Expert: Roberto Gomes - 5/16/2008

Question
Just a couple of questions.

I am traveling internationally for the first time this summer. And have some transfer questions. I will be traveling to the Philippines from the US via United Airlines and transferring to Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. Will I have to re-check my luggage in Hong Kong? Or will the luggage be transferred like a domestic flight. Same on the return trip only it is Japan Air Lines to United in Tokyo. What should I expect as far as steps to go through when the transfer happens? I have transferred from one airline to another before, but these were domestic US flights. My tickets were purchased as one transaction from an online travel site.

Also I have e-tickets. Are they accepted as proof of an actual ticket at security?

Just so I know what to do.

Answer
Dear Dave,

Transfers in Hong Kong involving the airlines you mentioned take place at W1 area in both directions.

Once you check in in the US, United staff will tag your baggage to your final destination on Philippines and it will be transferred. This won't apply to your boarding cards, since you'll be travelling with airlines that does not belong to the same alliance.

So due to this, once you disembark in HKG, you'll need to contact the Cathay staff on the way to Philippines and the United staff on the way back to the US.

As far as your electronic tickets, play safe and print a copy to carry with you.

Hope this helps. If you need any additional information, please let me know.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes