China - domestic connection to UA flight in PVG time needed?

Hi all,

Quick transit question... I have a friend who is looking to do the following-

HAN (Hanoi) -CAN-PVG on China Southern (CZ)with 1hr 40 minutes to connect in Shanghai PVG to a UA flight to the US.

I am concerned this is not really enough time, any thoughts?

My understanding is that he would need to clear entry/customs formalities in CAN and then essentially a domestic flight into PVG. He would then need to claim baggage, walk from T1 to T2 (takes about 10 min?) and recheck with UA for the onward travel. UA suggests you be at check in 3 hrs before travel, does anyone know what the cut-off time is? Is it 90 min? 60 min?

Is it possible that he can go as a transit passenger and not have to recheck? In the past I have always had to re-check in, but has this changed?

Thanks!

Actually, given he only needs to clear outgoing customs this seems reasonable. Though I think it requires a change in terminals, CZ is in T2 and I think UA is in T1.

Outgoing customs at PVG is pretty dang quick, no scanning of luggage or anything, and lines are pretty fast. The hard part is done in CAN.

This sounds OK - but the potential for delays is high, and I'm sure that UA won't be overly considerate if you miss the connection coming from a flight on another carrier.

Actually, given he only needs to clear outgoing customs this seems reasonable. Though I think it requires a change in terminals, CZ is in T2 and I think UA is in T1.

Outgoing customs at PVG is pretty dang quick, no scanning of luggage or anything, and lines are pretty fast. The hard part is done in CAN.

United Air has always been in Terminal 2 in my experience.

United Air has always been in Terminal 2 in my experience.

8 years in T1 v. 4 years in T2.

UA 858 almost twelve years to this day.

Seems like a lifetime ago.

Jin Mao Tower 1996 (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/220/199517tb.jpg/sr=1)

8 years in T1 v. 4 years in T2.
My experience is flying to PVG multiple times a year within the last 5 yrs. :-)