Originally Posted by
moondog
Perhaps I should have wrote "11/06/10"; I doubt much has changed during the past 34 days.
Yes, there are two terminals, which are equally "blah" IMO.
The only airports I can think of that are worse for transit in the region are PEK (my de facto current base) and CAN, though I must admit that the massage chairs in the CA lounge are pretty sweet.
The main reason I rank PEK below PVG, is the ATC issue; it's not uncommon to be delayed for 3+ hours there because all of the major arteries are jammed (PLA often plays a role).
But, seriously, the idea of comparing PVG to ICN/HKG/NRT is ludicrous. HND, which I sampled for the first time last month, is also MUCH better. IMO PVG is a poorly designed and underfunded project. While many are awed by the Maglev, keep in mind that it terminates in the middle of nowhere.
Actually, T1 is blah. T2 is a lot better. I think PVG as an airport is actually nicer than NRT. Though NRT's shops are more abundant and the lounges are indeed better.
That being said, I really don't think PVG lounges are that bad. They don't compare to the full lounges of NRT (showers etc) but they have decent food offerings during meal times and I can't complain too much.
HKG is good too, I will admit. Probably the best of the list above. Haven't been to ICN so can't compare, but would expect it to be good.
Let's face it, PVG isn't really home to a major international carrier as compared to NRT/ICN/HKG. So no reason to be great on lounges.