A fundamental chapter in the low-cost carrier instruction manual is to shy away from connections. Many an unwary traveler has booked a series of cheap flights involving two or more low-cost carriers only to become stranded when the planes don’t meet their schedules. Suddenly no one is responsible, and the traveler is left to pick up the tab and, hopefully, learn the lesson.
Legacy carriers like Cathay Pacific know all about making connections on multi-sector trips, but now its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express is getting in on the act, albeit with connections to the Hong Kong sea ferry system. Last week HK Express announced it was expanding its Air + Ferry Pass service by adding Air-to-Sea connections.
Here’s a new look airline route map
Through the Air-to-Sea program HK Express is, for the first time, providing round-trip connecting travel with ferry services in the Greater Bay Area. The service is a collaboration with Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company (CKS) and will give HK Express customers access to 17 daily sailings from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to three ferry ports in Guangdong province.
Chart: HK Express
The Air + Ferry pass offers eleven daily round-trip sailings from Shekou Cruise Homeport to the airport, three from Zhongshan Ferry Terminal, and three from Humen Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Dongguan.
Announcing the connections last week, HK Express said the convenient one-stop service enables more customers from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to fly affordably on its flights while saving time and money. HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said:
“By expanding our Air + Ferry Pass service, we can better integrate our network with the GBA, making it easier for our customers to enjoy HK Expess’ affordable fares, unique destinations and quality service. As we continue to broaden our presence in the GBA, we plan to add more ferry and air connections across the region.”
The ferry transfer operation is not new
Hong Kong International Airport has a well-established, quick and straightforward ferry transfer process starting from the arrival level in Terminal 1. Arriving passengers purchase a ticket from automatic dispensing units and catch the automated People Mover to the Sky Pier to board the ferry service of their choice.
Photo: EQRoy I Shutterstock.
The HK Express Air + Ferry Pass is a one-stop booking and check-in process and pass holders do not have to pay extra baggage fees for their ferry transfer. Baggage for departing passengers will be checked through to their final destination with HK Express, and they will be exempt from paying the Hong Kong Air Passenger Departure Tax.
Bundling the flight and ferry can be quickly done with both schedules available during the booking process. Customers can purchase the Air + Ferry Pass via the official HK Express website, app or WeChat MiniApp.
HK Express is connecting to 20 of the 29 destinations in its network and has recovered to the capacity it was flying pre-pandemic. The low-cost carrier operates more than 430 weekly flights and said it will reach more than 500 weekly during the upcoming summer season.
Have you been on a ferry transfer from Hong Kong International? Please tell us about it in the comments.