Hong Kong Disneyland
Topic: LP Column: 5/21/08 Bob Welbaum: My Hong Kong Non-Adventure

#	Author	Message
21	SuperDry Mon 5/26/2008 8:39p	<<< True, but the airfare to Hong Kong has, like all other plane tickets in the US, gone up greatly and will continue to rise. A few years ago I could fly to Japan for $800 on United. It's now over $1200 and going up. >>> You need to perfect the art of the freeload, where a plane ticket across the ocean need cost only $50 or so in fees. And, unlike many foreign carriers, US carriers do not assess any fuel surcharges on freeloader tickets.
22	The Goddess Mara Mon 5/26/2008 8:51p	Do you mean using miles for a ticket? 60,000 miles on United, plus a $75 fee(I believe). I don't know of any other "freeloader" tickets.
23	SuperDry Mon 5/26/2008 8:56p	<<< Do you mean using miles for a ticket? >>> Yep. "Freeloader" is a term that has been placed on people using such tickets by another LPer, and it's become somewhat of a running joke.
24	The Goddess Mara Mon 5/26/2008 9:06p	Since you have to earn the miles, either by flying or buying, how is it freeloading?
25	SuperDry Mon 5/26/2008 9:35p	Well, that's a question best left to others. I, for one, don't understand how looking down upon a carrier's best customers makes any sense, but opinions apparently may vary.
26	The Goddess Mara Mon 5/26/2008 9:47p	Ah, are you talking about TDLFAN? As an airline employee, I can imagine he might have the same attitude about frequent fliers who are flying on miles as Disneyland cast members have about AP holders!
27	X-san Mon 5/26/2008 9:48p	Ain't touchin this one with a 10 foot pole. ;p
28	SuperDry Mon 5/26/2008 9:48p	I'm not telling.
29	leemac Tue 5/27/2008 12:33a	<<For example, the Hong Kong government is completely self-sufficient, with no tax money paid to or received from the national government, and no national taxation or other laws are applied to anything that occurs in Hong Kong. With the limited exception of some issues involving sovereignty, it's the same in Hong Kong today as it was under British rule.>> I'm not sure I would describe the SAR government this way. The Basic Law states that HK would operate independently until at least 2047 but either it or the Sino-British Joint Declaration (I can't recall which) stated that the central government would be responsible for certain areas like foreign policy and defense. Small areas for a city state but still important. Otherwise HK is responsible for its own monetary system, policing, economic policy etc. Arguably the Chinese government have a say in the government of the city as they have to approve the Chief Executive candidate who in turn appoints the senior officers. It isn't perfect but the legislature has turned away some very pro-China policies over the last few years so the one country two systems concept does seem to be working. That said having worked with the HK SAR government both pre- and post-handover there is a difference in attitude if nothing else. Glad you had a good time too Bob.
30	Bobwelbaum Tue 5/27/2008 6:21p	Thanks. It really was an entertaining -- and educational -- trip. Especially going on to Tokyo, too. Bob

All times are Pacific Time (US)

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