From Hong Kong to Japan (considering AirChina)

[leadingsimon]

I'll be in Hong Kong and most of southern parts of China for all of July. I'm hoping to put some time aside to go to Japan (specifically Osaka because I have friends in this particular region). I looked up prices with AirChina and apparently, I can get a round trip for cheap as $300 (mind you, it's a long flight that stops in Beijing for almost a day).
Does anyone here have any suggestions or advice (based on personal experience)?

Thanks

[herrdude]

Who are you flying with? If it's Star Alliance, you could look into their Asian Pass. http://www.staralliance.com/en/booking/airpass-planner/#

I think you need a minimum of three segments. Check it out.

[zerogravity91]

I'll be in Hong Kong and most of southern parts of China for all of July. I'm hoping to put some time aside to go to Japan (specifically Osaka because I have friends in this particular region). I looked up prices with AirChina and apparently, I can get a round trip for cheap as $300 (mind you, it's a long flight that stops in Beijing for almost a day).
Does anyone here have any suggestions or advice (based on personal experience)?

Thanks

Have you considered Peach Aviation? It seems like they have pretty cheap direct flights going from Hong Kong to Osaka starting July 1, 2012. Maybe you could give them a try. It would save you a lot more time since you'll be there sooner than having to connect through Beijing with Air China.

The only downside to this is that you can only bring one carry-on luggage with you on your flight if you want the cheapest fare. However, you can buy a ticket which allows you one piece of checked baggage for a slightly more expensive price, which isn't too bad if you look at the difference.

Note that the prices are in HK dollars.

If you want to bring luggage with you, I suggest you to check out Hong Kong Airlines. If you are flexible with your dates, you can find direct flights from Hong Kong to Osaka that may be cheaper than Air China. You can bring 2 pieces of checked baggage if you choose this airline.

Peach Aviation: http://www.flypeach.com/home.aspx

Hong Kong Airlines: http://www.hongkongairlines.com/en_HK/homepage

[blind56]

Not sure what you're dates are like, but you can try Shenzhen Airlines too, it's just a one hour car/ferry ride from HK and for either form of transportation it still costs ~$100 to get from HK to Shenzhen. Also, stuff in Shenzhen is rediculously cheap compared to HK, its crazy how expensive stuff gets just by going across a little bay.

Shenzhen Airlines: http://global.shenzhenair.com/zh/main.jsp

[leadingsimon]

I'm really liking the sound of Peach Aviation. They seem very reputable. The price is a little higher than everyone else, but I'm willing to spend the little extra for a piece of mind. Their 20KG luggage limit will definitely be more than enough for me.

[mkjr]

its 4 hours. i would not worry about the same.

[mkjr]

I'm really liking the sound of Peach Aviation. They seem very reputable. The price is a little higher than everyone else, but I'm willing to spend the little extra for a piece of mind. Their 20KG luggage limit will definitely be more than enough for me. then according to your logic, you should just tell OP to fly Cathay...right.

[mkjr]

Not sure what you're dates are like, but you can try Shenzhen Airlines too, it's just a one hour car/ferry ride from HK and for either form of transportation it still costs ~$100 to get from HK to Shenzhen. Also, stuff in Shenzhen is rediculously cheap compared to HK, its crazy how expensive stuff gets just by going across a little bay.

Shenzhen Airlines: http://global.shenzhenair.com/zh/main.jsp

plus visa costs unless OP has multiple entries although depending on whether he has had a visa before, probably most he has is 2 entries so burning one to get to Shenzhen might be an issue. OP can get a an extra visa at the border but that will add time if going by train since he will have to go from HKG to Lo Wu...process visa...then transfer to the Luobao line to the airport...not a huge issue.

[blind56]

Well looks like the ferry going from HKIA to Shenzhen-Fuyong is direct, and it is all post passport control. Only catch is that you must be a transiting passenger through HKIA to access the ferry service. I also remember that the ferry terminal at Shenzhen-Shekou had a "instant" visa office, but the rates were ~$100 CAD though.

[zerogravity91]

then according to your logic, you should just tell OP to fly Cathay...right.

He is the OP. :facepalm:

Cathay Pacific is much more expensive than the low-cost airlines. The price difference for the cost of a round-trip ticket from Hong Kong to Osaka is greater than HK$1000 if you compare an economy supersaver ticket from Cathay Pacific to a standard fare ticket from Peach Aviation. That is equivalent to more than $125 in Canadian dollars.