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Transit in Hong Kong airport

I am travelling from singapore to Japan. Planning to take 2 different flight (different airlines)

My first flight (singapore airlines) reaches at 10:45 PM

Next flight (tway air) departure time 2:30 AM

I have around 3:30 hrs between the flight. Because of different airlines I have to re checkin but same terminal

My question is 3:30 hrs enough for immigration and customs clearence on arrival + airline checkin + security check and immigration?

Having a 3.5-hour layover at Hong Kong International Airport for a transit involving two different airlines is generally feasible, but there are a few important factors to consider. Since you need to recheck in with your second airline, you will have to go through immigration, possibly customs, then security and check-in again.

Here is a detailed breakdown:

  • Arrival: Your Singapore Airlines flight arrives at 10:45 PM. You will need to disembark and go through immigration if you are entering Hong Kong airside for a transit with separate check-in. This usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on queue length.
  • Baggage and Customs: If your baggage is not checked through to your final destination, you will need to collect it and possibly pass through customs. Customs is usually quick late at night due to fewer passengers.
  • Recheck-in: You need to go to the T’way Air counter in the same terminal to check in for your 2:30 AM flight. Airline counters typically close about 1 hour before departure, so arriving by midnight–12:15 AM gives a safe buffer. The check-in process for a small airline is usually quick (15–30 minutes).
  • Security and Immigration: After check-in, you will go through security and then immigration to enter the departure gates. Security can take 5–15 minutes late at night, and immigration 5–10 minutes if lines are short.

Additional considerations:

  • Nighttime arrivals usually mean shorter queues, so 3.5 hours is typically sufficient.
  • If your first flight is delayed, the buffer may shrink considerably, so check real-time flight updates.
  • Familiarize yourself with the terminal map beforehand to minimize walking time.
  • Keep boarding passes and travel documents ready to save time.

In summary, while 3.5 hours is generally adequate for re-checking in with a different airline at Hong Kong Airport, it is not overly generous. Plan to move efficiently through immigration, baggage claim, and check-in to ensure you make your next flight on time.

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Singapore
Japan
Singapore

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