Originally Posted by
nycflyer
I plan to arrive at Hongqiao from Korea, depart Pudong for SFO two days later. The scheduled times are 1pm arrival, 12:45pm departure.
Is this cutting things too close to qualify for the 48hr visa-free transit?
I don't think so. Even if your arrival was really early, you'd still leave China within 48 hours (i.e. before 12:45 on day 2).
What would happen if my departure were delayed or cancelled?
While I don't know the answer to this question, PRC authorities tend to be much more chill in real life than they are portrayed in the press.
Also, what fee, if any, is payable on arrival in Shanghai?
Zero.
Presumably check-in staff in Seoul will want proof of permission to enter China, would they be satisfied with my US passport + PVG-SFO itinerary (on a separate reservation)?
They'll use the same system you can find on Delta's website (forget the name) which will confirm that you don't need a visa.