I'm looking at a few itineraries for travel in November that include a "connection" in CSX between separate tickets. I know that means it is not really a connection and that I'm on the hook for a miss when that happens but I'm curious what folks think is reasonable for a connection time there. First flight should land around 9:30a, assuming things are close to plan.

Thanks!

I presume that you are planning an I-I connection in CSX? CSX is a typical second-tier airport--modern, and not particularly congested. All ops are in the same terminal, and intl flights aren't prone to delays like the domestic ones. I'd be okay with 2 hours; 3 hours might even be too much, as the departure lounges are nothing to write home about (assuming you are flying F/J).

D-D, actually. I should'be been specific about that; sorry.

Routing would be CTU-CSX-SHA/PVG.

I'm guessing that if the crazy ATC delays kicked in they'd be more likely to affect the second than the first.

When flying on two separate domestic tickets, even on the same airline, I won't count on being able to pass through the "domestic transfers" channel upon arrival in CSX. (If someone has done that before, please chime in.) This would mean exiting airside (in Chinese airports, the only outlet through baggage claim is often a very long distance) and checking in again upstairs. 60 minutes might be too tight; a cushion of 90-minutes is probably the minimum.

Domestic check-in usually begins 3 hours before scheduled departure, and ends at T-30. If your CSX-SHA/PVG flight is on CA/ZH, I'm not sure if CA/ZH have permanent check-in counters with a dedicated *G lane to help speed through the queue (moot if flying F). If you have purchased the ticket and know that you will miss the flight, cancel before departure to get a refund. Check the fare rules about the cancellation fee.

That mostly lines up with what I was thinking...thanks!

I know there are quite a few guys named "Murphy" in China. I don't think you want me to introduce you to them