Skip to content
Flight Deals

HK Express

Hong Kong's low-cost airline, part of the Cathay group

  • Hong KongCountry
  • UOIATA Code
  • HKEICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Low-CostAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About HK Express

HK Express is Hong Kong’s low-cost airline, owned by Cathay Pacific, flying to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and mainland China. It sells four fares, from Ultra Lite (personal item only) to Max (cabin bag plus 32 kg), moved to Terminal 2 in June 2026 and follows Hong Kong’s two-power-bank limit. This guide covers fares, baggage, power bank rules, new routes and how HK Express compares with Cathay Pacific and Scoot.

HK Express is Hong Kong’s low-cost airline, fully owned by Cathay Pacific since 2019. It flies Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and mainland China.

HK Express flights to Hong Kong
Photo: Sébastien Goldberg / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on HK Express

Hong Kong tightened its rules on 29 March 2026, on top of the ICAO standard:

  • A maximum of two power banks per departing passenger; extra units are confiscated at security.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100–160 Wh needs approval; never pack power banks in checked bags.

Terminal 2 Move

HK Express moved its check-in and bag drop to the rebuilt Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport on 10 June 2026. Check your boarding pass for the terminal, and allow at least two hours, as T2 is still busy at peak times.

How to Find Cheap HK Express Flights

Cheap HK Express flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book Ultra Lite only if you travel with a backpack.
  • Watch for HK Express sales, which often include very low Japan fares.
  • Avoid Easter, summer and Lunar New Year peaks.
  • Add bags online rather than at the airport.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see HK Express next to Cathay Pacific, Scoot and others.

HK Express vs Cathay Pacific vs Scoot

Low-cost and full-service options from Hong Kong and Singapore.

HK ExpressCathay PacificScoot
TypeLow-costFull-serviceLow-cost
HubHong KongHong KongSingapore
Cheapest fare cabin bagPersonal item only7 kg cabin bag included10 kg cabin baggage (all fares)
LoyaltyEarn Asia MilesAsia MilesKrisFlyer

See our Cathay Pacific guide and Scoot guide to compare.

Arriving in Hong Kong

The Airport Express takes about 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station. Buses and taxis are cheaper or more direct depending on where you stay.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is HK Express a Good Airline?

HK Express is a good choice for short trips from Hong Kong if you pack light. Check what your fare includes, as the cheapest fares have no cabin suitcase or checked bag.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against HK Express on the T2 move, The Standard on Hong Kong’s power bank limit and AeroRoutes on the Hefei route. Rules change, so check the official HK Express website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

HK Express is not a member of a global airline alliance. It is owned by Cathay Pacific, a oneworld member.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

HK Express is part of the Cathay group, and its flights can earn Asia Miles.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is HK Express' hub.

Popular HK Express Routes

HK Express' busiest routes link Hong Kong with Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Seoul, Okinawa, Sapporo and Bangkok. It keeps adding routes beyond Japan and Korea, with Vietnam, Korea's smaller cities and mainland China growing fastest: Hong Kong–Hefei is scheduled from 3 December 2026 on the A320, and more Japanese frequencies, such as Sendai, were added for winter 2026/27. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

HK Express Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

HK Express sells four fare types: Ultra Lite (one personal item only), Lite (personal item and cabin bag), Essential (personal item plus a 20 kg checked bag) and Max (personal item, cabin bag, a 32 kg checked bag and standard seat selection).

Date and time changes are allowed up to 48 hours before departure for a fee, plus any fare difference; higher fares give more flexibility.

  • Ultra Lite One small personal item only.
  • Lite Personal item and cabin bag, 7 kg combined.
  • Essential Personal item (7 kg) plus a 20 kg checked bag.
  • Max Personal item and cabin bag, a 32 kg checked bag and standard seat selection.
  • Changes Allowed up to 48 hours before departure for a fee plus fare difference.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on hkexpress.com or the HK Express app.

HK Express Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seats, meals and extra baggage are paid extras on most fares, and they are cheaper when bought online before you fly. The Max fare includes standard seat selection.

  • Seat selection Paid on most fares; included on Max.
  • Meals and drinks Available to buy.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when bought online.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

HK Express Baggage Allowance

The cheapest Ultra Lite fare includes only one small personal item (up to 7 kg and 40 × 25 × 20 cm), with no space for a cabin suitcase. Lite and Max include a personal item and a cabin bag, 7 kg combined, while Essential includes a personal item only.

Essential includes a 20 kg checked bag and Max a 32 kg checked bag. Choose your fare carefully, as extra baggage costs less when bought online before your flight than later.

  • Ultra Lite One personal item up to 7 kg (40 × 25 × 20 cm); no checked bag.
  • Lite Personal item and cabin bag, 7 kg combined; no checked bag.
  • Essential Personal item up to 7 kg; 1 × 20 kg checked.
  • Max Personal item and cabin bag, 7 kg combined; 1 × 32 kg checked.
  • Extra baggage Cheaper when bought online in advance.

Cathay (Asia Miles): HK Express Loyalty Programme

As part of the Cathay group, HK Express flights can earn Asia Miles for members of Cathay, the group's loyalty programme. Add your Cathay membership number to your booking to earn. Asia Miles can be spent on Cathay Pacific and partner flights.

  • Programme Cathay (Asia Miles).
  • Earn Asia Miles on HK Express flights.
  • Redeem Cathay Pacific, HK Express and partner flights.
Join or log in on the HK Express website

HK Express: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are HK Express’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is UO. It appears in flight numbers (for example UO 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is HKE, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is HK Express part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is HK Express headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Hong Kong.

04When was HK Express founded?

The airline was founded in 2004.

05What are HK Express’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Hong Kong (HKG) – Main Hub.

06What is HK Express’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Cathay (Asia Miles). Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Does HK Express allow a cabin bag?

Not on Ultra Lite or Essential, which include only a small personal item. Lite and Max include a cabin bag, with 7 kg allowed in total.

08Is HK Express part of Cathay Pacific?

Yes. Cathay Pacific has owned HK Express since 2019, and you can earn Asia Miles by adding your Cathay number to your booking.

09Can I change an HK Express booking?

Yes, up to 48 hours before departure, for a fee plus any fare difference.

10Where does HK Express fly?

From Hong Kong mainly to Japan and Korea, plus Southeast Asia and a growing number of mainland China cities, such as Hefei from December 2026.

HK Express, its logo and trademarks are the property of Hong Kong Express Airways Limited and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by HK Express unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.