The carousel has stopped and your suitcase isn't there. Here's what to do at Pudong.
As one of China's busiest hubs, Pudong handles huge volumes of baggage. Most bags arrive safely, but missed connections and transfer problems can separate you from your luggage.
A delayed bag is not a lost bag. Report it before you leave, get an official reference and make sure the airline has the right delivery details.
At a glance: key recovery details
Where to report
Airline baggage desks in T1 and T2 arrivals
First step
File a PIR and get a reference
Airport hotline
021-96990
Airlines
MU 95530 · CA 95583 · CZ 95539
Tracking
Airline tracker or WorldTracer
Return
Delivery depends on airline and customs
Treated as lost
After 21 days (Montreal)
Expenses
Reasonable essentials, with receipts
The First 60 Minutes at Pudong
Golden rule: don't leave baggage claim without reporting it
Check the carousel
Watch the belt and the nearby oversized baggage area; bags taken off the belt may be set aside.
Find the desk
Follow signs for Baggage Inquiry or 行李查询 (xíngli cháxún).
File a PIR
Report the missing bag and get a tracing reference. Photograph it.
Confirm delivery details
Hotel address in English and Chinese, phone and checkout date.
Bring to the desk
- Passport or travel ID
- Boarding pass
- Baggage claim tag
- Flight number and arrival details
- A photo or description: colour, brand, size, distinctive features and labels
The PIR (Property Irregularity Report) is the official record that lets the airline trace your bag and process later claims. Keep the reference as a photo or screenshot.
Delivery slip: give the airline
Moving on to another city? Give the airline your full itinerary so the bag follows you.
Baggage Services by Terminal
Your arrival terminal depends on your airline
Terminal 1
- Domestic and international arrivals
- Main base for China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines
- China Eastern's published baggage inquiry rooms: international, opposite Carousel 10; domestic, opposite Carousel 3
Terminal 2
- Domestic and international arrivals
- Air China and many international airlines
- Follow your airline's baggage service signs or ask staff for the right counter
Who Handles Your Delayed Bag?
The operating airline is responsible
The airline that operated your flight, or its appointed ground handler, traces delayed checked baggage and arranges delivery. These numbers are airline customer service lines within mainland China; ask to be transferred to baggage tracing.
Shanghai Airport service hotline
021-96990
General airport enquiries and passenger help; not a dedicated baggage tracing line.
Tracking Your Luggage
WorldTracer, apps and what to expect
Many international airlines use WorldTracer, a global baggage tracing system; if yours does, you can enter your PIR reference on its tracking page. Others track bags through their own apps or websites.
Keep these handy
- PIR or case reference
- Flight number
- Baggage tag number
- Surname as in your passport
The first 24–48 hours
The airline traces the bag's last location and puts it on a flight to Shanghai, after which it is handled and cleared through customs. Simple cases can be solved in 24–48 hours, but misrouted, mistagged or multi-airline bags can take longer.
No update after 12–24 h?
- Is the case still active?
- Where was the bag last recorded?
- Is another airline or airport involved?
- What is the estimated arrival?
- How will it be delivered?
Delivery and Your Passenger Rights
Free delivery, expenses and liability limits
Before you agree to delivery, confirm
- Whether delivery is free
- Which courier will bring the bag
- Whether someone must be there to sign
- Whether customs paperwork or authorisation is needed
- Whether the address can change if you leave Shanghai
International bags may need customs clearance at Pudong before release; the airline or its agent will tell you what is required.
Your expense log
| Date | Item | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Toiletries | CNY … | Bag delayed |
| Day 1 | Change of clothes | CNY … | Meeting next day |
Keep every itemised receipt. Reasonable essentials may be reimbursed, but it is not automatic; airlines judge what was necessary.
1,519
SDR
Montreal Convention limit per passenger for baggage loss, damage and delay since 28 December 2024. It is a cap, not a fixed payment; compensation depends on proven loss.
21
days
Written delay claim after the bag is returned
7
days
Written damage claim after receiving the bag
21
days
Not arrived? Claim as lost
Delayed Bag or Lost Property?
Contact the right team
If...
Your checked bag never reached the carousel
Airline baggage service
If...
You left something inside the terminal
Shanghai Airport Lost & Found
If...
You left something on the plane
The operating airline
Essential Recovery Checklist
Tick these off before and after you leave PVG
A Final Word on Delayed Bags at Pudong
Report the missing bag to your airline before leaving arrivals, get an official reference, give accurate delivery details and follow up until your bag is back. Keep every receipt and message. A delayed suitcase is not a lost one, and with the right paperwork you can enjoy Shanghai while the airline reunites you with your luggage.
