Shanghai has further streamlined transfers between its two airports, making it easier for travelers arriving at Pudong to connect to domestic flights from Hongqiao.

A check-in counter for flights departing from the Hongqiao International Airport opened at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport on Nov 2. Passengers arriving at Pudong and transferring to a domestic flight at Hongqiao can check in and drop off their baggage there for same-day Hongqiao flights, so they can transfer hands-free.

The counter serves passengers transferring to domestic flights operated by seven airlines: Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Xizang Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, and Lucky Air.

The opening of the Airport Link Line has reduced travel time between the two airports to about 40 minutes.

Last year, China Eastern Airlines upgraded its inter-airport transfer service using the Airport Link Line. Eligible passengers can complete check-in and drop off their baggage at their departure airport. After arriving at Hongqiao, they can travel to Pudong and board their international flight without reclaiming their baggage.

The corresponding cross-airport check-in counter for flights departing from Pudong is scheduled to open at Hongqiao in December.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline for minimum connection times and baggage rules before using the counter.

Check-in counter information

Location: Next to Exit C in the domestic arrivals area, Floor 2, Terminal 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Operating hours: 5 am - 8 pm daily. Check-in at this counter closes 3.5 hours before the onward flight's scheduled departure.

Supported airlines: Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Xizang Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, and Lucky Air.

Eligibility: Same-day domestic flights departing from Hongqiao and operated by the seven supported airlines.

Language assistance: Staff provide assistance in Chinese and basic English.

Airport Link Line

Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 to Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2:

First train: 5:45 am; last train: 10 pm.

Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2:

First train: 6 am; last train: 10:15 pm.

Service interval: Every 15 minutes.

Fares: Starting at 4 yuan (about 60 cents), with a full fare of 26 yuan between the two airports. The fare is calculated at 0.45 yuan per kilometer per person.

Sources: Shanghai Airport Authority, Shanghai Observer, Baoshan district government