powellnut

Both myself and fellow travelers are flying to BKK in Jan thru China. One thru Shanghi, one thru Bejing.

I have heard that luggage is checked thru and I have heard you have to clear customs as you would entry to any other country. Researching this on China's airport websites reports it both ways..

So..Does anyone have any first hand experience with this? And how long it takes, if one does have to clear customs, claim luggage, etc??

We have a long enough layover where this shouldn't be an issue, but want to be "informed" travelers..

Thanks;

Chris

simpsonc510

I was scheduled to fly thru Shanghai (I'm on my way to BKK right now) but I rebooked my trip to go thru Narita (Tokyo) instead. A friend here on fodors said that she flew via Shanghai and she had to claim her luggage and re-check it with the next airline. Bags were not checked clear through!! I really do not want that headache, and a 2.5 hour connection that might be 'tight' if there are long lines at immigration! UGH..... Also, be sure you have your itinerary in hand that shows that you are leaving China on another flight right away!! I get the impression that flying thru PVG isn't such a piece of cake. I'm glad I'm avoiding it. Availability was much easier to find via PVG... now I know why!

Family members have flown through Beijing... not me. Both indicated that signage was very poor and that there was no one to ask questions. One very nearly missed his onward flight. They did not report having to reclaim baggage at Beijing.

Craig

I recently flew through Beijing from Bangkok heading to the US. No reclaiming of baggage but hassles of course with the extra screening before heading to our next gate as in all of Asia. Signing was fine in Beijing as far as we saw but we are pretty experienced Asian travelers...

Hanuman

I think the problem is only in Shanghai where one must go through immigration and customs. Multiple terminals with bad English signage and no airside connecting between the terminals.

Hanuman

Suggest you find out more at flyertalk.com

rhkkmk

at narita you have to go thru a slow security check between flights..

powellnut

Thanks for the info so far..We have been to SE Asia many times and are familar with Hong Kong, Singapore, Narita, BKK, etc (and the slow security checkpoints) This will be our first time transiting China. No changing our flights at this point, so we will be experiencing this, good or bad (hopefully just another airport) We are returning thru Narita, which we are quite familar with, that will be easy..SO..anyone with some first hand experience?? Appreciate any input..thanks Craig..

rkkwan

Ar PEK, it would depend on which airline(s).

powellnut

SFO To PEK on on United, PEK to BKK on china airlines

rkkwan

You mean Air China. UA and CA both use the new Terminal C at PEK, so that makes it much simpler. Your bags should be checked through, if both flights are on same ticket.

Not first hand experience, but at PEK, you still have to go to a transfer desk if UA can't print your CA boarding pass; through immigration, but a special transit line; security. Should be quick, and you'll be back to the gate area.

powellnut

Thanks Rkk. Sounds pretty typical. Now..My traveling buddies are flying thru Shanghi. They are arriving Shanghi on United and transferring to Thai. Anyone have any experience with that itinery?? On their return they are flying thai from BKK to Shanghi. Then onto Canada (still on Thai) and finally back into the states on Air Canada.. Any additional info or tips would be appreciated..

rkkwan

Sorry, I mean Terminal 3 in PEK.