Experience with transit in PVG
Sep 18, 2016, 9:01 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SIN
Programs: CX DM, SQ KF Gold
Posts: 980
I used to live in Shanghai for a few years until recently, so I never had to transit through it, but my advice to you and anybody else who is planning on transferring through PVG or any other Mainland Chinese airport is:
Don't do it!!
The reasons have mainly already been given by other posters, but what puts me off the most is the general unpredictability of travelling in and through China. For a starter, flights are very often delayed in and out of Shanghai (and most other airports), so you never know when you will really arrive or depart. Then staff tend to be unwilling, unable to help or both whenever things do not go according to plan. Nobody takes any responsibility for anything, as it is not in their culture to take ownership for anything that goes wrong (As that would lead to a loss of face). Don't expect any flexibility when trying to find solutions, for the same reasons, especially if you are a foreigner and don't speak Chinese.
If you don't encounter any problems during your trip, it will still be a hassle. If you do, then you will really be up the proverbial creek without a paddle...
Don't do it!!
The reasons have mainly already been given by other posters, but what puts me off the most is the general unpredictability of travelling in and through China. For a starter, flights are very often delayed in and out of Shanghai (and most other airports), so you never know when you will really arrive or depart. Then staff tend to be unwilling, unable to help or both whenever things do not go according to plan. Nobody takes any responsibility for anything, as it is not in their culture to take ownership for anything that goes wrong (As that would lead to a loss of face). Don't expect any flexibility when trying to find solutions, for the same reasons, especially if you are a foreigner and don't speak Chinese.
If you don't encounter any problems during your trip, it will still be a hassle. If you do, then you will really be up the proverbial creek without a paddle...
Sep 18, 2016, 2:28 pm
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PVG, FRA, SEA, HEL
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 4,783
Mainland China is a tightly controlled country, hence, a smooth and easy intl-to-intl transfer experience is simply not possible. The PVG airport managers probably would like to introduce a smooth transit experience, but it is not their decision.
Sep 18, 2016, 8:34 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 129
Thanks for all the responses. I did this connection a few years ago, and I was just wondering if things have improved. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it!
If I could, I would definitely avoid this, but this is a redemption booking so I'm not exactly spoilt for choice. Guess I just have to brave it
If I could, I would definitely avoid this, but this is a redemption booking so I'm not exactly spoilt for choice. Guess I just have to brave it
Nov 9, 2016, 2:03 am
#19
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: ACC
Programs: AAdvantage, MIleagePlus, Skywards
Posts: 395
Is this the same scenario if transiting through PEK too? I must collect my bags and then drop them at the check-in counter? In PVG I got screwed cause inbound (AA) luggage allowance was greater than my outbound (SQ) even thought it was all booked on a single PNR/record from AA on the aa.com site.
Nov 9, 2016, 4:17 am
#20
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Toulouse
Programs: TK*G
Posts: 283
Is this the same scenario if transiting through PEK too? I must collect my bags and then drop them at the check-in counter? In PVG I got screwed cause inbound (AA) luggage allowance was greater than my outbound (SQ) even thought it was all booked on a single PNR/record from AA on the aa.com site.