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Shenzhen Airlines Question

I was trying to book a flight London to Bangkok (return) with Shenzen Airlines and I had almost completed when a question asked: Transit Yes or No?

My departure flight involves arriving at Shenzen airport at around 5pm and I continue the following morning (for Bangkok) at around 9am. So a 16 hour wait.

Not sure what to answer. If I stay in the airport; or if I try to stay at a hotel until the morning (if possible)

THANKS

When booking a flight with Shenzhen Airlines and encountering a "Transit Yes or No?" question, the key factor is whether your stopover at Shenzhen airport requires you to go through immigration or leave the airport area. In your case, you are arriving at 5pm and departing the next morning at 9am, giving a layover of about 16 hours.

Here are the main considerations:

  • If you stay in the airport: You can usually answer "Yes" to transit, because you are technically just passing through on your way to Bangkok. Shenzhen Airport has waiting lounges, seating areas, and some hotels inside or very close to the terminal for long layovers.
  • If you plan to leave the airport and stay at a hotel: You may need to answer "No" for transit if the system interprets your stopover as entering China rather than simply transferring flights. In this case, a visa might be required unless you are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit or another applicable transit policy.

Additional tips for a long layover at Shenzhen:

  • Shenzhen Airport has some transit hotels and pay-per-hour sleeping lounges where you can rest without leaving the secured area. This can be a convenient option for a 16-hour wait.
  • If you want to leave the airport, check in advance whether you qualify for visa-free transit, and book a hotel close to the airport to minimize travel time.
  • Keep your boarding passes and baggage information handy; some airlines can tag your luggage through to the final destination even if you leave the airport for a short stay.
  • Ensure you account for clearing security and immigration in the morning, so you have enough time to catch your onward flight.

In summary, if you plan to remain inside the airport for the night, you can safely select "Transit Yes." If you plan to leave the airport and stay at a hotel, verify the visa situation and possibly select "No" or follow airline instructions for a stopover requiring entry into China.

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