HK Express

HK Express is Hong Kong's low-cost carrier and part of the Cathay group, flying an all-economy Airbus narrowbody fleet on short leisure routes across Asia. Every seat is single-class economy, so choosing a flight is really about picking the right row rather than the right cabin, and fares stay low by unbundling extras like bags, meals and seat selection. It is aimed squarely at leisure travellers hopping around the region on flights measured in hours, not half-days.

The fleet is built on the Airbus A320 family: A320, A320neo, A321 and A321neo. The A321 variants are the longer-bodied aircraft with more rows, useful on the airline's busier and slightly longer sectors, while the neo versions bring newer, quieter engines and updated cabins. Across all of them the seating stays a consistent 3-3 economy, so the experience is familiar whichever aircraft turns up on your route.

Cabins are straightforward short-haul economy in a 3-3 layout, with modest recline and knee room that is even across most of the aircraft. The neo aircraft feel a touch fresher and quieter, but the core product is the same low-cost economy throughout. Given the short flight times, the practical differences between seats come down to boarding position, exit speed and how close you sit to the galleys and lavatories rather than long-haul comfort.

Forward rows get you off first, which is worth having on a quick leisure trip when you want to clear the airport fast. Exit rows offer more legroom for a fee and suit taller travellers, though the seats there usually do not recline. Steer clear of the last row and the seats flanking the rear galley and lavatories if noise and foot traffic bother you, and note that window seats on the A320 family occasionally miss a window depending on where the row lands against the fuselage.