Overview
Hong Kong Airlines allows passengers to modify flight bookings, including changes to dates, times, or destinations, subject to fare rules and availability. Changes must be made before departure to avoid no-show penalties, which may result in loss of ticket value. Fees and fare differences may apply based on fare type and timing.
Key Conditions
- Changes are permitted for tickets purchased through Hong Kong Airlines’ website, mobile app, customer service center, ticket offices, or authorized travel agents. Tickets must have a specific prefix to be eligible for standard change policies.
- Modifications to codeshare or interline flights are subject to the operating airline’s policies.
- Changes must be made at least a short time before the scheduled departure time, with earlier changes required for online rebooking.
- Name corrections for minor spelling errors or omissions are allowed without a fee if made before boarding pass issuance. Full name changes to another person are not permitted.
- Tickets are valid for one year from issuance for wholly unused tickets, subject to fare rules.
24-Hour Change Policy
Passengers can change their booking within one day of purchase without a fee, provided the flight is at least a week away and was booked directly through Hong Kong Airlines’ website or mobile app. This applies to most fare types, except group, industry discount, or redemption tickets. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Fare Type Policies
- Basic: Changes are not allowed; tickets are non-refundable.
- Main: Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if the new flight is more expensive. Non-refundable unless Flexi Refund is purchased.
- FlexiPlus: Up to a few free rebookings are allowed for the same fare sub-class, with fare differences if the same sub-class is unavailable. Blackout dates may apply. Non-refundable unless Flexi Refund is purchased.
- Business Class: Changes are allowed with a fee, but some fare classes may qualify for fee waivers. Fare differences apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Flexi Refund Option
The Flexi Refund option, available for Main and Business Class fares, allows a full refund (excluding processing fees and value-added services) if requested at least a few weeks before the first flight’s departure. It must be purchased during booking and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Not applicable to FlexiPlus or combined fare bookings.
Change Fees
- Fees for Main and Business Class fares vary by route, fare class, and timing, with higher fees closer to departure.
- Fare differences are charged if the new flight is more expensive; no refund or credit is issued if the new fare is lower.
- FlexiPlus fares include a limited number of free changes for the same fare sub-class, with fare differences if applicable.
- No-show fees apply if changes are not made before departure, potentially resulting in loss of ticket value.
- Customer service fees may apply for changes made via call center, ticket counters, or sales offices, charged per ticket, per passenger, per transaction.
How to Change a Flight
Passengers can modify their bookings through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the “Manage Booking” section on the Hong Kong Airlines website, enter the booking reference and last name, select new flight details, and pay any fees or fare differences. Rebooking must be done at least a short time before departure.
- Customer Service: Contact the customer service center for assistance, especially for complex changes or bookings not eligible for online modification. A service fee may apply.
- In-Person: Visit a Hong Kong Airlines ticket counter or sales office to process changes, subject to availability and fees.
- Travel Agency: If booked through a third party, contact the agency to manage changes, which may involve additional fees.
Flight Disruptions
- For significant schedule changes (e.g., delays exceeding a short duration), passengers can rebook without fees or fare differences within a short period from the original departure date, or choose the first available flight. Rebooking must be requested within a few days of the schedule change.
- Refunds or travel vouchers may be offered for cancellations or unacceptable alternative itineraries, with processing taking several weeks.
- Notifications of disruptions are sent via SMS or email to Fortune Wings Club members and non-members in supported regions if contact details are provided.
Additional Notes
- Passengers should review fare rules at booking to understand change restrictions and costs.
- Changes to bookings with mixed fare types (e.g., Main outbound, FlexiPlus inbound) may extend FlexiPlus benefits to both legs, but fare differences and blackout dates apply.
- Changes for accompanied children must be made with the accompanying adult’s booking.
- Award tickets booked with Fortune Wings Club points may incur fees or point adjustments for changes, subject to availability.
