4 Hour 40 Minute Airport Change from PVG to SHA

Question

Hi all,

On my return flight from Laos to Hong Kong, we will have a stop over in Shanghai lasting 4 hours and 40 minutes. This, however, requires us to change from PVG Airport to SHA Airport. The booking currently is under one Ticket Reference number and with China Eastern Airlines. Flight itinerary currently looks like this: Laos to PVG (4 hours 40 min stopover) SHA to HKG. We will be arriving at PVG around 4:30 am and depart SHA at 9:15 am

My questions:

1. As an Indian Passport holder, what is the exact visa required to transit between PVG to SHA? From experience, how long does this usually take to be processed at the immigration counter?

2. Assuming the Flight is on time, will this stopover of 4 hours 40 mins be enough to go through immigration, get visa, get luggage, take a Airport Taxi across to SHA and check-in again

3. In the case that flight is delayed, could anyone advise what the protocol would be. Is this something we need to bring up at LAOS immediately with CEA staff and have us booked on another flight?

4. Any other concerns that I will need to be aware of?

Answer

For your transit from PVG (Shanghai Pudong) to SHA (Shanghai Hongqiao) with a total stopover of 4 hours 40 minutes, there are several important considerations, especially as an Indian passport holder.

1. Visa Requirement: Since you will need to leave PVG to go to SHA, you are technically entering China. Indian passport holders cannot rely on the 24/72/144-hour transit visa exemptions unless flying to specific cities under eligible conditions. Therefore, you will need a China Transit Visa (G or L type) issued in advance. At immigration, processing usually takes 15–30 minutes, but this can vary depending on arrival time and queues.

2. Time Considerations for the 4h40m Stopover: While it might be technically possible, this is extremely tight. Your tasks include immigration, visa processing, luggage collection, taxi transfer from PVG to SHA (around 1–1.5 hours by car), and check-in at SHA for your onward flight. Any delay can risk missing your connection.

Immigration and visa: 15–30 minutes
Luggage claim: 15–30 minutes
Taxi transfer PVG to SHA: 60–90 minutes depending on traffic
Check-in and security at SHA: 30–45 minutes

Given the above, a 4h40m stopover leaves very little margin, and any small delay may cause you to miss the SHA departure.

3. If Your Flight from Laos is Delayed: In such a scenario, it is crucial to inform China Eastern Airlines staff immediately. Since your flights are on the same ticket, the airline is responsible for rebooking you if you miss your connection. Always confirm assistance for tight connections at the time of check-in in Laos.

4. Other Concerns:

Traffic between PVG and SHA can be unpredictable early morning; check real-time traffic apps or consider an airport shuttle if available.
Ensure your luggage is checked through to SHA if possible, although for separate airports, you likely need to collect it at PVG and recheck at SHA.
Have a printed copy of your onward boarding pass and all travel documents readily accessible.
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers missed connections.

In summary, while theoretically possible, a 4h40m stopover to transfer between Shanghai airports is highly risky due to visa processing, luggage handling, and traffic uncertainty. If possible, allow more time or contact the airline for a recommended connection plan.

4 Hour 40 Minute Airport Change from PVG to SHA

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