FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Same day turnaround @ PVG; suggestions, tips?
Old Mar 28, 2016 | 9:23 pm
  #22  
jix
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10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YYZ, NYC
Programs: Marriott Gold, JGC, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,061
Just came back from PVG with 2 one-night MRs in the last 2 weeks, here's what you need to prepare for from deplane to boarding for (all observed via AA flights from Terminal 2 at peak arrival hours of 3-4pm)

Deplane: from walking off gate to entering immigration hall, this can be done in 5-10 minutes walking if your plane arrives on time. If the plane gets in early/late and get a remote stand, this process can take 30+ minutes. You wait for a bus to arrive, and even if you do get on the first bus with other F/J passengers, it will not leave until the bus is full. The bus then circles the entire T2 and back at a speed of about 20-30km/hr to get to the stop right below the immigration hall.

Immigration: First the line to slowly squeeze through the temperature check station (3-5mins) then line up for immigration agent. If you have automated passport (3-5 mins) otherwise it can be 20 minutes or more.

Custom: Assuming no bags this is just slowing going out the final door with a long queue of people again (3-5 min) with agents randomly picking bags to screen via Xray.

Back to departure hall: Head right and pass the very long wall of people on both sides and take the escalator up, AA will be right in front. This is about 5 minutes walking behind people.

Boarding pass: Use the kiosk (3-5 minutes or less if there no line) or priority line

Immigration again: No automated machine here, have to wait and usually about 10-20 minutes.

Security check: Another 10-20 minutes wait, depending on the line.

In sum, I think it's feasible but the criteria is that one must get to landside asap to print the boarding pass before 60 minutes cut-off. The most time-consuming part is the deplaning and immigration, afterwards it's a simple process and it's relatively easy to get back to airside by 60 minutes before departure (but then no lounge or relax time). You can sort of jump the queue on immigration and security if you beg and show them the boarding pass if you're seriously late.
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