Owais Crawford
Shanghai has two airports: Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports have faced issues with connecting flights, with some travellers reporting that a 40-minute connection time between flights is not enough to make their next flight. Shanghai's Pudong Airport has also been described as uncomfortable, with few amenities in pre-security areas and cold benches in post-security areas. However, the airport offers plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as lounges, art installations, and an IMAX theatre to keep travellers entertained during layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Shanghai Pudong International Airport |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Connecting Time Between Flights | 40 minutes is not enough time to connect between flights |
| Airport Amenities | Airport lounges, IMAX theatre, VR Zone, art installations, restaurants, cafes, shops, etc. |
| Transport Options | Maglev station, Airport Link Line of Shanghai Suburban Railway, airport buses, taxis (not recommended due to language issues) |
| Visa Requirements | For layovers under 24 hours, a visa may not be required; for longer layovers, a visa may be needed to leave the airport |
| Other Issues | Live-crab vending machines, expensive prices at eateries |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai Pudong Airport's lack of comfort and amenities
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is a major hub with two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). While the airport offers a range of amenities and facilities, some travellers have reported a lack of comfort and certain desired amenities.
For travellers with long layovers or those seeking a more comfortable sleeping environment, there are limited options within the airport. While there is an hourly hotel located in Terminal 2, offering private rooms, it may not be a viable option for extended stays due to its pricing structure. Additionally, the availability of sleep spots within the airport, especially in Terminal 1, is limited. The airside area provides more comfort with additional seating, but privacy can be challenging to find.
In terms of dining options, PVG offers a variety of eateries serving Chinese and Western cuisine. However, travellers have reported expensive prices at these dining establishments. While some restaurants are open 24 hours, they are mainly concentrated in Terminal 2, leaving Terminal 1 with fewer options.
The airport does provide a range of lounges, including the China Eastern VIP Lounge in Terminal 1 and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Terminal 2. These lounges offer comfortable seating, gourmet food, and other facilities. However, access to these lounges may require additional costs or memberships, which can be a deterrent for travellers on a budget.
Shanghai Pudong Airport also boasts unique features such as an IMAX theatre and a VR Zone. However, it is important to note that the airport's remote location can make local transportation a challenge. Taxis, for instance, may present language barriers for international travellers.
Overall, while Shanghai Pudong Airport offers a range of amenities, there are certain limitations and additional costs associated with accessing some of these services, which may impact the comfort and convenience of travellers, especially those with extended layovers or specific needs.
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Difficulty in making international transfers in under an hour
Shanghai has two airports: Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports are among the biggest in the world and serve millions of passengers annually. However, making international transfers in under an hour can be difficult due to several reasons.
Firstly, China's airspace is largely controlled by the military, leaving limited room for civilian aircraft. This military control can lead to unpredictable flight delays and cancellations, which are common occurrences in China's aviation system. The impact of these delays and cancellations on travellers can be significant, causing missed connections and disruptions to travel plans.
Secondly, the process of clearing customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) can take a considerable amount of time, especially for international departures. Passengers must go through CIQ and security checks before boarding a shuttle to the aircraft, which can take around 15 minutes. Obtaining the necessary visas or visa exemptions can also be a time-consuming process, and certain requirements must be met for visa-free stays during short layovers.
Additionally, Shanghai's airports have experienced issues with parking availability. Overnight parking, in particular, can be challenging at Hongqiao Airport (ZSSS) due to high demand. This may require passengers to reposition to an alternate airport, adding time and complexity to their journey.
Furthermore, transfer times between the two airports in Shanghai can take up to 40 minutes using the Airport Link Line of the Shanghai Suburban Railway. While this connection provides a direct link, it can still contribute to the overall time required for an international transfer.
To successfully make an international transfer in under an hour, travellers would need to carefully coordinate their arrival and departure timings, ensuring efficient navigation through the necessary processes at the airport. This may involve seeking assistance from airport personnel or utilising specialised services to expedite the transfer process.
