Issues:
1) Chinese Immigration is perfectly OK with an itinerary conforming to TWOV regulations (onward to 3rd country, within applicable time limit) that happens to be on two separate tickets. As in XXX-China and China-YYY.
2) Many airline check-in agents around the world are having enough trouble with a single-ticket XXX-China-YYY Transit Without Visa itinerary, though most will accede to a look-up on TIMATIC database that shows them this is OK. However, when doing this on two separate tickets, some agents at XXX will put up a stink and challenge your ability to do this visa-less. They will be incorrect, but there have been anecdotes about people being denied boarding. So, in this sense, Shimon presents a valid concern although I think becoming less of a problem as time goes on. Agents in some countries/some airlines may be more intractable than others. Be prepared with every bit of documentation you can muster.
3) OP and checked luggage: You should absolutely be able to check your luggage all the way through BKK-LAX without having to pick it up in PEK. Whether on one ticket or separate tickets. If on separate tickets, have TG staff in BKK interline by showing your onward to LAX. PEK airport policy is to auto-transfer international transit passenger bags without you having to manually pick up and recheck. So no need to short-check, just make sure whatever you need for the day/journey is in your carry-on.
4) OP and leaving airport: Yes, you may leave. Whether you are already checked through to USA or not is irrelevant. Deplane and go to an International Transit Immigration desk which will be before the main row of regular Immy counters. There will be clear signage. Be prepared to show them your onward ticket/e-ticket/confirmed flight to LAX...or boarding pass if you got that already in BKK. If you did not get that boarding pass for PEK-LAX, stop by the Airline Transfer Counter which you'll see before you get to the Immigration area. After you pass Immigration (and get your hexagonal transit stamp), you can head to the terminal front side and exit.
5) OP and lounges: Lounges are not available for arriving passengers, only for departing. The passenger streams are separated. So, if you want a bite before leaving the airport, the best bet is to go through the Immigration sequence, walk out of bag claim and Customs area, then on nonsecure side (main ticketing/check-in level), head for one of the restaurants there before taking Airport Express or other transport into city (or car to GW).
Last edited by jiejie; May 13, 2012 at 9:42 pm