INTRODUCTION
Recently, I had the opportunity to fly with Hong Kong Express on a short-haul route from Seoul to Hong Kong, and the experience left a lasting impression.
While the lack of complimentary drinks and meals might be a downside, the option to pre-order meals can save you money .
Hereโs a look at what you can expect from Hong Kong Express Airlines, from check-in to cabin service.
CHECK IN
Navigating the check-in process with Hong Kong Express Airlines was straightforward and efficient. However, I had to part with a steep USD$50.00 to check in my bag since I missed the 48-hour window to add baggage to my online bookingโa rather pricey oversight.
Ouch.
Before takeoff, a friendly crew member approached to ask about my preferred meal delivery time. Pre-ordering my meal turned out to be a smart move, saving me 20% compared to onboard prices.
Hereโs a glimpse of the inflight menu:
INFLIGHT
Shortly after takeoff, two meal carts appearedโone at the front and one at the back of the cabinโto initiate the meal service.
My Japanese chicken with rice arrived in simple yet charming packaging. The portion was generous, and I was pleasantly surprised to find an extra bottle of water included.
The crew efficiently completed the first meal service in just 10 minutes. For subsequent services, they opted for a more personal touch, walking through the cabin and displaying the menu by hand.
THE CABIN
The cabin was clean but undeniably cramped. The last row of seats was so close to the emergency exit pathway that it seemed to almost infringe upon it.
THE CREW
The crew of Hong Kong Express Airlines exceeded my expectations, even surpassing their counterparts at Cathay Pacific.
They moved through the cabin with trays in hand and smiles on their faces, demonstrating a commendable work ethic.
During my short 3-hour and 45-minute flight, they managed to perform three inflight services and a duty-free run, all while patrolling the cabin every 30 minutes.
Overall, my experience with Hong Kong Express Airlines was thoroughly enjoyable. Despite the challenges presented by a budget airline, such as the absence of complimentary meals and the additional baggage fees, the airline excels in customer service.
The crewโs dedication to making the flight as pleasant as possible truly stood out. Their friendly demeanor, efficiency, and frequent cabin patrols contributed significantly to a positive flying experience.
The inflight menu, while simplified, still offers good quality meals, and the option to pre-order meals can be a cost-effective choice. The cabin, though tight on space, was kept clean and organized.
In a market where budget airlines often compromise on service quality, Hong Kong Express Airlines manages to maintain a high standard of customer care.
