very much the input and suggestions here has been great.

Regards,

Fleetz

 

[Anna]

You may find that QF will not check the bags all the way through to Cairns because there is more than 12 hours between the arrival of the QF flight and your CX departure.

If this happens you will have to collect your bags at HKG and go to the departure hall where you can use the CX self-check in kiosk and then drop your bags at the CX self-check in bag drop. Self-check in operates from 48 hours before your flight so you shouldn't have any problem 17 hours ahead.

 

[Ric]

Cathay should be able to check you in at the departure counter at airport.
However, if all else fail, take your bags with you onto the Airport Express, get to either Hong Kong station or Kowloon station, and check in at the "in town check in" counters which are located at the stations. Not a problem:!:

 

[davidj-bell]

Hi Markis10,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Would this apply if the bookings are done seperately? The CNS >HKG >CNS booking is a seperate booking to HKG>LHR>HKG.

Assuming QF can check our bags at through to Cairns (via Cathay) would we then have to be in a transit lounge for 17hours?

Sorry not seasoed travellers...feeling our way through the travel mine field.

Thanks,

Fleetz

I have checked luggage through from LHR to Penang, out on QF, changing to CX, and they were on separate tickets; and I didn't even have a boarding pass for the second flight. When I got to HKG, I went to the transfers desk, got my second boarding pass, said I'd checked luggage through from LHR, and they just scanned my luggage tags. It all worked and my luggage turned up in penang.

Just make sure you know the actual flight as they need to have the subsequent flight when you check it through.

 

[markis10]

I think its safe to summarise as follows:

1. Check through should be possible - problem solved (12 hour limit is not applicable in HKG as CX have a 48hr hold)
2. Should check through fail for whatever reason OP can checkin at departures level immediately after clearing immigration etc
3. OP should not go through transit, getting out of HKG from the departures level is not possible for most, go through formalities as if HKG is your final destination and enjoy what the city has to offer.

 

[JohnK]

You may find that QF will not check the bags all the way through to Cairns because there is more than 12 hours between the arrival of the QF flight and your CX departure.

The luggage should be able to be checked through. I had a 16:30 hour transit in HKG, admittedly it was a QF->QF transit, and QF had no hesitation in checking the luggage through from LHR-PER. Can't see that QF->CX or separate itineraries is going to make any difference.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Hopefully you can get the bags checked in all the way through. How much carry on do you have? I recomend the left luggage depot mentioned previously. You can leave as much there as you want and walk around HK with just a camera and passport.
Dont be in too much of a panic to get into HK in the morning. There will be very little open until 9.30-10am, but it is still nice to walk around instead of sitting at the airport.
Good luck