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HKG self transfer 2:40 mins

Planning a trip from LAX to Phuket, an option is to fly United to connect in HKG and then take Cathay Pacific from HKG to Phuket. But since Cathay and United are in different alliances looks like i will need to clear immigration and customs in Hong Kong.

Ual lands and 5:20 and CX departs at 8:20

Is 2:40 mins enough? Has anyone had experience with a self transfer in HKG? Anyone with luck of UAL interline checking your bag to a non star alliance partner?

Connecting through Hong Kong (HKG) with a self-transfer between United Airlines (UA) and Cathay Pacific (CX) is feasible, but a 2:40 minute connection is tight, especially since these flights are on different alliances and may not have interline baggage agreements.

Here are the key considerations for your transfer:

  • Baggage: In most cases, if your tickets are booked separately, your checked baggage will not be automatically transferred from UA to CX. You will likely need to collect your luggage at HKG, go through customs, and then check it in again with Cathay Pacific.
  • Immigration and Customs: You must clear Hong Kong immigration and customs since you are entering the city to collect baggage and recheck for your next flight.
  • Time required: Even if your arriving flight lands on time, you should allow approximately 60–90 minutes for baggage claim, immigration, customs, and security for the next flight. The remaining time to get to your gate could be tight.

Additional tips for self-transfer at HKG:

  • Check if United has any interline agreements with Cathay Pacific for your specific booking. Sometimes separate tickets may allow for baggage check-through if confirmed in advance, but this is rare.
  • Consider travel insurance or flexible tickets in case of delays. Flight delays could make a 2:40 minute connection risky.
  • Minimize carry-on items for faster transfer through security and check-in counters.
  • Have all travel documents ready, as immigration and check-in can take extra time during peak hours.

Overall, while a 2:40 hour window is possible, it is tight for a self-transfer at HKG involving separate tickets and different airlines. If any delays occur on the first flight, you may miss your onward connection. If possible, a longer layover (at least 4–5 hours) would provide more buffer for a stress-free transfer.

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Phuket

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