Shanghai Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Shanghai Pudong Airport
Passengers departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) will check in at one of the main terminal buildings, Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2), before continuing via a 3-minute shuttle train to a large satellite terminal (for Gates G or H only). The Satellite Terminal is divided into S1 and S2 concourses.
The Shanghai Pudong Airport Departures Hall features airline counters and self-service kiosks where you can check in for your flight and collect a physical boarding pass. Some airlines offer a dedicated “Bag Drop” lane to help expedite the check-in process.
If you choose to use either of these options, keep in mind that the cut-off for checking in is 40-45 minutes before take-off for domestic flights, and 60 minutes for international flights, unless you’re flying with Ethiopian Airlines, then it’s 90 minutes.
Finally, you can also choose to check in online, which is ideal for passengers without luggage. However, if you do have luggage, you can still drop this off with your airline on arrival to the terminal.
*Terminal 3 is currently being built.
Terminal 1
Location – The Check-in Hall is located on the Third Floor.
Departure Hall (T1 & S1) – The boarding area and lounges are located on the Third Floor.
Terminal 2
Location – The Check-in Hall is located on the Third Floor.
Departure Hall (T2 & S2) – The boarding area and lounges are located on the Third Floor.
When to arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Departures should aim to arrive three hours ahead of their scheduled flight. Domestic passengers need slightly less time as they don’t need to clear Immigration, so 2 hours should be sufficient.
On long weekends and during busy holiday periods, it’s worth allowing a little extra time and following your airline’s guidelines on when to arrive.
What’s next?
Passengers will find the departure procedures at Shanghai Pudong Airport similar to other international airports. Once you have your boarding pass, follow the signs to the Immigration gates, or if you’re flying domestically, you can skip this step and head straight to Security.
The Immigration officer will ask for your passport and Departure Card, which you should have been handed and – hopefully – told to keep on arrival. If you’ve lost it during your travels, not to worry, just notify a staff member.
At Security, international passengers will be asked to remove any liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) into a separate plastic bag and place them in one of the tubs provided. The LAG rules state that no container can be over 100 mL, and you can’t carry more than 1 liter in total. If you’re beyond this limit, make sure you pack these items in your checked luggage. Domestic flights are even more restrictive, allowing just toothpaste, shaving cream, and makeup in your carry-on bag.
On a good day, security screening takes 30 minutes or less, but wait times can increase to 1 hour during busy periods. Want to spend more time relaxing in the Departures area? Several third-party operators offer a fast-track service, although these are not affiliated with the airport.
For more details about the airport, check out our comprehensive Shanghai Pudong Airport Guide.
What to do in Departures at Shanghai Pudong Airport?
Despite being the largest satellite terminal in the world, most amenities for Shanghai Pudong Airport Departures are found in T1 and T2. There are dozens of bars and restaurants, airline lounges, and duty-free stores, on top of a wide variety of shops. Other services include free WiFi, children’s play areas, toilets, and money exchange services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Pudong Airport?
The Pudong Airport recommends passengers arrive 3 hours in advance for international travel, and 2 hours in advance for regional or domestic flights. In any case, it’s best to follow your airline’s guidelines.