Every Flight Out of Hong Kong is an International Flight

Hong Kong airport is a work of masterpiece.

First, the airport express from Hong Kong Station in Central is extremely fast. Much faster than cabs. it took 20 minutes from the station to the airport and it drops you right at the airport. Usually it would take an hour to get there by car. The best part is, you can check your luggage right at the MTR station so you don't have to carry your luggage around as you go to the airport. There are check in counters for every airline right inside the MTR station. You can even check in a day before. Smartest idea I have encountered in airport travel.

The airport itself is quite ridiculous as well. Because every flight out of Hong Kong is an international flight (given flying to China is considered international travel given Hong Kong is a SAR), its immigration process is extremely streamlined as well. Each Hong Kong ID has a chip in it. You put the ID into the kiosk, walk in, scan your thumb print, and you're done with immigration! No waiting in line, no stamping, no passports, nothing! It really reduces the time necessary for immigration by least half.

Inside the airport, given its all international, the amount of duty free and high-end shopping involved is no less than the IFC mall in Hong Kong. Cartier, David Yurman, Ferragamo, Versace... you name a luxury brand and the Hong Kong airport carries it. Again, this is a tribute to the amount of shopping and superfaciality Hong Kong exhibits. Even the airport is a shining reflection of the mentality of the its residents: efficiency and luxury for those who can afford it. My friend said something very wise about Hong Kong: "Hong Kong is designed by the rich for the rich. And it is very well runned for those who can afford it."