I had the bright idea of trying the AA LAX-PVG service as an alternative to NRT for transit to SE Asia. Here was my experience:

I flew MIA-LAX-PVG (AA) with MU connection to BKK 11/6/13. My luggage was checked thru only to PVG. I had to fill out a form for immigration & clear in PVG. (I had no visa, but that was no problem). There was a "transit desk" but it isn't open. At immigration I asked an officer at the line entrance & was directed to a special booth (NO SIGNAGE). Then I had to collect luggage and make the 15-minute walk with my luggage from Terminal 1 -> 2. I missed my connecting flight, had to overnight in PVG (unanticipated).

Return 11/16/13 I flew REP-PVG-NRT (MU) with AA connection NRT-LAX-MIA. MU could NOT check my luggage thru either to NRT or LAX. I had to repeat the same process in PVG as my outbound: immigration form, clear PVG immigration & customs, upstairs to check-in counter to recheck my luggage for onward travel.

Narita so much more convenient. I won't do THAT again. I was shocked that MU couldn't treat me as transit pax in PVG. But then, perhaps China is like the USA with non-citizens...


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...l#post21826636