Pudong airport unveils updated services to enhance transit experience
Shanghai Pudong International Airport launched eight upgraded services on July 1, significantly enhancing the airport's transit infrastructure and passenger experience.
Faster and smarter flight connections
To streamline transfers, the airport has partnered with customs, border control, and airlines to shorten connection times across various routes. For passengers transferring within the same terminal, domestic-to-domestic connections will require just 60 minutes, while domestic-to-international and international-to-international connections are set at 75 minutes. Transfers between terminals — such as from T1 to S1 or T2 to S2 — will take a minimum of 75 minutes for domestic-to-domestic, and 90 minutes for international flights.
24-hour services
In a move to support growing international traffic and late-night transit needs, Pudong airport will implement 24-hour customs, immigration, and security screening services for all outbound international flights. Supporting facilities such as duty-free tax refund counters, self-service check-in kiosks, and baggage drop machines will also operate around the clock, ensuring uninterrupted processing throughout the day and night.
Worry-free transit facilities
For long-haul passengers facing extended layovers, the airport is launching a "worry-free transit" initiative, introducing 13 rest pods and 11 shower rooms in key terminals. Additional lodging options — including new full-service hotels and capsule-style accommodations — are in the pipeline, ensuring greater convenience and comfort within the airport premises.
Future overnight stay options at Pudong airport will offer greater variety for travelers. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
PuLe GO: Digital dining and shopping reinvented
The "PuLe GO (浦乐GO)" WeChat mini program serves as a one-stop smart shopping and food delivery platform. It allows passengers to order meals from their departure gates — even from vendors outside the secure area — and receive robot-delivered orders without leaving their boarding zones.
Midnight stopover rest areas
To help travelers who arrive late or face overnight layovers, Pudong airport has introduced midnight stopover zones in key areas such as T1 domestic arrivals, T2 mixed-flow corridors, and international departures. These spaces offer reclining sofas, lounge chairs, and access to 24-hour amenities, including power outlets, convenience stores, vending machines, and late-night food outlets.
Passengers can lie down and rest without the need to book a hotel. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
Flight delay comfort support
To address disruptions caused by flight delays, the airport will collaborate with airlines to distribute meal vouchers to eligible passengers. This initiative allows affected travelers to choose from a variety of dining options across the terminal, improving their experience during unforeseen delays.
Digital lost & found system
Pudong airport's new "lost & found fast-track" system brings item recovery into the digital era. Passengers can report and track lost belongings through the airport's official WeChat mini program. Upon confirmation, they can collect their items in person — saving time and reducing unnecessary foot traffic in terminals.
Pet-friendly transit services
The new pet services offer specialized check-in counters and designated pathways for passengers traveling with pets. This ensures owners and their pets remain together throughout the journey, streamlining the check-in and boarding process.
Pudong airport launches dedicated lanes for passengers traveling with pets. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
Sources: Official WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu", Shanghai Observer