Book 70 minute transfer, HKG terminal 1 --> 3?
EDIT: Can’t change headline, but outbound departure is Terminal 1 (I now understand).
Greetings. We’re a mature couple looking to travel Da Nang Vietnam (DAD) to Tokyo (prefer HND) on a February Friday (well after Lunar New Year). With checked luggage checked through. There’s a nonstop, but it’s overnight, and my wife hates those.
Option 2 looks to be Cathay Pacific/operated by HK Express, transiting at Hong Kong (HKG). Inbound arrival to HKG on CP Flight 5563 at scheduled 15:20, departure from HKG on CP flight 542 at scheduled 16:30. So 70 minutes scheduled between. Based on past flight gate assignments, likely arriving Terminal 1, departing Terminal 3. I understand immigration/border control not needed for such international transfer, but security check of carry-on luggage needed. Willing to spring for forward, fast-exit seat assignments on first leg.
Option 3 is same inbound flight (this time booked directly with HK Express, same operator as option 2) but outbound HK Express flight 622, departure scheduled 17:55, so 2:35 layover. Gets in HND 22:45, so with border control and hotel transfer in Tokyo, a suboptimally late arrival.
Between Options 2 and 3, what would the collective recommend? Prices comparable, given seat assignment fee with Option 2. Is the 70 minute transfer time for Option 1 truly adequate, given the terminal change and security? If inbound flight were delayed, would Cathay Pacific/HK Express readily re-book us to the later outbound on the spot?
Thanks in advance.