Several years ago, there were customs issues with crew members deadheading in and out of PVG/China (no operational leg). Has anyone tried this recently? I want to deadhead from TPE to PVG on China Southern and catch the AA non-stop from PVG to LAX. Thanks,

 

There are not issues Deadheading into or out of China as a crew member.
(Don't Deadhead in Uniform)

The issues were Deadheading within China, i.e Jump-seat on FDX NRT-PVG and then try to Commercial PVG -SZX.

If you are ever Deadheading Out, always have a copy of your Gen Dec.

ROT(rule of thumb) is not to offer it unless they ask for it.

If you are going for FF Miles on AA, why not fly JAL TPE- NRT and NRT-LAX on AA?

 

Yes it can be a challenge. Did it recently, same routing. Took a bit to explain transit only to the immigration guy but only added about 10 extra minutes. Give yourself some extra time

 

The issue was DDH on a crew visa. As far as I know, that still exists and is why the HKG crews get the business visa.

 

Or if you have the bank, use Cathay TPE-HKG and then HKG-LAX and get those AA miles without having to suffer the AA service.

 

The issue with DDHing was DDing into SZX as a crew and subsequently DDHing out of PVG or a different city in Mainland China.

DDHing in/out of the same City i.e. CAN or PVG is no Big deal. Been there done that.

 

Maybe its changed. A few years ago it was a problem to DH in to PVG and entering the country on a crew visa and then DH out. The reason being is if they were granting you admission into the country using a crew visa, on the basis that you're going to operate as a crew member, then they expected you to be a crew member at some point. Otherwise, you're essentially using a crew visa as a tourist visa or something else, since you certainly didn't preform any crew duties.

This was a problem because there were a couple companies that were having crews DH into PVG where they sat for a few days (reserve or waiting on a plane) just to have them DH back out without ever using them. This is what got the Chinese excited.

I don't know of anyone that got anything more than spoken to over it.

It sounds like the OP is just trying to transit the airport which is completely different than the DH on a crew visa issue. I don't think there will be any issues.

 

My advice for what it is worth, whenever deviating in China always contact the respective ramp. I have deviated to PVG from CAN for the AA flight to LAX, and the "Chop letter" is worthless unless it has been faxed in by PVG ramp. E-mail PVG ramp with your itinerary and they will fax the necessary papers to immigration.

 

I flew a DH to PVG connecting to another DH to the US last summer. The only issue is that they don't do a transit connection where you can check your bags through to your final destination. You must clear immigration and customs, claim your bag the same way you would if PVG was your final stop. Then you have to re-check in with AA (in your case) as you would if PVG was your starting point. So, save yourself some time when you plan your connection there. Also, let the immigration officer know you are a transit passenger.

I'd second the recommendation to try the Cathay option. Even if you can only afford business class, it's still head and shoulders above the AA first class (especially if it's the newest version of their BC product - highly likely on a US route).

 

Thanks everyone. Deviation money is tight. I wish I could take Cathay, but not enough $. Sounds like I won't have too many issues. I will e-mail PVG Ramp -- good advice.