CHECK IN I arrived at the Airport Express Line City Check-In Terminal in Central nearing 1500 for my 1625 departure on HX121, only to be told to head for the airport. Luckily, a train was about to leave the station, and I caught that, arriving at Chek Lap Kok Airport in just 24 minutes
I dashed to aisle K, the furthest of the check-in counters in Terminal 1, but was accepted to my intense relief even if it was already about 1545. Apart from my boarding pass, I was given a invitation to use the executive lounge.
THE LOUNGE If time had permitted, I would have proceeded to the Hong Kong Airlines VIP facility, located between gates 23 and 25 in the central concourse of T1. Measuring 216 sq m, it accommodates up to 50 passengers and offers a view of the airport apron area. Wifi access is complimentary as is the use of several computers and three iPads on a first-come-first-served basis. A buffet presents numerous selections including fried rice, noodles, dim sum and fresh fruit. Operating hours are between 0600 and 2200.
BOARDING My assigned departure gate 510 was located in the North Satellite Course, which required hopping on a shuttle bus to reach it. Boarding was in progress when I arrived. A friendly flight attendant helped me store my laptop, knapsack and an extra tote bag in the overhead bin. She also offered to hang my coat, and then asked if I wished for a drink – I requested a glass of mineral water. We pushed off at 1645.
THE SEAT The carrier’s short-haul business class cabin, whose bulkhead is done up in red embossed with a Chinese pattern, consists of only two rows with two seats in each on either side of this single aisle A320-200, following an A-C,D-F pattern. I had booked seat 1F, a window seat.
Economy class has 144 seats in groupings of 3-3, following A-B-C, D-E-F. All in all, there is a total number of 152 passengers and 7 cabin crew.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? The window seats always afford the most privacy, and it is no different on Hong Kong Airlines’ J layout. But it is the first row that enjoys generous legroom, convenient for taller passengers to stretch out in, and is nearest the washroom near the cockpit.
The only downside is that you can only stuff essentials such as a pen or spectacles in the slim pouch on the bulkhead as seats do not feature any storage compartments. Power and iPod outlets are located on the lower portion of the seat beside the right or left leg area depending on where you are seated.
THE FLIGHT According to Captain Jason, travel time to Guilin was around one hour and five minutes, although he was quick to add that actual landing time “depended on instructions from the local authorities”. This was a reminder to us about how China’s ever worsening airport congestion has led to a growing number of delays in both the arrival and departure experiences that has led to some well publicised “air rage” incidents on board caused by impatient passengers.
Due to the short flight duration, the meal service started immediately once we were airborne, and between the seafood and chicken pasta, I chose the latter, garnished with broccoli and tomato, which I found quite filling especially when served with crusty garlic bread. Dessert was fresh fruit.
ARRIVAL Before we knew it, the crew had cleared our tables and Captain Jason was on the PA again announcing descent procedures and describing the ground temperature as a nice 22 degrees Celsius – a change from Hong Kong’s chillier climate. We enjoyed swift disembarkation at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
VERDICT Despite the short flight time, the cabin crew displayed cool efficiency combined with a cheerfulness that was infectious. The seat though not a lie-flat model was comfortable enough for a short doze.
TESTED BY Margie T Logarta
PLANE TYPE A320-200
CONFIGURATION 2-2
SEAT PITCH 45in/114.3cm
SEAT WIDTH 28.5in/72.39cm
SEAT RECLINE 155 degrees
PRICE A mid-April return fare booked on the internet starts from HK$5,670 (US$731).
CONTACT hongkongairlines.com
