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justbala Member
Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore
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me111993 Member
Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 3225 Location: MAA/AMD
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 12:41 am Post subject: |
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AWESOME! _________________ Causal Determinism : We are hardwired to need answers. The Caveman who heard a rustle in the bushes and checked out to see what it was, lived longer than the guy, who assumed it was just a breeze.
- Greg House |
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GuyFromBOM Member
Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 544 Location: VABB
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 1:54 am Post subject: |
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Nice TR, with good pics..! _________________ The more I fly 9W, the more I prefer AI | FlightDiary: 59 Boeing + 30 Airbus + 9 ATR + 1 Embraer |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 1:07 pm Post subject: |
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Bala, thanks for sharing another nice report with us. MNL has thus far been an exotic destination, after such a long period of no direct connection with India. And of course, PR, too! The highlight of your reports include the little things around you that you notice. We look forward to your return trip - please cover the India part of it as well. Given your frequent trips out of India from BLR, DEL and BOM (mostly, I guess), we get updates on the international sections of these places. HKG is good for spotting, provided the weather is fine. It is unfortunate that you got some rather inclement weather there.
A question about HKG: is the `transfer' area for all airlines, or primarily Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air? (You have written about CX) I need to know this, since I have a trip to PEK lined up, I fly AI DEL-HKG and CA, HKG-PEK; and vice versa. PR did a through check-in from MNL-BNE for you - and your ticketing was done separately. I wonder is AI will check me through from DEL-PEK, or whether I will have to collect my baggage at HKG, and go to the CA check-in counter there. Through check-ins are obviously very convenient, and though HKG is quite efficient, I would still not like to risk getting to PEK without my luggage, with each carrier divulging itself of its responsibility. My recent Moscow trip had an acquaintance make the entire trip without his luggage as Aeroflot had messed up big time at DEL. He had been through checked-in at CCU on Air India, but the luggage was finally traced to Aeroflot at DEL, much after he had got back from Moscow, and back to CCU. While I have not had any untoward incident with AI (I have had this with United Airlines), I would not want to have one with the AI-CA combination.
Thanks, Sumantra. |
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stealthpilot Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 2325 Location: BLR, DXB
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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Nice TR, I love HKG airport.
How long was MNL-HKG? _________________ eP007 |
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abhigopal Member
Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 172
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:07 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | Bala, thanks for sharing another nice report with us. MNL has thus far been an exotic destination, after such a long period of no direct connection with India. And of course, PR, too! The highlight of your reports include the little things around you that you notice. We look forward to your return trip - please cover the India part of it as well. Given your frequent trips out of India from BLR, DEL and BOM (mostly, I guess), we get updates on the international sections of these places. HKG is good for spotting, provided the weather is fine. It is unfortunate that you got some rather inclement weather there.
A question about HKG: is the `transfer' area for all airlines, or primarily Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air? (You have written about CX) I need to know this, since I have a trip to PEK lined up, I fly AI DEL-HKG and CA, HKG-PEK; and vice versa. PR did a through check-in from MNL-BNE for you - and your ticketing was done separately. I wonder is AI will check me through from DEL-PEK, or whether I will have to collect my baggage at HKG, and go to the CA check-in counter there. Through check-ins are obviously very convenient, and though HKG is quite efficient, I would still not like to risk getting to PEK without my luggage, with each carrier divulging itself of its responsibility. My recent Moscow trip had an acquaintance make the entire trip without his luggage as Aeroflot had messed up big time at DEL. He had been through checked-in at CCU on Air India, but the luggage was finally traced to Aeroflot at DEL, much after he had got back from Moscow, and back to CCU. While I have not had any untoward incident with AI (I have had this with United Airlines), I would not want to have one with the AI-CA combination.
Thanks, Sumantra. |
If your ticket is on the same PNR, then there shud be no problem. From what I have seen in HKG, the baggage claim is only after arrivals, and there doesnt seem to be a provision to collect bags and drop them off again. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:34 pm Post subject: |
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abhigopal wrote: | If your ticket is on the same PNR, then there shud be no problem. From what I have seen in HKG, the baggage claim is only after arrivals, and there doesnt seem to be a provision to collect bags and drop them off again. |
Thanks, but unfortunately, the two incidents I have quoted - had the same PNR/Booking Reference, and eTicket number.
