Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) typically include a mix of nonstop and one-stop services operated by major international carriers. Expect slightly higher passenger volumes around U.S. Thanksgiving—book early to secure the best nonstop fares. Typical flight windows for long-haul departures are late afternoon to overnight, taking advantage of slot availability and connecting traffic from nearby cities such as Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Weather can be variable: early November usually sees mild conditions while late November can bring snow; pack accordingly and allow buffer time for ground transportation. Use airline alerts and consider flexible tickets to account for schedule changes; monitor deals for mid-week departures to find lower prices. CTA Blue Line and rideshare are reliable ways to reach ORD, while long-term parking promotions can save money for multi-week international trips. Book now to lock in cheap flights from Chicago to Shanghai in November and sign up for fare alerts.
At Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), standard TSA security screening applies; arrive at least 3 hours prior to international departures like ORD to PVG in November to allow time for check-in, baggage drop, and security lines that can increase during autumn holiday travel. Many carriers offer online check-in 24 hours before departure and dedicated international counters at Terminal 5 and shared counters in Terminals 1–3 depending on the airline. For the smoothest experience, have your passport, visa or travel authorization, and any required health documentation ready and enroll in TSA PreCheck if eligible.
You can reach Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from downtown Chicago by the CTA Blue Line train (about 45–50 minutes), rideshare services (30–60 minutes depending on traffic), airport shuttles, or taxis. In November, allow extra travel time for possible rain or early snow and heavier traffic around Thanksgiving; CTA typically remains reliable. If you’re traveling from nearby major cities like Milwaukee or Indianapolis, consider flight+rail connections or park-and-fly options at ORD.
Baggage allowances for ORD→PVG flights depend on your airline and fare class; most international carriers include at least one checked bag in economy, but low-cost or basic economy fares may charge extra. As of November, there are no China-wide COVID-19 quarantine mandates, but airlines and Chinese immigration may require health declarations or vaccination proof—check your carrier and the Chinese embassy guidance before departure. Always check airline-specific size and weight limits, and consider travel insurance for trip disruptions.
November typically sees stable long-haul schedules with several weekly nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), especially around mid-November. Airlines may adjust frequencies around U.S. Thanksgiving and Chinese Golden Week remnants; booking early can secure better nonstop options. Check airline schedules and book direct flights if you prefer fewer connections.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub with convenient connections to Midwest cities like Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Madison, Detroit, and St. Louis via short domestic flights or regional rail and bus services. If you’re connecting onward to PVG, allow at least 2–3 hours between domestic arrival and international departure to clear security and international bag checks. ORD’s consolidated rental car center and inter-terminal transit make connections manageable.
November sees peak travel spikes around U.S. Thanksgiving week, which can mean fuller flights and higher prices on ORD→PVG routes; mid-November weekdays often have lower fares and easier security lines. Weather in late November can introduce delays due to early-season snow or winter storms, so monitor forecasts and sign up for airline delay alerts. For best results, book flexible fares or travel protection and check the airline's operational updates.
Arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in November is generally straightforward with efficient immigration counters and a wide set of transfer options. November’s mild, dry climate favors ground transfers to popular nearby destinations such as central Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. The Maglev remains the fastest option to Longyang Road for downtown connections, while high-speed rail and intercity buses offer fast links to regional cities. Expect immigration processing times to be moderate; evenings and overnight arrivals can be busier due to several long-haul schedules. To optimize your arrival, pre-book airport transfers or check rail timetables, purchase local SIM/eSIM or arrange Wi-Fi, and prepare required travel documents. Book hotels in Shanghai or nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou early for the best rates in November.
Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), you’ll go through immigration and customs; in November, processing times can vary but generally take 30–90 minutes depending on queues and arrival peak times. Ensure your passport, visa or valid travel authorization, and any completed health declaration forms are ready. Baggage claim halls are organized by flight number and arrivals are distributed across Terminals 1 and 2 and the dedicated international terminal areas.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) offers multiple ground transport options including the Maglev train to Longyang Road (about 8 minutes plus transfer), airport shuttle buses to central Shanghai and suburbs, taxis, rideshares, and private transfers. From PVG, you can also access high-speed rail or road connections to nearby major destinations like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Ningbo—travel times vary from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. In November, traffic is moderate and cooler temperatures make travel comfortable, but allow extra time during holiday windows.
