Hong Kong AirlinesHX

Hong Kong Airlines is a Hong Kong-based carrier that operates regional and medium-haul services from its hub at Hong Kong International Airport. Founded in 2006, the airline grew rapidly during the 2010s, expanding to destinations across Mainland China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and even launching long-haul routes to North America and Australia.

However, the airline has faced significant financial difficulties since 2019. A combination of the Hong Kong protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and corporate restructuring led to massive route cuts, fleet reductions, and staff layoffs. Long-haul services were suspended, and the network contracted significantly. As of 2025, Hong Kong Airlines operates a much smaller network focused primarily on regional destinations within Asia, including Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian points.

The airline is a sister company to HK Express (the low-cost carrier) and is part of the HNA Group portfolio. Hong Kong Airlines is not a member of any global airline alliance but offers its own Fortune Wings Club frequent flyer program. The carrier continues to rebuild its operations while focusing on core regional markets.

Carry-On Allowance

Class	Pieces	Weight (per piece)	Dimensions
Economy	1 piece	7 kg (15 lbs)	56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in)
Business	2 pieces	7 kg each	56 x 36 x 23 cm each

Note: A small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) is permitted in addition to the cabin bag. Carry-on weight limits are enforced at Hong Kong Airport.

Checked Baggage

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	25 kg (55 lbs)
Business	2 bags	35 kg (77 lbs) each

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (length + width + height)

Important: Allowances may vary by fare type and promotional tickets. Economy Light fares (if available) may have reduced or no checked baggage—verify at booking.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee (HKD)	Fee (USD)
Overweight (23-32 kg)	500	~64
Heavy (32-45 kg)	1,000	~128
Oversized (159-203 cm)	500	~64

Important: Bags exceeding 45 kg or 203 cm linear dimensions are not accepted.

Extra Baggage

Extra bags can be purchased at the airport or in advance through the website (advance purchase recommended for lower rates).

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	Standard bag fee	Must be boxed, handlebars/pedals removed
Car seat	Free
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free
Musical instruments (small)	Free as carry-on	If fits in overhead bin
Musical instruments (large)	Seat purchase	Or check in hard case

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at hongkongairlines.com/baggage before traveling. 1 USD ≈ 7.8 HKD.

Hong Kong Airlines offers a two-class service on its regional routes, with Business Class and Economy Class. The product quality has historically been competitive, though the fleet has contracted significantly in recent years.

Business Class

Available on Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft:

Feature	A330	A320
Configuration	2-2-2	2-2
Pitch	60-72" (152-183 cm)	40" (102 cm)
Width	20" (51 cm)	19" (48 cm)
Recline	Lie-flat (long-haul config)	Recliner
Screen	15" touchscreen	10.6"

Note: With long-haul operations suspended, most A330 flights are to regional destinations. The lie-flat product on A330 offers good value for medium-haul overnight flights to Japan or Southeast Asia.

Business Class Amenities:

• Complimentary lounge access at HKG (Club Autus or partner lounges)
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Amenity kit on longer flights
• Premium meal service with Chinese and Western options
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages

Economy Class

Feature	A330	A320
Configuration	2-4-2	3-3
Pitch	31-32" (79-81 cm)	30-31" (76-79 cm)
Width	18" (46 cm)	17.5" (44 cm)
Screen	Seatback (A330)	Streaming/overhead
Power	USB at most seats	Limited

Economy Class Features:

• Complimentary meals on flights over 2 hours
• Complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Pillows and blankets on longer flights
• In-flight entertainment via seatback (A330) or streaming (A320)

Entertainment

Feature	Details
System	"Horizon" seatback entertainment (A330)
Content	Movies, TV shows, music, games
Languages	English, Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), Japanese
Streaming	Available on some A320 flights via personal devices

Note: Entertainment selection is more limited than major carriers. Download content before your flight as backup.

Dining

Business Class:

• Multi-course meals with Chinese and Western options
• Premium wines and spirits
• Snack service throughout flight

Economy Class:

• Complimentary hot meals on flights over 2 hours
• Choice of Chinese or Western dishes
• Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits
• Light snacks and beverages available

Special Meals: Vegetarian, religious (Halal, Hindu, Kosher), and other dietary meals available—request at least 24 hours before departure through the website or call center.

Booking:

• Compare prices with Cathay Pacific and HK Express—Hong Kong Airlines often sits between them
• Book directly on hongkongairlines.com for better support during disruptions
• Verify the route is still operating before booking, as schedules change frequently
• Business Class can offer good value on regional routes, especially to Japan

Baggage:

• The 7 kg carry-on limit is strictly enforced at HKG
• 25 kg checked allowance in Economy is generous compared to low-cost carriers
• Prepay extra bags online for lower rates
• Call ahead for unusual sporting equipment

At the Airport:

• Check-in counters at HKG Terminal 1, Row K
• Allow extra time as schedules may change close to departure
• Fortune Wings Gold and above get Business Class check-in
• HKG has excellent lounge options if flying Business Class

In-Flight:

• A330 aircraft have better entertainment and more space
• Request Chinese meal options for more authentic cuisine
• Download entertainment before boarding, especially on A320 flights
• Business Class lie-flat on A330 is excellent value for overnight Japan flights

Frequent Flyer:

• Fortune Wings has lower qualification thresholds than many programs
• Consider if Cathay Pacific Asia Miles might be more useful given Hong Kong Airlines' limited network
• Miles expire after 24 months—redeem before losing them
• Join before your first flight to start earning immediately

Managing Expectations:

• Network and schedules change frequently—book refundable fares when possible
• Customer service response times can be slow
• Have backup plans during disruptions (limited rebooking options)
• Check flight status close to departure for any last-minute changes
• The airline is rebuilding after significant challenges—service may vary

Best Value:

• Regional routes to Japan (NRT, KIX, OKA) often competitively priced
• Business Class upgrades can be affordable on regional sectors
• Mainland China routes may offer alternatives to more expensive carriers
• Watch for sales, especially during off-peak seasons