Do Not take Shanghai transit going to London

[siri]

We took round the world Bus class one world 2 tickets and we have to use Shanghai as transit ( 6 hrs) to go to London via BA from Shanghai. Qantas new Bus class used from Syd to Shanghai and even though new design is pleasant and nice we both found (wife) that seats are not comfortable .
Even though no visa required for Shanghai transit and landing at T1, we were delayed by almost 2 hrs by the immigration with their new transit program and also we have to clear our baggages at T1. Funny thing is T1 to T2 ( to London with BA) was 10 mins walk and worst part was we have to wait for another 2 hrs at T2 before BA checking open, there was hardly any seats or areas at T2 terminal. Checking of baggages also got issues since after checking in, I was called to open one of my checked bag since they want to check a apple iPod inside the bag. Being very tired I forgot my new jacket at baggage security room and once we are at lounge near the gate 77, lounge staff called security and got my jacket back to me which I was so relieved.
I have taken Sydneyi to Beijing via Shanghai before with Qantas but with this time wasting at Shanghai , my advise is to avoid this city for transit to europe.

 

[Forg]

Yeah I’ve never read or heard anything good about transit through any airport in China.
Apparently even worse than the USA.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yeah I’ve never read or heard anything good about transit through any airport in China.

Unfortunately that's the way Qantas pushes you when trying to get Award seats to Europe - their China Eastern Partner ...

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Transfers at T1 at PVG are ok. Transfers at T2 will usually require you to collect bags (and enter China).

Transfering T1-T2 or v.v. - yeah - I'd probably recommend against that. And yes, check-in for most airlines only opens three hours before departure.

Forewarned is forearmed, but too late for the OP.

Bags at PVG are sent from check-in via x-ray. Your boarding passes aren't released until your bag has cleared x-ray. Usually this is pretty quick (20 seconds or so), but it they find something you will need to go down to your bag (at the end of the check-in row) and be present while they open it.

In some ways this is a good system, it means you are there, as opoosed to the TSA who might examine your bag without you.

 

[auriga]

Yeah I’ve never read or heard anything good about transit through any airport in China.
Apparently even worse than the USA.

Maybe a bit unfair.
I did a transit in Beijing, and it was fairly painless.

 

[siri]

Maybe a bit unfair.
I did a transit in Beijing, and it was fairly painless.

You are right, this transit problem is a Shanghai issue...

 

[Isochronous]

Thanks for the reminder why I avoid Chinese airports for transits. Always a nightmare - never heard of anyone who enjoys it!