Short transfer in Shanghai Pudong DOM > INT.. enough time?

Question

Hi all, I'm looking at flying Dalian > Sydney via Shanghai Pudong. The tripdotcom-suggested domestic flight and connecting international flight is a single booking, both with China Eastern, luggage booked through. The transfer time is just 1.5 hours.. is this enough for baggage/immigration etc or is the computer just dreaming? I'm not a particularly experienced traveller, and this is the first time I've connected a domestic flight directly to international.. Guessing I'll need to enter immigration channels in Shanghai? Any tips much appreciated, thanks! [reposting here, deleting original post from generic Asia forum.. newbie!]

Answer

A 1.5-hour connection between a domestic flight and an international flight at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is technically possible but is considered very tight, even if both flights are on a single booking with China Eastern and your luggage is checked through. Here are the key points to consider and tips for a smooth transfer:

Transfer and process considerations:

Since you are connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight, you will need to clear immigration and security for your international departure. Even with luggage checked through, you must pass through customs and security screening, which can take time.
Shanghai Pudong is a large airport, and domestic arrivals and international departures are in different terminals. If your domestic flight lands in Terminal 1 or 2 and your international flight departs from Terminal 1 or 2, you may need to use the inter-terminal shuttle or walk a considerable distance, adding to the transfer time.
Flight delays are always possible, especially on domestic legs, so a 1.5-hour window gives very little buffer if your first flight is late.

Tips to improve the connection experience:

Check in online for your international flight as early as possible and print boarding passes if allowed. This can save time at the counter.
Move quickly upon arrival—follow signs for international transfers to avoid backtracking.
If your domestic flight arrives late, inform China Eastern staff; sometimes priority lines for connecting passengers exist.
Pack lightly in carry-on to move through security efficiently and avoid delays retrieving luggage if checked bags are not automatically transferred.

Alternative advice:

If possible, consider booking a longer connection (2–3 hours) to reduce stress and allow for potential delays or long lines at immigration and security.
Ask China Eastern if they can provide assistance or a fast-track service for international connections. Some airlines provide dedicated transfer counters for tight connections.
Be prepared to move quickly and keep all documents handy, including passport, boarding pass, and itinerary, to speed up your transfer through immigration and security checks.

Summary:

1.5 hours is just enough under ideal circumstances, but it is tight. If your domestic flight is delayed or security lines are long, you could risk missing your international flight. If possible, consider a longer layover for a more comfortable and stress-free transfer. Being proactive, knowing the terminal layout, and moving swiftly can make this connection work.

Short transfer in Shanghai Pudong DOM > INT.. enough time?

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