walkmanx

Had a HX to HU connection yesterday, both in T2. Waited 45min to clear security (why this is necessary I'm not sure) with only about 20 people in line. It was an extremely slow process and thorough security check. Would not recommend connecting through PEK.

JPDM

You have to do a security check on international to international connections pretty much everywhere in the world. Sometimes you even have to clear immigration and, as in the US, you need a full visa.

essexnyc

Mrs Essexnyc and I will be flying in on Air China JFK-PEK arriving at 6:20 PM and departing on Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) at 9:10 PM. It looks like Mongolian is also T3, but these will be two separate tickets, and I can't count on checking luggage through. Is the 2 hrs 50 min enough time?

AVSHK

Through PEK twice this week; international to international in T3. Both times, less than 30 minutes for both transfer procedures and security. Crowds were there, but were dealt with efficiently and quickly.

lax2010

Flying SZX-PEK-LAX all on CA metals with 1 hour 50 minutes connection time in PEK. Here are my questions:

1. Is there usually a terminal change in PEK?
2. Is there need to pick up checked luggage and re-checking in before going security again?
3. Do I Clear custom and immigration in PEK (or SZX)?
4. Is it Likely to miss the connection in PEK for 1h50min DOMESTIC TO INTERNATIONAL transfer?

Thx!

jiejie

1. No change. All CA intl and domestic is in Terminal 3.
2. On a domestic to international, usually yes. Customs clearance is normally at the final exit point in China which would be PEK. You can ask about tagging all the way through to LAX at SZX check-in without having to pick up at PEK, but don't bet on it.
3. Exit Immigration at PEK. Customs likely at PEK, see #2 .
4. I thought the Minimum Connection Time for D > I is 120 minutes so you are slightly less than that. I shouldn't think this is a legal sell if all on one ticket. I'd be loath to try this if it is on two separate tickets. If the incoming domestic flight is on time, you should be able to make it with some hustling, but that's the rub: domestic flights into PEK are often delayed. Check in for intl flights cuts off at T-60 minutes. You could encounter slow queues at Exit Immigration. Finally, US-bound flights will have a secondary security check at the boarding gate. Not a lot of room for error here, but if this is all on one ticket, CA will have to get you to LAX somehow. If you can't change the first segment to something earlier to lengthen that connection time, then be flexible on the LAX arrival end.

JPDM

Just to add to the above. My last couple of flights from SZX were late. Very late. Delay was over 4 hours each time. It's just me but I would never fly domestic just before an international flight in China (or most countries).

lax2010

CA got away with the less than 2-hour minimum connection time because it was marketed and ticketed as a direct flight SZX-LAX with a lay over in PEK! However, I bet they will kick us all off at PEK to go through all that you have described above!

jiejie

Actually, if it was marketed/ticketed as you say, there might be hope. In Shenzhen they might could have you do at least Customs (maybe Immigration also) then have you as CIQ-stickered passengers in Beijing, with agent on the PEK jetway to escort you through any remaining hoops in expedited fashion and over to secure international airside. Expect the worst case but maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised. Still doesn't solve the potential domestic flight delay issue though.

lax2010

Looking forward to spend a night in The Capitol at CA's expense :-)

Thank you for all you guys' inputs!

qpr

You can check through your bags to LAX.

Itīs available by CA when you transit at PEK.

Exit immigration is at PEK.

If your SZX flight is late, CA will guide you through immigration.

Did this many times NNG - PEK - FRA and CAN - PEK - FRA.

lax2010

Good to know. Thanks!

YuropFlyer

Also, you don't really get landside on such a transfer. There is a dedicated shortcut in the main area of T3 (clearly marked as International transfer) which gets you to stay airside.

I'd say that, unless your incoming aircraft is more than 1hr delayed, you will make your connection (should there be a queue at immigration/security after the train ride, you might have to be loud to be let in front, if your departure time is closing in)

Now, I'd just relax. I guess your life doesn't depend on catching that flight

lax2010

Nope, not worry at all and just want to know what to expect. You sounded like there is a domestic-to-international-transfer short cut so it is even better. I am ready to spend a night at CA's expense :-)

lax2010

No immigration nor custom clearing in Shenzhen. However, CA agent was waiting at the jet bridge and took us down to the tarmac and headed right over to the immigration area on a VIP minibus (the ride must have been a bout a mile long). We cleared custom and got to the CA Lounge in about 15-20 minutes after we deplaned :-)