Hong Kong Airport to debut world's slowest 'fast-track' channel?
By David Flynn, July 19 2017
Hong Kong International Airport plans to launch a fast-track security lane in September 2017, with Cathay Pacific among the airlines lined up to offer the streamlined travel experience to its premium passengers.
But it seems like the fast-lane won't get you very far, as the airport won't be opening a corresponding immigration channel.
Instead, travellers who bypass the standard security lines will still have to join one of the many queues to have their passport checked and stamped.
According to The South China Morning Post, the fast track will also be shared by decidedly slower passengers "with special needs and reduced mobility."
Airlines will reportedly be charged HK$20 (A$3.25) for each premium passenger using the facility, with those fees intended "to cover the cost of allowing access to non-premium passengers, such as senior citizens, and those who have disabilities or are pregnant", reports the Post.
"But a number of major international airlines told the Post they were not interested in signing up for the new service, noting that it did not include speedy immigration checks."
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 May 2013
Total posts 138
I'm not sure what these larger airports don't understand regarding fast track. It is meant for the business men and women who travel so frequently or fly in business or first class and are usually law abiding! You could have few immigration officers for fast track and if it is empty they could still take people from the general lane.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
"usually law abiding" - and where you draw such conclusion from?
29 Mar 2014
Total posts 78
I don't think law abiding is quite the right word, but these people do generally know the rules much better, and as such, have an easier time at security. They know to take off jackets and shoes in advance, not to bring liquids etc.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
"I don't think law abiding is quite the right word, but these people do generally know the rules much better, and as such, have an easier time at security. They know to take off jackets and shoes in advance, not to bring liquids etc." - utter nonsense. Frequency of flying and specifically being accustom to different airports has NOTHING to do to travel class. I know wealthy couple who flying once in two years by business in Europe to see family and I also know person who flying for his own business to Asia on fortnightly basis mainly by JQ. Now convince me that first couple in my example "know the rules" much better.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
Downvoters on war path! Ok, I get it - PE pax more law abiding than economy; business more law abiding than PE and first class pax are most law abiding. Just a curiosity though. Who is more law abiding from First class pax - those who flying in suites or "ordinary" First class pax? LOL!!!!
19 Jul 2017
Total posts 1
Most people using this line will be HKID holders and can use the auto immigration gates anyway. If you dont hold HKID you can simply register your passport as a frequent traveler and access the gates which are very fast and efficient, so hardly the slowest fast track in the world. In my opinion HK has the fastest transition to airside anyway even without fast track.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Aug 2012
Total posts 210
HKG is not notable for slow processing at security or Immigration, so I'm not seeing any real benefit in this proposal
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
As per my experience common and slow queue is only negative in otherwise excellent experience as CX business traveler. So even despite "half-solution" I still welcome changes.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
27 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
Having recently returned from HKG (15/07/17) I was very surprised to be told by immigration, that in the future I should use the HK residents line. I was told "it would be quicker for you in the future". As it was, the line I used was very quick anyway. Immigration/passport control are very efficient in HKG so no major problems.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
14 Jul 2017
Total posts 18
Hong Kong Airport offers Most gold and above frequent flyers the smart gate entry/exit so immigration is very fast through the machines. It now lasts for the life of your passport so registering once every 10 years is no task.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
Compared to the US everywhere is pretty fast. Coming back to Sydney is painless these days with automation.
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
03 Oct 2013
Total posts 5
A true business traveller to HK (and asia), would have the APEC Card :)
09 Nov 2015
Total posts 4
Why would they need special immigration facilities? What premium passenger doesn't have a HKID or isn't registered for e-gate?
CX
23 Sep 2014
Total posts 9
This would be interesting and almost helpful. I use the frequent visitor program lanes at HKG and have found it very quick and smooth. Prior to that I was using the APEC lane. But the secret is to travel at the right time. I am happy to put myself to travel early to avoid the general fight in most areas at most airports.
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