Stopover in HK

I count myself as being very lucky to have bagged two RTN UC upgrades from Heathrow to Sydney for Jun/July next year. Off to see the Lions and travelling in style Can't wait.

I had difficulty booking online so resorted to telephone, and I cannot praise the FC rep enough. She tried every possible permutation of dates, times, stopover days, AC classes and partner airlines before finding the ideal option, and I would encourage all to phone first when wanting to redeem points.

As far as bagging upgrade flights to Sydney is concerned then the advice that others have given is spot on: upgrade seats are limited and they will get snapped up quickly, so keep an eye out as soon as they are released (-11 months from date of RTN flight) and be prepared to be flexible with dates. It worked for us, so thanks to the experts for their tips. y) By the way, it is possible to use your own airmiles to "pay" for your mate's upgrade, so long as you're travelling with them at the same time. This was news to me.

We have been limited to a one day stopover in Hong Kong, arriving on VS200 at 17.50 and leaving next day at 19.20. Ideally we would have preferred to stay an extra day or so, but UC availability did not allow. Given the very short period of time we have in HK and the fact that we've never been there before, what tips do others have regarding 1) when to arrive at LHR CH, 2) sleeping strategy to HK and then out from HK to SYD, 3) must-see sights in HK and 4) any recommended bars/hotels. Would it be realistic to sleep all the way there, not bother with a hotel in HK and just do as much as possible in the little time??

280 days to go

Huw

By the way, it is possible to use your own airmiles to "pay" for your mate's upgrade, so long as you're travelling with them at the same time. This was news to me.

Welcome to v-flyer Huw ( nice to see your name being spelt the "proper" way ).
In actual fact you don't have to be travelling with the person to spend their miles ( and vice versa). As long as you are authorised with FC to spend their miles ( or vice versa) you can pretty much do as you like in terms of upgrades or outright miles redemptions ( as long as the account you are using has enough miles to perform the transaction).
OK back to the original questions - you are going to have about 24 hrs in HKG on the way there. I'm doing the same trip again in a few months and have learnt that travelling to Australia ( and back) completely knackers me :0 . My favourite hotel in HKG is The Peninsula ( both the hotel and car service are fantastic ) but this time I'm staying at an airport hotel as it's only an overnight stop and I may venture into Kowloon ( or wherever) but in all probability I'll try and sleep as much as I can as I've seen HKG on previous trips.

If you've never seen HKG then maybe stay in the city ( having slept as much as you can on the LHR - HKG leg) and then the same plan for the HKG- SYD leg. Maybe a pre- booked tour of the must sees given your limited time? The last trip to SYD with VS saw me in the CH circa 5pm but I have been there at noon on a previous trip :w :w .
The CH at HKG is a nice experience with fabulous attentive staff but SYD can be a zoo first thing in the AM so make haste when you disembark.
Have a fabulous time ( you may be travelling with a few colleagues of mine on the tour ): ) .
DL

We have been limited to a one day stopover in Hong Kong, arriving on VS200 at 17.50 and leaving next day at 19.20. Ideally we would have preferred to stay an extra day or so, but UC availability did not allow. Given the very short period of time we have in HK and the fact that we've never been there before, what tips do others have regarding 1) when to arrive at LHR CH, 2) sleeping strategy to HK and then out from HK to SYD, 3) must-see sights in HK and 4) any recommended bars/hotels. Would it be realistic to sleep all the way there, not bother with a hotel in HK and just do as much as possible in the little time??

Well done on the upgrade!

1. depends -- personally I would arrive at 7.30 pm, but if you want to go to town, arrive (much) earlier.
2. sleep as soon as possible on the flight, don't worry too much if you can only get a few hours -- the challenge is to be able to get to sleep in HKG!

Personally I wouldn't dispense with a hotel. Maybe I am just too old, but I would really want a nice night's sleep after the long flight! Also, the better you adjust to the time difference in HKG, the better you will feel in Australia.

If you REALLY want a thrill, and plan to stay at the Peninsula, remember that it's possible to Chopper into and out of the Hotel, via the helipad on their roof. The pilots are usually amenable to a quick bit of sightseeing (circling round the Big Buddah) etc.

Not cheap, but what a way to see HK!

Peter