How easy to connect in Shanghai?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: St. Louis, MO - AA PLT/2.98MM (Lifetime PLT), Delta PM, SPG Gold, AMEX Plat
Programs: TW Elite (RIP), CO OnePass
Posts: 1,923
How easy to connect in Shanghai?
I'm looking at an award ticket that would involve a connection in in Shanghai from a Cathay or Dragonair flight HKG-PVG onto an American PVG-ORD flight.
How easy/difficult is this? Do I need a visa of any sort?
Thanks,
Greg
How easy/difficult is this? Do I need a visa of any sort?
Thanks,
Greg
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Shanghai
Programs: UA PremExec, Hilton/SPG/Fairmont/Marriott/IC Platinums
Posts: 12
check this out: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/archive/t-742591.html
#3
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
Cathay and Dragonair are T2, American Airlines T1. So, physically it involves going through Chinese immigration in T2 and emigration in T1.
As for interlining and luggage please consult the local Cathay office. But be prepared to pick up your luggage and check-in again in the other terminal.
As for interlining and luggage please consult the local Cathay office. But be prepared to pick up your luggage and check-in again in the other terminal.
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,325
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: St. Louis, MO - AA PLT/2.98MM (Lifetime PLT), Delta PM, SPG Gold, AMEX Plat
Programs: TW Elite (RIP), CO OnePass
Posts: 1,923
It is, but the flight timings and class availability make the PVG option one which has its advantages.
I guess the questions I have now are:
1) What is the Minimum Connect Time between Cathay or DragonAir to AA in Shanghai?
2) Are there are visas or other documentation required?
Greg
I guess the questions I have now are:
1) What is the Minimum Connect Time between Cathay or DragonAir to AA in Shanghai?
2) Are there are visas or other documentation required?
Greg
#6
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
HKG - PVG is prone to delays because of airspace restrictions, so I would plan in at least a five hour layover considering all the other hassles. Preferably stay overnight and get a transit/single entry visa for China.
PVG is generally not a convenient airport for transfers at all.
PVG is generally not a convenient airport for transfers at all.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: St. Louis, MO - AA PLT/2.98MM (Lifetime PLT), Delta PM, SPG Gold, AMEX Plat
Programs: TW Elite (RIP), CO OnePass
Posts: 1,923
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,325
tmk, it's impossible to connect between terminals without actually entering "China". Furthermore, assuming you're American, you'll get up to 48 hours without a visa.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: The Sunshine State
Programs: Deltaworst Peon Level, TSA "Layer 21 Club", NW WP RIP
Posts: 11,372
Uh, did they just switch terminals? Couple weeks ago mostly Domestic was T1 and Internationals T2. I have a picture of the departure level dropoff sign at T2 station 24-25 and it has among others NWA, Delta and American Airlines listed. It also lists "International Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan Entry". I also met an arrving pax from Hong Kong (not sure which airline) and it was T2.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
Uh, did they just switch terminals? Couple weeks ago mostly Domestic was T1 and Internationals T2. I have a picture of the departure level dropoff sign at T2 station 24-25 and it has among others NWA, Delta and American Airlines listed. It also lists "International Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan Entry". I also met an arrving pax from Hong Kong (not sure which airline) and it was T2.
http://www.reuters.com/article/press...09+PRN20090310
Sorry for the misinformation. I last used PVG less than two weeks ago but did not have time to check airline locations much.
http://www.americanairlines.cn/aa/in...haiAirport.jsp
Of the OW airlines, at least JAL still uses T1 for all flights to and from Japan. T1 is not a domestic terminal more than T2 by any means.
#12


Join Date: Sep 1999
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton GLD
Posts: 978
With AA's terminal move, doing a connection in PVG is significantly better than before the move. Also, AA now can access the CX lounge. While certainly nowhere near the quality of the Wing or the Pier, it is 1,000 times better than the garage AA used to use for a lounge. I have even found the immigration moves faster in the new terminal than the old. Just my personal experience.
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,325