As regards HKG, I talked to a senior colleague who often has to go to HKG on business. He suggests that even though my tickets are on the same PNR, I go through the baggage claim, go out, climb the lift to the first floor, and check-in again.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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justbala Member
Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:29 am Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | abhigopal wrote: | If your ticket is on the same PNR, then there shud be no problem. From what I have seen in HKG, the baggage claim is only after arrivals, and there doesnt seem to be a provision to collect bags and drop them off again. |
Thanks, but unfortunately, the two incidents I have quoted - had the same PNR/Booking Reference, and eTicket number.
As regards HKG, I talked to a senior colleague who often has to go to HKG on business. He suggests that even though my tickets are on the same PNR, I go through the baggage claim, go out, climb the lift to the first floor, and check-in again.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
You would have to clear immigration to do that and IMO it is a big hassle.
There are coupla transfer lounges in the HKG arrival section. The C/KA desk are permanent, while the others are open based on flight timings. When I landed in from MNL I headed str8 to the transfer desk, the agent checked my passport and aussie visa, checked the baggage tab that i got from MNL and then issued me the HKG-BNE boarding pass.
If your baggage is through checked in from DEL to PEK, I would suggest going over to the transfer desk and re-confirming with CA that your baggage is being transferred. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:24 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, Bala - I'll see how it goes, depending on whether AI through check my baggage for DEL-HKG and HKG-PEK, and CA, for PEK-HKG and HKG-DEL. Just wondering as to why immigration in HKG is a pain - Indians have a visa on arrival at HKG. I've tried this once in 2001, and another time, in 2010. Is there something I am missing here?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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abhigopal Member
Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 172
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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Nope, but there are some departure taxes to be paid I think. Please do check this before (and if) you decide to clear immigration and come back landside to check in. The immigration itself is a Visa on arrival and hence shudnt be a pain. |
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sri_bom Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | Thanks, Bala - I'll see how it goes, depending on whether AI through check my baggage for DEL-HKG and HKG-PEK, and CA, for PEK-HKG and HKG-DEL. Just wondering as to why immigration in HKG is a pain - Indians have a visa on arrival at HKG. I've tried this once in 2001, and another time, in 2010. Is there something I am missing here?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
Immgration is a pain only when multiple flights land at the same time and lines tend to be quite long, otherwise it is seamless. Indian passport holders dont need a visa, but be prepared that sometimes they might ask you how long you plan to stay and purpose of visit. Also there are no departure tax that one has to pay that I know off.
When I fly long haul with multiple connecting flights I tend to carry basic essential colthes and other items in my hand luggage. That way even if my checked in luggage does not show up I have something to wear for the next two days. I suggest as a precaution you carry some stuff in your hand luggage as well.
Sri_Bom |
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sri_bom Member
Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: MNL to BNE via HKG on PR/CX |
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Nice report Bala.
EU has banned Philiphines Airlines into Europe on account of safety concerns were you aware of this? If not would you have changed your decision if you had know about it earlier?
Hong Kong is a great place for spotting carriers around the world and it is very camera friendly as there are no multiple layers of protective glass between the airport and the tarmarc thus one can get great shots.
Sri_Bom |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:20 pm Post subject: |
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Abhigopal and Srinivas, thanks a lot for your replies. The departure tax is thankfully accounted for in the airline ticket itself (and saves last-minute Forex blushes), and is not needed if one departs on the same day itself. Srinivas - this is a nice idea, though my laptop cooling pad and analog SLR take up a huge amount of space in my carry-on (I usually take one piece along, to be consistent with the piece concept at some places e.g., LHR). I guess I'll try it this time - thank you!
And yes! HKG is a spotter's paradise! There are lots of exotic airlines from across the world, and there is an excellent view of the two runways. If one is able to somehow get the reflections away, one gets some nice pictures. I have very pleasant spotting memories from my 2001 and 2010 trips - the first one had me transiting HKG (on Cathay both ways), the second time, my destination was HKG itself. This finally woke me up into writing my first trip report.
http://airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/airlinersindia-ftopic10018.html
However, I did not click too many cellphone pictures at HKG, as the report shows. I'll possibly try, this time round.
