Connecting flights in China: immigration, bags and timing
You go through Chinese immigration at your first stop in mainland China, often collect and re-check your bags, then go through security again. Leave at least 3 hours on one ticket. If you're using Hainan visa-free entry, don't connect in mainland China; connect outside it instead, for example in Hong Kong.
On this page
Relying on Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry? This page is for travelers with a Chinese visa, nationwide visa-free entry or 240-hour transit. If you rely on Hainan's policy, you must land in Hainan first, so read flights to Hainan.
What happens at a mainland connection
When an international flight connects to a domestic flight, your first mainland airport is where you:
- Go through immigration. Queues can be long.
- Collect your bags and clear customs. Often you then re-check them at an "international to domestic transfer" counter. Some airlines check bags through to Hainan; ask when you book or check in.
- Go through security again. Some airports also need a terminal change.
- Walk to your domestic gate.
When you land in Hainan on the domestic flight, there's no immigration. Just collect your bags and go.
Connection times
| Connection | Leave at least |
|---|---|
| Mainland city, one ticket | 3 hours |
| Mainland city, separate tickets | 4–5 hours |
| Hong Kong, one ticket | 2 hours |
| Hong Kong, separate tickets | 3–4 hours |
Connecting in Hong Kong
- One ticket: stay airside, no Hong Kong entry, bags usually go through. Immigration happens when you land in Haikou or Sanya.
- Separate tickets: enter Hong Kong, collect bags, check in again.
One ticket vs two
On one ticket, the airline rebooks you if a delay makes you miss the connection. On separate tickets, you're on your own and may need to buy a new ticket. On Trip.com, check each connection against the table above and skip itineraries that leave less time.