No more in-town checkin for Cathay Pacific flights to the USA
By David Flynn, October 25 2017
Cathay Pacific travellers heading from Hong Kong to the USA are no longer able to use the convenient in-town checkin facility at Hong Kong's Airport Express stations at Hong Kong Central and Kowloon.
It's fallout from the latest clamp-down imposed by the US Department of Homeland Security and removes one of the greatest time-savers for business travellers, who until now have been able to dump their checked luggage at the station, check in for their flight and either speed their way to the airport or spend the rest of the day in Hong Kong.
The move doesn't impact travellers heading to any other Cathay Pacific destination, and Cathay's flight CX888 to New York via Vancouver is exempt from the new rules.
Also caught up in the changes are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines (which has daily flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco).
A statement issued by Cathay Pacific advises that "while passengers may still check in online, they are asked to check in their baggage at the dedicated counters on Aisle B at Hong Kong International Airport , where they will be subject to a short security interview."
"Passengers without check-in baggage should proceed to the boarding gate directly as early as possible, where they will be also be subject to a short security interview."
The airline suggests that all passengers travelling to the US "arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure to ensure they can proceed through all airport checkpoints in good time."
Read more: Travel tip – drop your bags at Hong Kong's CBD airline check-in desks
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
CX
09 Aug 2014
Total posts 8
Great, another reason to avoid the US.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Jan 2016
Total posts 59
Has there been any further details on these changes?, or if it will impact Aus flights to the US. I have seen updates from Lufthansa that state passengers will be subject to a short interview either at check in or at the gate, with the changes coming into effect from Thursday but no updates from QF or VA.
25 Oct 2017
Total posts 3
My mother travelled SYD-DFW on QF a couple of days ago and said every single passenger was questioned prior to boarding. Actually made the family a bit concerned.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jun 2015
Total posts 105
Do you know what type of questions and at what point?
25 Oct 2017
Total posts 3
She was asked why she was travelling, who she was visiting etc. It was before my mother got to the lounge so probably at check in or border security. She talked to my sister so I am not too sure of the details but my sister called me a little bit concerned that something might be going on.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
Around check-in, not sure whether just before or just after. Trying to move the onus for doing this to BEFORE the flight, not after you arrive at the US border.
13 Sep 2013
Total posts 116
Does this affect other carriers flying to the US from HKG?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
Yes, Homeland Security has ordered some tightening of procedures so (at least some) passengers are asked a few questions prior to all flights to the USA. As indicated above, nothing too invasive, but where you're going, why, where you're staying, etc.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
Who conducts the interviews? USA Department of Homeland Security staff, airline staff or someone else? Australian Border Force staff would be pretty unlikely to regard this as its jurisdiction.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
In MEL, they are being done by uniformed security staff (not the same people who do the scanners), who are contracted by - I think - the airlines. Homeland Security is putting the onus on the airlines to do this screening.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
And yes, this is to apply worldwide to ALL flights going to the USA. Nothing to be too concerned about. Same type of questions you used to get asked at immigration in the US on arrival; now they're asking before you get onto the aircraft.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
John Phelan, incredibly helpful answers - thanks.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jul 2017
Total posts 26
I've been several x to Israel on an Irish passport and spent almost 4 hours with security each time just making my flight. Both in an out of the country I've been questioned vigorously and searched.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
Last time I went to the USA (2016) I didn't get asked a single question: the male staff member was nice and quick.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
An article in 'The Australian' this morning discusses this. Air France says it passengers will complete a questionairre (i.e. a form.)
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