Thanks, Sumantra. |
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abhigopal Member
Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 172
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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Sumantra - When are you going to be in HKG. I am transiting HKG on 5th. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:02 am Post subject: |
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I plan to transit HKG on the 16th and the 23rd of this month.
At least we can look forward to your trip report preceding mine!
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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Srinivas and Abhishek - I asked both my travel agent (who has contacts in AI), and Air China itself, as to whether my baggage would be through checked-in DEL-HKG-PEK, and vice versa (DEL-HKG and HKG-DEL on AI, HKG-PEK and PEK-HKG on CA). The answer was a negative at both ends. AI usually doesn't mind on many routes, but I guess CA is the factor here. So I have to clear Immigration and Customs at HKG, and check-in again - bad luck, no `transfer' for me. There is another negative connotation: on the second leg, I'll have to wait land-side till the Air India counter opens (it opens at around 3:15 pm or so), so this gives me less spotting options as compared to what I would have had, had I been able to avail of an air-side transfer. Worse still, I asked Air China if they would put me on the earlier HKG-PEK flight in case I was able to clear customs and immigration at HKG quickly? This would save me quite a bit of time, and effectively give me about half-a-day more to explore Beijing and its surroundings. The answer was a comprehensive `No'! I really wonder why - most airlines do this seamlessly, I believe!
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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jasepl Member
Joined: 26 Jul 2008 Posts: 4257 Location: bund-bay
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Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:32 am Post subject: |
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Cool report, thanks.
Immigration in HKG can be a pain in either direction. Fortunately though the queues are often enormous, they often move rather quickly.
Unless you've been unlucky to arrive right after a flight from the Philippines (or on a flight from the Philippines in your case, Bala). Then prepare to set up camp!
Also, there is no visa on arrival in Hong Kong. We don't need a visa at all. _________________ four years free of jetya punti! |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:33 pm Post subject: |
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I am at Beijing right now. Yes, a trip report is due.
AI did check in my baggage from DEL-PEK, and I used the transfer desk at HKG. All worked out fine, I hope the same for the return trip, too!
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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G-BYGB Member
Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813 Location: Bangalore/Delhi
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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sri_bom wrote: |
Immgration is a pain only when multiple flights land at the same time and lines tend to be quite long, otherwise it is seamless. Indian passport holders dont need a visa, but be prepared that sometimes they might ask you how long you plan to stay and purpose of visit. Also there are no departure tax that one has to pay that I know off.
Sri_Bom |
Do I need to carry a visa, if I'am traveling as a tourist to HKG for 4 days? _________________ www.flickr.com/G-BYGB photos |
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justbala Member
Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1898 Location: Bangalore
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:04 am Post subject: |
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G-BYGB wrote: | sri_bom wrote: |
Immgration is a pain only when multiple flights land at the same time and lines tend to be quite long, otherwise it is seamless. Indian passport holders dont need a visa, but be prepared that sometimes they might ask you how long you plan to stay and purpose of visit. Also there are no departure tax that one has to pay that I know off.
Sri_Bom |
Do I need to carry a visa, if I'am traveling as a tourist to HKG for 4 days? |
Indian passport holders dont need a visa for HKG if your stay is upto 14 days. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:19 am Post subject: |
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G-BYGB wrote: | Do I need to carry a visa, if I'am traveling as a tourist to HKG for 4 days? |
Sreenivas - if I may ask, what are your travel dates?
Thanks, Sumantra. |
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G-BYGB Member
Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813 Location: Bangalore/Delhi
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:08 am Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | G-BYGB wrote: | Do I need to carry a visa, if I'am traveling as a tourist to HKG for 4 days? |
Sreenivas - if I may ask, what are your travel dates?
Thanks, Sumantra. |
@Sumantra, I will be traveling there on 24th Dec and return on 1st Jan.
Cheers. _________________ www.flickr.com/G-BYGB photos |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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Oh - I had hoped for an impending travel. Have a nice trip!
We hope for a trip report, too!
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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G-BYGB Member
Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813 Location: Bangalore/Delhi
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Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:04 am Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | Oh - I had hoped for an impending travel. Have a nice trip!
We hope for a trip report, too!
Cheers, Sumantra. |
Thanks Sumantra... Hope I can write a trip report with some pictures too.... _________________ www.flickr.com/G-BYGB photos |
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