Advice on flights between airlines
Travelling solo to Hong Kong from London in January and staying over Lunar New Year, returning the week after. Have flown direct previously, but now looking at more budget friendly options, with two options standing out and hoping to get advice + recommendations on Air China vs Hainan Airlines. Both having long layovers as possibility of having a day trip is appealing. Both transitioning between international and domestic flights and having similar prices around £400.
- Won't have a SIM available for the first flight to Hong Kong Layover is that a problem?.
- Visa?, both would be transit visa's as far as I can find, but Haikou would also have be free entry under the 59 country policy, would leaving mainland airports need another type?
- For those flown before overall comfort and service of each airline for 10+hour flights
- Ease of transit?
- Communication from + to airline for delays/issues/requests/seat selection ect?
Air China : LHR - PEK landing at midday, transfer fight next day at 9 to HKG. Eligible for free transit hotel, would it be feasible to go to the Great Wall + few main sights? (possible tour groups?). Return, HKG - TFU landing at 16:00 with 23h35min layover, again eligible for free transit hotel but heard it is in the airport. Would I be able to check in leave the airport to explore the city then return within secure area?
Hainan Airlines : To and return layovers of 17+ hours in Haikou, feasibility of exploring the City as it would be closer to the Airport? Slightly better carry-on baggage allowance but will have to exit and recheck-in checked luggage. Only a 1h30 flight from Hong Kong vs the 3h with Air China. With better landing times at LHR in the afternoon vs late evening. Transit hotel also available but 200rmb fee for solo traveller.
Any other advice or helpful information welcome.