In and out of Hong Kong

Hello,

I am traveling next week to Hong Kong on a quick 2 day business trip.

Wanting to make the most of the trip, I have a few questions.

Does any know if there is a fast track for UC passengers through immigrations, both on the in bound and out bound? I know that one can apply for e-channel, but not sure which airline programmes can be used, as they are not listed on airport website. I will be visiting Hong Kong a number of times over the next year, so might make the effort of signing on upon arrival.

On departure, if no fast track is available, what would you recommend as time needed to be through check in and immigration, with enough time to enjoy CH for a few hours? I am think arriving around 20.30 for a 23.30 departure.

Lastly, with the new meal services in operation, any advice on both outbound and inbound route for dinning option. CH or menu on board? Have not seen any trip reports on these routines since march 1st. (I will post one on my return...)

Thanks for any feedback,

Jensenma

[mitchja]

There is no fast track immigration for both arrivals or departures at HKG.

You can join the e-channel program as long as you are Flying Club Gold. The sign-up desks are immediately after the standard immigration booths, but before baggage reclaim so don't exit the immigration hall if you want to sign up for e-channel as you cannot go back once you exit.

I signed up last time I arrived at HKG. The sign up process takes about 15mins and requires taking finger prints and a photo. It lasts as long as your current passport is valid for (you don't need a biometric passport either as they will attach a bar code sticker to the back of your passport).

To use e-channels you then just scan either the photo page of your passport or scan the bar code sticker on the back at the automatic gates. The arrivals process then only takes minutes and is well worth it!

Arrival immigration lines can be quite long at HKG as I've waited upto an hour. Departure immigration/security lines are much smaller (you go though immigration first then security). 30 mins would give you enough time to get through.

eChannel does work very well at HKIA, but if you are not FC Gold, then you can get it by applying for the HKIA Frequent Visitor card first.

To get the HKIA Frequent Visitor card you need to have stamps showing you entered HKG 3 times in the last 12 months, easy after a few visits as you can collect a stamp returning to HKG from the Chinese mainland. Forms are on the HKIA website.

The Frequent Visitor card lets you skip the immigration queues for the normal manned gates, just have it scanned by the person guarding the FV line.

When you go back to the airport if you take a taxi you get a some stunning views of HK island and the various bridges etc.

CH is nice bit not special. Quite small with groovy looking chairs but they are not very comfy so a couple of hours is enough !

I love the Hong Kong Clubhouse. Their martini especially is very tasty.

The last time I was there I had an apple and walnut salad and the noodle soup. Very nice.

It doesn't have quite the same facilities at Heathrow, but it's still the perfect place to relax before your flight for a couple of hours.