Transit time through HK airport at night - 2 hrs 20

Question

Hello everyone, I would like to get some help. Travelling to Hong Kong via Emirates . I land at 18:05 pm. I would like to proceed to directly to Ho Chi Min City using Vietjet.

I have the option of staying overnight in Hong Kong - but would prefer to stay over on the return leg since the flight out is at midnight. I aim to use the 8:35 pm Vietjet flight to Ho Chi Min.

Will I have enough time to make the next flight - I am South African so I have visa free entry and will need to collect luggage then clear immigration I assume before I catch the next flight. I am travelling with my mother who is mobile but may need a cart to get between gates.

Emirates lands at terminal 1. Not sure which terminal Vietjet leaves from ? Is it reliable in the evenings or should I rather not take the chance?

Anyone who has experience with a 2:20 layover please help.

Answer

A 2-hour 20-minute layover at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for a connecting flight from Emirates to Vietjet is extremely tight, especially since you need to collect checked luggage, clear immigration, and possibly transfer between terminals.

Key Considerations:

Emirates lands at Terminal 1. Vietjet, a low-cost carrier, also operates from Terminal 1 at HKIA. However, you will need to check in again with Vietjet at their counter and drop off any luggage.
As South African passport holders, you are visa-exempt for Hong Kong, so immigration is straightforward, but peak evening hours may cause queues.
Collecting checked luggage and clearing customs can take 30–60 minutes depending on how busy the airport is.
You need to check in at least 45–60 minutes before Vietjet departure. For Vietjet, low-cost carriers are strict about check-in deadlines.
Assistance carts are available, but moving between baggage claim, immigration, and check-in counters will still take time.

Feasibility of a 2h20m Connection:

With a 2h20m window, the connection is very risky. Any small delay in Emirates’ arrival, luggage handling, or immigration queues could make you miss the Vietjet flight.
Low-cost carriers like Vietjet do not usually accommodate late arrivals due to tight check-in deadlines.

Options:

Option 1: Do not attempt the same-day connection. Consider staying overnight in Hong Kong near the airport or in the city. This will allow a relaxed transfer and avoid stress, especially when traveling with your mother.
Option 2: Book a later flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Option 3: Consider checking in all luggage through to Ho Chi Minh City

In summary, a 2h20m layover at HKIA for Emirates to Vietjet with luggage collection is not reliable. For a stress-free experience, it is strongly recommended to stay overnight and fly out the next day, especially when traveling with an elderly family member who may require extra assistance.

Transit time through HK airport at night - 2 hrs 20

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