10 replies to this topic

[eyu]

I am flying Cathy Pacific in business class from JKF to HKG to DPS and back.

Will I be able to take two carry-ons? One backpack with lens and bodies and one roll-on with housing, strobes and chargers, each weighing 30+ pounds.

Their web site states the limit is 22 pounds for one carry-on, plus one small backpack.

Have fellow wetpixelers been dinged?

Should I just go with a backpack and ship the housing in the hole?

Thanks for your help,
Elmer

[Drew]

I've never had an issue @ LAX with J or F class carrying 40lbs in one bag, 30+lbs in the backpack and a jacket full of stuff, but not sure about JFK. It's really the staff at the airport that enforce this issue. When stopping over @ HKIA, make sure you use the Superhub J/F class check in entry for immigration. I had an issue with the normal gate once, where they used sizewise as the gauge for baggage dimensions, but then I just walked to superhub F class and walked right through. I personally like the Pier lounge more than the Wing.
Never have any issue @ DPS. Get the liveaboard to have a fixer meet you @ DPS so you get whisked through Visa entry and possibly baggage. Keep your camera in the housing and carry the 2nd body, just in case they go back to their old ways. Haven't had an issue the last 2 years (travelled with 5 cameras and 4 housings) but never know. DPS lounge sucks so arrive as late as possible and just pay the fixer to rush you through immigration. I think the rate for the fixer is now $20.
I suggest you get a deep pocket jacket like a Stealth Gear for air travel. It'll double as an emergency bag in case someone bugs you at the gate @ HKIA. I usually dump the housings, arms and lights/strobes into the checked bags for the trip home. Easier to travel with just the HDD, camera bag and computer. Have fun!

[davehicks]

I flew coach on Cathy Pacific from Vancouver to Hong Kong and back a few years ago, and I don't think they would have minded if I checked or carried on a baby elephant! They were great and did not weigh or measure any of the approximately 300lbs of gear I traveled with. Two people, traveling to HKG and Philippines with everything needed for a week of rebreather diving, with tanks, AND with a full set of formal wedding attire.

I don't think you'll have any trouble in business class.

I am flying Cathy Pacific in business class from JKF to HKG to DPS and back.

Will I be able to take two carry-ons? One backpack with lens and bodies and one roll-on with housing, strobes and chargers, each weighing 30+ pounds.

Their web site states the limit is 22 pounds for one carry-on, plus one small backpack.

Have fellow wetpixelers been dinged?

Should I just go with a backpack and ship the housing in the hole?

Thanks for your help,
Elmer

[troporobo]

Traveling CX in business class, you are entitled to 2 carry-ons. I take a rolling bag and a seriously heavy briefcase on business trips and have never seen them weigh these in any airport that I pass through (MNL, AKL, SYD, HKG, LAX, SFO, YVR), but I do not travel through JFK so cannot be definitive

[cdoyal]

Cathay is tough on everyone in Chicago - even business class. Apparently, the manager there is quite a problem for everyone and makes up the rules as he goes along.

[divengolf]

In May 2012, I traveled CX from LAX to Hong Kong and on to Manila in cattle class. No problems. No one was checked that I saw and I carried on my 1510 pelican weighing 35# plus a backpack weighing 25#. Plus I checked 2 bags at about 50# each.

I almost went via Chicago. Glad that I didn't per String Ray's post.

[eyu]

Has anybody had experience with JFK carrying a backpack and a roll-on that are 30+ pounds each?

It seems that if I can make it past JFK I will be home free on CX.

[Drew]

I forget to add that if your are Club Marco Polo Diamond, you are allowed 15kg bags as cabin luggage.

[eyu]

Unfortunately I do not have Marco Polo status.

I just need to get past the check in at JFK with my backpack and roll-on weighing 30+ lbs each.

[Drew]

If you have AA or any other high status with one world, just contact CX and tell them you want to fly with them now and they'll give you one year of equal status. Most airlines will do this (except SIA).

As for JFK, I've never had a problem with SIA or Virgin, so I doubt CX will be an issue.

[eyu]

If you have AA or any other high status with one world, just contact CX and tell them you want to fly with them now and they'll give you one year of equal status. Most airlines will do this (except SIA).

That is good to know, thanks.