In November, U.S. Thanksgiving is the primary event affecting departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), causing higher fares and busier terminals around the holiday. In Shanghai and nearby cities, November features cultural events like autumn art fairs, food festivals, and occasional trade shows that can affect hotel availability and local transit. While China’s major Golden Week is in October, some November trade exhibitions in Shanghai may increase intra-country travel through Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Plan ahead during U.S. holiday weeks and book accommodations near central Shanghai, Suzhou, or Hangzhou early to secure the best options.
The best time to fly ORD to PVG in November is typically mid-November weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) when demand and fares are lower compared with Thanksgiving week. Late-evening departures from Chicago that arrive in Shanghai the next afternoon are common and can offer more comfortable sleep cycles and potentially lower fares. If your schedule is flexible, avoid U.S. Thanksgiving travel windows and consider a return after the holiday rush to save money and reduce the risk of delays. For travelers heading from ORD to nearby hubs before connecting to PVG, early morning domestic flights that allow a 3+ hour international connection are recommended.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) save time and reduce the stress of connections, typically taking 14–15 hours. However, connecting itineraries through hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Doha can be notably cheaper and may provide more schedule flexibility. In November, nonstop options are preferred to minimize disruption during possible winter weather, while connecting flights can offer significant savings if you’re flexible. Consider luggage transfer policies, visa transit requirements, and minimum connection times when booking one-stop routings.
Major carriers on the ORD→PVG route include United Airlines (nonstop), China Eastern Airlines (nonstop or codeshare), and several one-stop international carriers like Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Emirates via connecting hubs. United often offers convenient nonstop timing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) with solid onboard service; China Eastern may provide competitive pricing and good connectivity within China to cities such as Suzhou and Hangzhou. One-stop carriers can offer lower fares and more routing options but require additional transit time. Compare baggage allowances, seat comfort, loyalty program benefits, and COVID/health policies when choosing your carrier.
November travel between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) requires attention to packing for cool weather—layers, a warm jacket, and travel adapters for China are recommended. Expect Chicago to possibly experience early cold snaps or light snow; allow extra transit time to ORD and choose flights with flexible change policies. For arrivals in Shanghai, light jackets and umbrellas are useful as November is typically mild and drier than summer months. Bring copies of travel documents, download essential apps (airline, maps, translation), and consider eSIM or local SIM options for connectivity at PVG. CTA: prepare your travel checklist and book flexible fares to reduce stress during November travel.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) generally take about 14 to 15 hours westbound or eastbound depending on winds and routing. Many airlines operate overnight departures from ORD to arrive in PVG mid-to-late afternoon local time; one-stop options via hubs such as Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), or Dubai (DXB) typically add 2–6 hours of total travel time depending on layover length. In November, airlines maintain consistent schedules but may reduce frequencies around Thanksgiving; check specific carrier timetables for daily or weekly flight counts. For accurate planning, verify scheduled block times and monitor daylight-saving time changes that can affect local arrival/departure clock times.
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in November, search flexible date calendars, target mid-week departures (Tuesdays–Thursdays), and book at least 6–10 weeks in advance for the best long-haul fares. Monitor airline flash sales from carriers operating the route and use price alerts on major OTAs and meta-search engines. Consider one-stop itineraries through hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Dubai if nonstop fares are high—these can be cheaper and sometimes shorter depending on routing. Use rewards points or airline miles to offset costs, and compare round-trip vs. open-jaw pricing when visiting nearby cities like Suzhou or Hangzhou. CTA: set fare alerts for ORD to PVG and compare multiple airlines to secure the best November deal.
Yes, China enforces strict customs and agricultural controls; declaring food, plant material, or large amounts of currency is mandatory. In November, agricultural inspections continue as usual, with heightened checks on certain seasonal items—avoid bringing fresh fruit or unprocessed meats. Familiarize yourself with customs declaration forms and permitted items to avoid fines or confiscation.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) features a variety of airline and independent lounges in the international arrivals sections, as well as transit hotels and sleeping pods in Terminal areas and nearby airport hotels. Lounges often include showers and business facilities useful after a long ORD→PVG overnight flight. In November, demand for lounges increases slightly with peak travel periods—consider booking lounge access in advance if available through your airline or third-party providers.
November in Shanghai typically brings cool, dry weather with average highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows near 8°C (46°F). Fog can occur occasionally in mornings and may mildly affect short-haul flights or road visibility, but major delays are uncommon. Travel times to nearby cities like Suzhou or Hangzhou by road or rail remain reliable; check high-speed rail schedules for efficient transfers and allow extra time for city-center transfers during morning fog or holiday weekends.
