douginguam

I recently used MP points to travel GUM->NGO->PVG->MEL (UA/CA/CA) and return MEL->PVG->GUM (CA/UA). I was happy to be sitting J, with wife and children.
Sounds easy and straightforward - but it's not: and the worst of it is, it doesn't seem any employees really understands or wants to communicate the traps and potential pitfalls. Because I could not find a written process, I will post this history for those who would like to avoid the pains.

The real issue was that nobody warned us that you do not transit at PVG - you arrive and depart, in the fullest and most total sense. Do not wave away the arrivals card offered on the arriving flight (saying "transit"), and do fill in the departure card - you will need it all.
When you arrive, proceed directly to the very left end of arrivals immigration (In Terminal 2) where the sign says 24/144 hours visa (don't bother with the other foreigner lines - they are only good if you hold a visa). DO bring a printed copy of your e-ticket; because it is much more reliable and readable than details on your phone. (You will not have a boarding pass for your "next" segment anyway.) Immigration need to see your exit flight plans (and they like to write on your paper). Then prepare for the wait, it can take quite a time (once the question was asked while we were in line whether anyone was departing in an hour - and that is with customs and check-in and departure processing to come). Everyone seems confused, and it works slowly that way.
Once you get through the immigration process you can proceed to collect your baggage - there is NO transit or "checked through" baggage, It is possible, as it was for me, that YOUR baggage may be alone on the carousal when you get there; it is easy to see! Stack it all on a baggage cart, then exit customs (this was straightforward for me in another line, but who knows about "next time") and then you head upstairs to check in for your next flight.

On our return flights this process meant (with a 4 hr layover) we arrived at United check-in early and had to wait for the opening of check-in. On the way out we were immediately checked in by the Air China personnel.

After check-in the departure process is like departing any airport - immigration and security all over again.

I believe that short transits WILL NOT work - but you can balance that with your own blood pressure and risk tolerance. My guess is two hours is an absolute minimum. The timing is even worse if you get a bussed to the plane outward flight where boarding will close 45 minutes before departure (as our CA PVG-MEL was.)

Overall the process is less scary when you have done it once yourself.

For *A & MP, CA (Air China) hard product was excellent. soft not so much. .

flyerbaby19

Sorry you went through that. I think there are numerous threads on this board that say do NOT transit in China. PEK or PVG. I think PEK is actually worse. From what it sounds like, yours was better than many. CA tends to lose mileage tickets (or something like that).

Thx for sharing the story though. It will be helpful for others. Don't ever transit in China. It's awful.

Kmxu

I once got a Global Service agent to escort two of us through the immigration. I flew GUM-PVG and then PVG-SFO. UA does not have a transfer desk, but I cannot imagine that CA does not, either, at PVG.

schley

I just transited in PVG for the first time last month and had a Chinese visa as they issue 10 year ones. I was on Juneyao BKK-PVG then onward on UA PVG-ORD. I had 9 hours. I booked a tour adn stored my bags at the short term baggage storage outside customs exit. Yes it is annoying to have to claim and recheck luggage I agree with you, however in my situation all worked out well.

BTW the transit 24/144 hours visa lines weren't open thus everyone (foreigners) lumped into the foreigner lines and worked just fine.

TerryK

That's how it works in China, not just PVG. In fact, it works the same way in USA, except to/from Canana, for non-USA passport holders. For example, have you tried using Asian passport and travel Asia-LAX-EGE? Granted CBP may be more efficient than China border control but the process is the same.

Many threads about international transit via China issue. Example:
International transit at PVG - KLM / China Southern

mduell

I'm not sure what available information could have lead you to that understanding.

It's exactly the same as I:I at most US airports? The only exception being the few that don't make you pick up your bags.

TA

So, the bottom line is that China transit is for US citizens what US transit is for most of the rest of the world?

mduell

US transit is the same for US citizens.

cfischer

waiting in line can be quite different time-wise

jsloan

Agreed.

OP: A good travel agent could have given you the information you needed about PVG transit.

If you choose to act as your own travel agent -- certainly, a common decision -- you're responsible for doing this kind of research yourself. An internet search on international transfers at PVG -- or a check of the China forum here on FlyerTalk -- would have prepared you for the process. Just something to keep in mind for next time.

TA

I guess there's articles like this that give you a kind of clue about whether Chinese airports rank on the list at all:
https://www.google.com/search?q=best...ts+for+transit

douginguam

That may be how it works in China now. However there is a transit desk air-side at PVG which was clearly planned for use and used at some point (a guy even sits behind the counter).
International transit does not work that way in Bali, Manila, Japan (excluding Sendai), Incheon, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, the FSM, Guam or Australia (on some continuing international routes). I have made international transit air-side at all those airports numerous times, without picking up baggage or clearing local immigration. Guam requires clearing US immigration, but not customs.

Prior to travelling I did search the forums and google for posts on PVG transit. The dearth of information was why I tried to post a simple summary of events without being too critical - refer above.

luv2ctheworld

Sorry to read you had such difficulties. However, IMHO, this process is not unknown or new. A quick Google search would have yielded plenty of experiences and how to's on the subject.

I know this because I went through this experience and the discussion on FT, TripAdvisor, and other websites gave me pretty good idea of what to expect.

​​​​​Hopefully you won't be inconvenienced as much next time.

jp12687

Hey,

I am looking at a connection from HKG-PVG-EWR. How bad is a connection there? I may have a checked bag but trying not to (depends how many gifts vendors give me).

gradsflyer

I'm flying in and out of PVG for a meeting next week and never had the opportunity to use a lounge there before as my one only other arrival involved transfer to a different terminal for a flight on MU. From the *A website it looks like the only option as a UA Gold and UC member will be the CA business class lounge. For such a large international airport with so many other *A carriers is that really the only option? I've spent time in CA lounges in PEK and CTU before and they're alright but I was frankly expecting a few more options.