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The high cost of food at the airport
Shanghai Pudong Airport has been criticised for its high food prices. While there are around five dozen eateries to choose from, most of these are outposts of the same few chains: Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh, plus many cafes and Western options. A few Starbucks and Burger Kings also stay open 24 hours a day. However, many travellers have complained about the high prices, even at fast-food kiosks.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may want to consider purchasing food before arriving at the airport. There are no issues with bringing outside food through airport security. Alternatively, you could opt for an all-inclusive layover experience by purchasing access to one of the airport's lounges, where you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks. Several lounges cater to all travellers, so even if you are an economy class flyer, you can pay to enter.
If you have a particularly long layover, you might prefer to leave the airport and find a restaurant in Shanghai. However, keep in mind that this may not be possible depending on your passport and the layover country's visa rules. For example, those with a South African passport have reported not being allowed to leave the airport during a layover under 24 hours in Shanghai.
If you do decide to stay at the airport, there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself entertained during your layover. Shanghai Pudong Airport has an IMAX theatre, a VR Zone, and an aviation museum. You can also explore the airport's luscious green gardens with flowers and calming water settings or visit the art installations featuring works by famous Chinese artists.
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The availability of unique shopping experiences
Shanghai has two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport.
Hongqiao Airport is much closer to downtown Shanghai and has better infrastructure for general aviation. It also has a very stringent curfew from 00:01-06:00 LT. The airport provides free fast Wi-Fi and power sockets/USB ports in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is a sole duty-free shop in Terminal 1, called Sunrise Duty-Free, which sells upscale perfumes, cosmetics, skin-care products, tobacco, and liquors. Terminal 2 has more restaurants, including Western-style food options. Artspace in Terminal 2 displays antiques, modern art, and paintings. There are two VIP lounges in Terminal 1 and eight in Terminal 2.
Pudong International Airport is 30 kilometres from downtown Shanghai. It has two runways and two terminals. The airport has been using the Airport Collaborative Decision Making system (A-CDM) since January 2017, which has improved on-time performance and safety. There is an Airport Link Line of the Shanghai Suburban Railway that connects the two airports, with a maximum travel time of 40 minutes. There are also eight airport bus lines that serve the airport.
Both airports have refrigeration facilities for leftover catering, and ground handlers can coordinate local transport. However, it is not recommended to use local taxis due to language issues. Plane-side pick-up/drop-off with private vehicles is not permitted unless it is an air ambulance with prior arrangements.
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The airport's use of the Airport Collaborative Decision Making system
The Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system is a joint initiative aimed at improving the operational efficiency of airport operators. It is a collaborative effort between ACI EUROPE, EUROCONTROL, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO).
A-CDM seeks to reduce delays, increase the predictability of events during a flight, and optimise the utilisation of resources. This is achieved by improving the transparency and collaboration between airport partners (airport operators, aircraft operators, ground handlers, and ATC) and the Network Manager. Relevant and timely information is exchanged to optimise processes, especially aircraft turn-round and pre-departure.
A-CDM is now fully integrated into the Single European Sky (SES) regulations of the European Union, which outlines binding objectives and requirements for member states and the aviation industry. The implementation of A-CDM has also been considered in the United States, with the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) working to include airport operators in the initiative.
For smaller airports where a full A-CDM implementation is not feasible, the Advanced ATC Tower concept offers an alternative. This concept allows for the integration of a very small subset of A-CDM information with the ATFCM Network, providing a step towards full A-CDM adoption.
The A-CDM system has proven successful, with Kunming Changshui International Airport in China becoming the first aviation hub in the country to implement it in 2014. By 2017, the airport's on-time performance had reached an impressive 85.3%.
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Frequently asked questions
A minimum connection time of 40 minutes is not enough to make a connecting flight, even if both flights are within Terminal 2. A minimum of 2-3 hours is recommended.
Shanghai Pudong Airport has a range of activities to keep you entertained during layovers, including an IMAX theatre, VR Zone, art installations, an aviation museum, and an indoor garden. There are also several lounges, such as the China Eastern VIP Lounge and the Cathay Pacific Lounge, which offer facilities like gourmet food, private shower suites, and comfortable seating areas.
Shanghai Pudong Airport has around five dozen eateries, including Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh, as well as cafes and Western options like Starbucks and Burger King. For a more upscale dining experience, try Ding Tai Fung or Old Shanghai Restaurant for traditional Chinese dishes.
For a layover under 24 hours in Shanghai, a short-stay visa may be possible with prior approval. For longer layovers, a visa may be required, depending on your passport and the visa rules of the country where you are laying over.
