Hong Kong Airlines (HX) and long layover

Question

Hi all. I've already got flights booked inbound on Air Canada. Now I'm contemplating flying out on HX just 10 hours later, 2am departure to Bali. And I have two questions I haven't been able to resolve.

HX's Club Autus lounge is open late, and their website mentions you need a boarding pass departing "same day". I'd like to assume a "day" includes the couple of hours past midnight in a case like this. I haven't seen any complaints about red-eye fliers having to wait till midnight. Any personal experience to confirm?

I know I'll need to collect my bag in HK (unless I can sweet-talk the AC agents back home into doing the interline thing, but I doubt it). I'd love to check that bag in with HX as soon as I can, likely 9 or 10 hours before the flight. Since it's their home airport, I'm pretty sure they'll have counters open all day/evening. Will they allow an early bag drop? (If not, I'll find the storage place.)

And since I'll be landside with hours to kill, I have a good idea where to go. :)

Thanks in advance.

Answer

For your scenario with Hong Kong Airlines (HX) and a long layover at HKIA, here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your concerns:

Accessing the Club Autus lounge:

Hong Kong Airlines’ Club Autus lounges typically allow entry for passengers with a same-day departing flight. “Same day” in practice includes flights that depart just after midnight, so your 2am flight should qualify without any issues.
Several travelers with red-eye departures have reported being able to access the lounge hours before their early-morning flights without being turned away, provided they have a valid boarding pass for that flight.
Make sure to have your HX boarding pass printed or accessible on your phone; it is generally required for lounge entry.

Baggage concerns and early check-in:

Since your inbound flight is on Air Canada, unless there is an interline agreement (which is unlikely for HX), you will need to collect your checked luggage at HKIA before proceeding to your HX flight.
HX check-in counters at HKIA are usually open at least 3–4 hours before departure. For a 2am flight, check-in may open in the late afternoon or early evening the day before, but a full 9–10 hours in advance is uncommon.
If HX does not allow early bag drop, you can use the airport’s luggage storage facilities (located landside in the arrivals area) to store your bags temporarily while you spend the day outside or in the terminal.
Always confirm with HX staff or their website for exact counter opening times for early morning departures, as they may vary by terminal or season.

Spending time during the layover:

If you plan to leave the airport landside, Hong Kong offers convenient transport to the city via Airport Express, which takes about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station.
With 10 hours available, you could explore a few central areas, have a meal, or even do a short sightseeing tour, but remember to allow ample time to return through security and immigration for your 2am departure.
If staying inside the airport, HKIA has plenty of lounges, restaurants, and quiet areas where you can rest or work comfortably during the layover.

Summary recommendations:

Your HX 2am flight qualifies for Club Autus lounge access with a same-day boarding pass.
HX early bag drop may not be possible 9–10 hours in advance; confirm with the airline or use airport storage if needed.
Ensure you account for travel time back to the airport and security processing when leaving landside.
Bring your boarding pass and identification for lounge and check-in access.

Overall, your plan is feasible, and many travelers successfully manage similar long layovers at HKIA with red-eye departures, using lounges and airport storage effectively.

Hong Kong Airlines (HX) and long layover

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