Hi,

Flying in from Nanjing (Air China) and out 5 hours later United. Terminal change? Any suggestions of ways to pass the time at the airport? Best place to eat/drink?

Thanks very much!
LAR

No terminal change, you'll stay in Terminal 3. Since you'll be coming in on the domestic side, I recommend first eating at somewhere on the nonsecure side of the terminal. Then heading over through immigration and security to get airside. If you have lounge access (premium class, or economy + Star Alliance Gold), you can head over to international airside sooner rather than later. Without lounge access, hold off heading over that way until as late as you can (departure minus 1.25 hours).

I would go to the Hilton in this case; they have a shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes or so, or you could simply walk there (about 800 meters through the parking garage).

I do have lounge access. Are you suggesting that the dining/bars are better on the nonsecure side?

I'd like to here more about the Hilton. Whats the attraction? -Although I realize there are no significant attractions in the area. :-)

Thanks much.

Another unrelated question - If I buy a DVD (Region 1?) in the USA and send it as a gift to the PRC, will it be playable in China? Thanks!

Almost certainly because most of the DVD players we buy here are not region specific. But, I'm curious as to what kind of DVDs you have in mind because the DVD selection in China is quite extensive.

Regarding the Hilton, it's the nicest airport hotel I've ever seen (the ICN Hyatt is the only other one I would put in the same league): great restaurants, gym, spa, lobby lounge, staff... everything you would expect in a 5-star hotel.

Meanwhile, T3 itself doesn't have many nice places to hang out, including the lounges. Kenny Rogers Roasters (landside) is the only restaurant I like in T3, but I wouldn't dream of spending more than 40 minutes or so.

Another option that I always promote in threads of this nature is to head to the Lido area for a reasonably priced massage and a bite to eat. I believe you DO have time for this without feeling rushed if your inbound flight is on time.

Thanks. Well you asked so... I'm go to look for a concert DVD of Jon Bon Jovi. One of the women I met here seems absolutely in love with him so I thought I'd promote this Jersey Boy and send her one of his DVDs. She's a recent graduate who may not be able to afford a DVD and I owe her thanks for her translation work and hospitality. Just hope Customs doesnt hold it up :-)

Sounds like its the Hilton for me! I guess I've never seen much to get excited about airport hotels but this one seems to have potential. And 5 hours always drags on longer than you think it might.....

Thanks again.
LAR

OTOH, drinks are free in the lounge

EmailKid

You have nothing to worry about at customs, but I'd be willing to bet that she can afford to purchase the DVD locally (about $2).

More and better options, but still nothing wonderful. The Air China lounge is okay but not great food (better than United economy, probably not as good as United business). Free drinks but the beer is not well chilled.

If you are comparing it to the RCC in Baltimore, it's "ok", but it's honestly not a nice place to kill time.

If you're comparing it to the rest of T3, it is also okay.

Its kinda nice that the bar is way in the back and nobody around.
Can pour triples, put beer on ice....do whatever.

+1

EmailKid

the secret to the Air China lounge is to go all the way to the back.