Shanghai Airports Launch Streamlined Transfer Services

Shanghai Airport Authority launched a new transfer service to improve connections for international travelers.

The new initiative, entitled "Shanghai to the World, Seamless Transfers," aims to make transit through Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao airports faster and more convenient.

Travelers flying with 14 airlines can now enjoy smoother transfers between terminals at Pudong.

A new through-check service at Terminal 2 allows passengers to connect between domestic and international flights without rechecking baggage.

For passengers changing airports within Shanghai, a new "Airport Connect" service shortens the travel time between Hongqiao and Pudong airports to about 40 minutes using the city's Airport Link Line.

Dedicated counters at both airports allow China Eastern passengers to check in and drop off luggage in advance.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the 2025 North Bund International Aviation Forum, held at the Grand Halls in Hongkou District.

The event, co-hosted by China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airport Authority, gathered more than 300 industry representatives and experts to discuss the future of global aviation.

Travelers from nearby cities such as Suzhou and Kunshan can also check in at local "city terminals" before arriving in Shanghai.

The Suzhou Industrial Park terminal, for instance, supports both domestic and international flights, the first of its kind in China.

Pudong airport now offers 24-hour customs clearance and eight free rest areas, featuring more than 1,000 seats and 200 charging outlets. Showers, sleeping pods, and convenience stores are also available around the clock.

To make short stopovers more enjoyable, the airport and Shanghai's cultural authorities have introduced a free half-day tour for international passengers with at least eight hours of layover time. The tours visit city landmarks such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Normandie Apartments.

All stores at airports now accept major international cards such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as Apple Pay. Visitors can purchase a "Shanghai Pass" travel card using a foreign credit card, which allows access to the Metro and Maglev services.

Free Wi-Fi access has been simplified for foreign travelers through a quick passport scan, and SIM cards are available at 20 points in Pudong airport.

China Eastern unveiled its new "China Pass Card" at the forum, providing inbound travelers with discounts on air tickets, Wi-Fi, and a complimentary city tour.

Industry leaders also discussed sustainable aviation fuel and digital innovations shaping the next phase of air travel.