What is Cathay Pacific's carry-on allowance to Hong Kong?

Cathay Pacific allows 7 kg in the cabin in Economy, with a maximum bag size of 56 × 36 × 23 cm. Business class passengers get 15 kg. The limit is enforced at check-in and increasingly at the gate on busy routes.

Does HK Express include carry-on in the base fare?

No. HK Express is a low-cost carrier and does not include carry-on luggage in its base fare. You must purchase a carry-on bundle before travel. The allowance when purchased is 7 kg at 56 × 36 × 23 cm.

What is Greater Bay Airlines' carry-on policy?

Greater Bay Airlines allows 7 kg in the cabin with a maximum size of 56 × 36 × 23 cm. This applies in Economy class on all routes. Greater Bay operates mainly between Hong Kong and mainland China destinations.

Is HKIA a good airport for transit?

Yes. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on Lantau Island is consistently ranked among the world's best airports. Transit is efficient, with clear signage and fast airside connections. The Airport Express train reaches Central in 24 minutes, making it one of the best airport-to-city rail links in the world.

What should I pack for Hong Kong's climate?

Hong Kong is subtropical. Summers (May–September) are hot and humid with temperatures around 30–34°C and occasional typhoons. Winters (December–February) are mild at 12–18°C. Pack light clothing for the heat plus a layer for intense indoor air conditioning year-round. Malls and restaurants are often very cold.

Should I bring HKD cash or rely on Octopus card?

Both. The Octopus card covers MTR metro, buses, trams, and many shops and restaurants. Get one at the Airport Express counter on arrival. However, many local markets, street food stalls, and smaller restaurants still prefer cash. Withdraw HKD at the HSBC or Hang Seng ATMs in the arrivals hall rather than using airport exchange counters.

Carry-On Only for Hong Kong: Cathay, HK Express, and HKIA Tips

Hong Kong is one of the world's great travel hubs — and one of the most rewarding cities to navigate with only a carry-on. The MTR metro is fast and cheap, the streets are dense with places to eat and explore, and moving between Central, Kowloon, and the outlying islands is genuinely easy when you're not hauling checked luggage. Know your airline's limits before you fly.

Airline Carry-On Policies for Hong Kong Routes

Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong's flag carrier and allows 7 kg in the cabin in Economy. The maximum bag size is 56 × 36 × 23 cm — standard dimensions but the 7 kg weight limit is among the tighter international airline allowances. Cathay enforces this at check-in on popular routes and occasionally at the gate. Premium Economy and Business class receive higher allowances.

HK Express is Cathay's low-cost subsidiary and does not include carry-on in the base fare. This is a critical point for travellers booking what looks like a cheap ticket from Japan, Korea, or Southeast Asia to Hong Kong. Purchase the carry-on add-on when booking — adding it at the airport is significantly more expensive.

Greater Bay Airlines is a newer Hong Kong-based carrier serving mainly mainland China routes. It allows 7 kg in the cabin at 56 × 36 × 23 cm. Policies are similar to HK Express for base-fare inclusions, so confirm your ticket.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA): What to Know

HKIA (HKG) on Lantau Island is a model of efficient airport design. Security processing is generally fast, and the airport is large but well-signposted. Allow 2 hours for international departures. Transit passengers connecting through HKIA benefit from one of Asia's best-designed connection flows — airside transit time can be under 45 minutes on some connections.

The Airport Express train to Hong Kong Station (Central/Kowloon) runs every 10 minutes and takes 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Station. It's the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city. In-town check-in at Hong Kong Station is available from 1 hour before departure and lets you check in and drop bags hours before your flight — useful for a last half-day in the city.

What to Pack for Hong Kong

For summer (May–September):

Light, breathable clothing — cotton or moisture-wicking synthetic
A thin cardigan or long-sleeved layer for indoor air conditioning (malls, restaurants, and offices are very aggressively air-conditioned)
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for steep streets and hillside escalators

For winter (October–April):

A mid-weight jacket or fleece — Hong Kong winters can feel cool, especially at altitude on the Peak or in Sai Kung
Layers that work for cold indoor AC and mild outdoor temperatures

Smart outfit requirement: Hong Kong's Central district, Lan Kwai Fong, and especially rooftop bars in Tsim Sha Tsui have a door policy. One smart outfit — a collared shirt or a simple dress — goes a long way. Hong Kong dresses sharp; looking polished gets you into more places.

Footwear: Hills and MTR

Hong Kong has serious hills. The walk from Central MTR to the Mid-Levels or up to Victoria Peak involves steep gradients and steps. Shoe soles matter — bring trainers or walking shoes with decent grip, not smooth-soled dress shoes for daytime exploration. Flip-flops are fine on the islands (Lantau, Cheung Chau) but impractical in the dense urban core.

Octopus Card and Cash

Your Octopus card is the key to Hong Kong transit. Pick one up at the Airport Express counter or any MTR station on arrival. Load it with HKD 200–300 to start — it covers MTR, bus, green minibus, tram, and the Star Ferry, and can be used at 7-Eleven, Circle K, McDonald's, and many restaurants.

Keep HKD cash for street markets, dai pai dong open-air restaurants, and smaller local shops. ATMs in the HKIA arrivals hall (HSBC, Hang Seng) give competitive exchange rates. Avoid the currency exchange counters in arrivals — rates are notably worse.