OK, so it seems that the thing to do would be to enjoy the lounge on the 3h30m stopover, and on the 4h get the transit visa and head to the train station, using the time to walk there to decide if just a down & back is possible, according to the schedule and the time of day.

Say it all works and I can make a reasonable turn around at Longyang Road Station. I'd at least want to go out and 'buy something' if there's time. Any suggestions?

About the comments by some folks regarding the seats, which I appreciate. I knew that they were going to be as you said they would, but I was happy enough to make a booking without any AC metal and only three weeks out.

I had one day flexibility each way, and a choice of non stop or one stop flights via 2 out of 4 possible cities before I chose the route I did, so the four airline sampler is a treat. I've experienced both JAL & ANA Business class once before, to JFK & KUL respectively, and Singapore in economy in the days when champagne was served there and the seats had foot rests like trains did.

I picked the longest flight I could with SQ. Was also able to check that UA would have the new seats too, or I would have skipped them for sure. The FM trip will be in an 8 seat 737 cabin, so I'll get at least one ride on all four of the most current Boeing jets flying.

And lastly, from what was said in the later posts about luggage, I'm led to believe that can't dispose of it at PVG before the MAGLEV ride. Is that really the case, or is there an airline counter or some sort of baggage check room like at Narita?

Thanks again.