The terrible traffic jam didn’t stop us from catching our flight (by a few minutes) to Hong Kong via Dragonair.

Picture five antsy passengers silently praying in the car for a delayed flight while craning their necks to see how bad traffic was, then running from the car to the check-in counter in lightning speed.

Once settled on the plane’s surprisingly comfortable cushioned seats, we quickly forgot our recent mind-numbing situation.

Dragonair, a full-service airline and a member of the Cathay Pacific Group, combines luxury and practicality with its award-winning range of products and services and more affordable fare.

Passengers enjoy premium amenities without having to burn a hole in their pockets.

Known for its enjoyable in-flight experience, Dragonair has been awarded Best Airline in China for six consecutive years, as well as Best Regional Airline in Southeast Asia in 2008 and World’s Best Regional Airline in 2010 and 2011.

With its Manila and Clark flight services, Dragonair brings HK, dubbed “Asia’s World City,” closer to every Filipino.

“The introduction of the Clark service is a significant and timely milestone for Dragonair in terms of airline development as it marks its further expansion in the Philippine market, which is a very important passenger segment in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Wilson Yam, Regional Manager, Southeast Asia, Dragonair and Cathay Pacific.

Widely known as a shopping destination, HK has offerings that range from renowned fashion houses at Pacific Place to high-street brands and local designer labels at The One, iSquare, and K11 (the world’s first art shopping mall).

We certainly wasted no time in reacquainting ourselves with HK’s much-awaited Shopping Festival (two months of irresistible sales and dining promotions in various malls).

Shabby chic

Shopaholics can also put their moola to good use in hole-in-the-wall shops where they can score vintage and quirky finds.

Scouring the WDSG Art & Craft Dept. store was like stepping into an old cowboy film, with its threadbare pillows and shabby chic furniture positioned against faded walls and classic Ralph Lauren shirts lined up on a rack.

If you prefer trinkets and kooky goodies like I do, Day Dream Nation on Wing Fung St., Wanchai is a must-visit. Owned by local designers, the trendy store sells one-of-a-kind accessories and cute printed clothes.

For unique tableware, Ray-Ban aviators and rare books, hip lifestyle shop Kapok doesn’t disappoint. While you’re perusing the store’s eclectic merchandise, you can also have a cup of coffee in its quaint café.

“Hong Kong is a spectacular city with a wonderful mixture of must-sees and must-dos

that appeal to all kinds of visitors, whether families, groups of friends or even businessmen—and Dragonair aims to be the Filipino’s preferred airline from Clark to this must-see destination,” said Martin Xu, Country Manager, Dragonair and Cathay Pacific Philippines.

After a day of shopping, we got some much-needed R&R at the Conrad Hotel where we were warmly welcomed by chocolates and a cute cuddly bear on a very cozy bed.

Located on HK Island, the luxurious hotel is at the heart of the Central Business District and offers direct access to exclusive shopping at Pacific Place, and is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment areas in Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong and Wanchai.

Making our stay more interesting was the hotel’s Shisha Night by the poolside.

For chow time after a day of shopping, one of the hotel’s restaurants, Nicholini’s, which has been awarded Hong Kong and Macau’s Best Restaurant by Hong Kong Tatler for 20 consecutive years, serves delicious Northern Italian dishes.

If you’re craving  good authentic dim sum (as we were), Michelin one-star restaurant Tim Ho Wan, the Dim-Sum Specialists, would satisfy your palate. The usual long queue of people outside the restaurant is proof of its success.

Capping our trip was a visit to the swanky Dragonair lounge where the top-notch treatment continued.

Xu concludes: “Dragonair’s goal is to give passengers an experience to remember by making their travel safe, reliable and enjoyable—from the time they book their flights with us, to the moment they arrive back home.”

Visit the Dragonair website at www.dragonair.com/ph