RWPhila

BKK > WUH (8h30m) > SFO in CZ Business

1. The CZ web site on WUH transit seems to say that I have to collect my checked bag at WUH and then re-check it at the Departure Level. I can't find any information in the baggage section about checking through from BKK to SFO. Is that correct?

2. CZ can't reserve a hotel room for my layover because it is not over night and it looks like the CZ lounge has no showers. Any suggestions on how to get a shower or what to do for an 8 hour layover?

Thanks! My first time on China Southern and first time transit through Wuhan.

SEA_lurker

Hi RWPhila,

I just did this exact itinerary on CZ (J) BKK-WUH-SFO in late Oct. 2019. Here's my experience -

RE Q1: CZ is correct. At BKK, I could only check in as far as WUH. I had to go through China Immigration at WUH (24-hour visa-free transit stamp), collect the checked baggage, take it through Customs and go outside. (I saw signs for "int'l transfer" throughout the airport - I pointed to these signs and asked a couple of the immigration officials, but was informed that it is "not possible / not working" and that I had to go landside like everyone else.) Upon exiting Customs, I couldn't find a CZ transfer or service counter, so I simply headed upstairs to int'l departures to sort things out, and here is what happened then -

RE Q2: When the CZ check-in rep saw that I have an 8h wait for the onward flight to SFO, she explained that hotel would be provided free of charge, even though it is a short daytime layover. She called another staff member, who escorted me (and several other pax) to the bus/taxi area downstairs. We were driven to the Hubei Kong Gang Business Hotel (sorry if I got the spelling wrong), a short distance from the airport, in a deluxe minivan, accompanied by the CZ ground rep. At the hotel, Y-pax received boxed hot breakfast, and J-pax received access to the breakfast buffet (complementary for all). We completed room check-in (Y pax = may share room with stranger if traveling solo; J = guaranteed private room) and instructed to check out at noon (to be driven back to the airport for the WUH-SFO). Hotel was plenty fine for a shower and a nap. I got a courtesy call at 11.55am telling me to head downstairs. All in all, I was impressed by how well CZ handled this layover.

Additional note: Actually, there are showers in at least 2 of the 3 "VIP" lounges in the WUH international departures gates area. Lounge staff told me that CZ J pax can use any of these lounges, even though the lounges are apparently shared by all carriers operating out of WUH. CZ requests pax to choose the lounge nearest your gate.

I hope this info is helpful. Have a good trip on CZ.

RWPhila

Wow! Thanks for the quick and detailed reply. The shower and nap will be really welcomed after leaving Khon Kaen at 21:30 on the flight to BKK.

capin

I also just did this itinerary. Everything quoted matches my experience. Smooth process to get through Wuhan, Nothing like some of the horror stories I've heard about Chinese Airports. Hotel stunk of cigarettes though.