✈️ The Transit Protocol: International to Domestic

TL;DR: Pre-clear your Digital Entry Card. Allow at least 3.5 hours for transit. You must pick up your luggage and re-check it; there is no “automatic” through-check for international arrivals in 2026.

Prerequisites:

• Onward Flight Booking: Digital or paper.
• Digital Entry QR Code: Screenshot from Alipay.
• Physical Stamina: Shanghai (PVG) Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 is a 15-minute walk.

📋 The Runbook

1. The Immigration Sprint

• Step: Do not stop for currency exchange or SIM cards yet. Head straight to the Digital Entry Card kiosks.
• Verification: Ensure you have your luggage claim tags ready.
• Action: If the line looks >45 minutes, look for the “Express Transit” lane if you have a connecting flight in under 2 hours.

2. The Luggage Loop (Crucial)

• Step: You must go to the baggage claim and retrieve every checked bag. Even if the tag says “Final Destination,” it will not clear customs without you.
• Step: Take bags through the “Nothing to Declare” (Green) or “Goods to Declare” (Red) channel.
• Verification: Ensure you have all bags before heading to the “Domestic Departures” level.

3. Re-Check & Security

• Step: Head to the Domestic Departure counters (e.g., PVG T2 for China Eastern).
• Step: Re-scan your power banks at security. Critical Alert: Ensure your power bank capacity is clearly labeled (<160Wh). If not labeled, security will confiscate it.
• Verification: Confirm your gate number on the big board (gate changes are frequent).

🚨 Fallback (Plan B)

If your flight is delayed and you have <60 mins:

1. Find “Ground Service” (地面服务): Look for staff with “Connecting Flights” signs at the air bridge. They can sometimes guide you through a VIP transit lane.
2. Re-booking Logic: If you miss the flight, go to the airline’s Ticket Counter. Most domestic carriers will put you on the next flight for free if the delay was on their end, but you’ll need your 12306 app or booking ID.
3. Emergency Hotel: If stuck overnight, ask the airline for a “Stayover Voucher”. Many offer free 3-star hotel stays for missed connections.

💡 TechDad’s Tips

• The Terminal Shuttle: Don’t wait for the shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and 2 if you are in a rush; the Moving Walkway is often faster and more predictable.
• Battery Rules: Keep all lithium batteries in your Carry-on. If found in checked bags during the domestic re-check, they will be removed and you won’t be notified until you land.
• Food Strategy: Eat at the airport before you clear domestic security. The options “inside” are often limited to instant noodles or overpriced fast food.

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