350zrx330

1. Very easy since both of them are in T3. And there is a air china connection counter right inside the luggage pickup area. Big signs to direct you as well.
2. Should be ok if the first flight is on time .
3. The new visa free transit program will apply, you need a confirmed onward ticket and please print a hard copy. I do recommend you print out a copy of the transit program to show UA check in agents if they ask for Chinese visa. I have seen UA agents doesn't know how to work the checkin systems for china visa free transit, so give yourself enough time at your home airport. Hope things have changed since August.

RobOnLI

Not sure if you're asking about a visa for the transit at PEK or to stay in HKG. Someone already answered the China visa free transit above me but to answer about HKG - no, you don't need a visa for HKG for stays up to 90 days.

-RM

bldr1k

If the flight arrives on time one hour and fifty minutes is plenty of time.

lixiaojuventus

I think you'll be fine. The PEK flights are usually either a little early or significantly delayed/cancelled. In either case, there is no point in taking a longer layover.

SeaRaptor

You should be fine. I didn't see very many connecting passengers the one time I transited through. From plane door to being back inside security was probably a half hour, tops. Like the States, you'll spend most of that standing in the security line.

EWRFlyerAL

Thanks everyone. I'm flying BF and connecting in Biz so that should help too.

eleeut

(Adding in some comment due to thread merger - this is for a AC flt ex-HKG with transfer to UA at PEK)

From what I've read from non FT sources, this seems like it will be an international to international transfer at PEK. Is this correct? I haven't been through this airport before but I've heard it can be chaotic. This will be for travel on Dec 24 so that may have some impact too.

Also, are checked luggage transfers from CA to UA in PEK reliable? There is about 5 hrs on the ground there.

The person traveling will be in C on CA from HKG and then BF on UA tpac if that makes any difference and is 1K.

roberto99

I've never seen it to be chaotic.

It's just not efficient.

But it's a great looking and HUGE terminal!

eleeut

yes, mischaracterized on my part! i'm actually more concerned about the luggage transfer part for interlining between CA and UA. itin is ticketed on one UA award.

i will go there some day to see for myself.

cheers

Bravada04

Now that our trip is coming up very shortly, I would appreciate any guidance or assistance on the following question.

- We have a stop over in Beijing coming from Bangkok - We are flying Thai Airlines from Bangkok then onto United. Our stopover is I believe 1.5 hrs ( sorry don't have it handy ) nonethless it is not long and I have been told the Beijing airport can be a gong show at times.

I am not an Elite member with United or AC etc.,. I have never been to this airport so am wondering if I can request assistance from United to have someone to assist us through when we land...............yes I know, my wife actually can't believe I am asking for assistance

Is this possible - it sure would lessen the anxiety wondering if we will make our connection or not?

Thanks very much.

star_world

There isn't really a way to do this - probably somewhere between 100 and 200 people on every flight are in exactly the same position, so most major airports rely on clear signage to help people get through.

PEK is no exception, the connection process is very straightforward and everything is in English. You might encounter some long queues but that's about the most you'll have to worry about. 1.5hrs is well above the minimum connection time of 60min for T3-T3 connections.

Shigernafy

As star_world says, there's no easy way to do this, since there are generic (CA or airport) staff handling the connections - it's not actual UA staff. But it's not overly challenging to get through the airport. If you need a boarding pass, there is a transfer desk available (and clearly marked) just before you turn toward the passport control area. If you have one, just head for the far left of the passport area to a transfer desk; they'll check your documentation and send you downstairs, through security and on to the boarding gates. In low traffic it can be a 5 minute deal; in high I don't think I've ever had to wait more than about 15 minutes. Shouldn't be a problem.

If you're worried or stressed, the signage is pretty clear and there are usually a few airport and/or security staff with passable English in the entry areas to each zone (transfer, security, gates) you can ask for help.

Ari

PEK offers complimentary escorts to special needs pax which can be arranged in advance though their customer service line. Special needs pax are "the elderly, the sick, the handicapped, children, pregnant women and other people with special needs (hereafter “special passengers”) so as to facilitate their trips."

If you don't have "special needs" then this option doesn't work for you. But if you happen to meet any of the criteria above, shoot me a PM.

Bravada04

Super!! thanks so much for the feedback. I just checked and it is exactly 1.5 hours....based on what you are saying I should be o.k. and will put that aside and start worrying about our 2 week stay in Thailand - hopefully we can land and then depart and nothing affects us.

I would also assume that TA will tag our baggage right through on UA to Winnipeg via Chicago? Disregard that...........I forgot about customs in Chicago so I guess we will pick up our baggage their then send it on to the Peg.

gradsflyer

Standard procedure is to check you luggage all the way through and have you collect it in ORD in order to pass through customs after which you will then drop it off at the baggage re-check station right after customs. If all works as it should the bags should thus actually be tagged all the way to their final destination even though you'll have to temporarily re-claim them in ORD.