Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November travel from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) combines cold-weather planning with international check-in best practices. Expect shorter daylight, a higher chance of de-icing and winter delays, and heavy business travel in early November. Use the CTA Blue Line for reliable, budget-friendly access, or pre-book an airport shuttle or rideshare for convenience during off-peak hours. If you can't find nonstop service to SHA, search for flights to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and plan a domestic transfer to Hongqiao; many travelers use connecting hubs like Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), or Beijing (PEK) depending on airline. Nearby cities commonly accessing ORD include Chicago downtown, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Detroit—consider regional flights or ground links when comparing itineraries. Book early, check baggage rules for long-haul carriers, and set flight alerts for schedule changes; click to search ORD to SHA flights and lock in the best November fares.
In November, the most reliable options to reach O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from downtown Chicago are the CTA Blue Line train, rideshare services, airport shuttles, and licensed taxis. The Blue Line runs 24/7 and avoids road congestion during rush hour or holiday traffic, while rideshares and taxis are convenient if you have heavy luggage. Allow extra time for colder weather, potential snow, and holiday crowds—plan at least 90–120 minutes for airport arrival for international departures.
For international flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) in November, arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. November is a busy travel month with business travel and pre-holiday trips, so arriving early ensures time for check-in, security lines, and any irregular weather-related delays. If you need special assistance or have oversized baggage, add an extra 30–45 minutes.
Direct nonstops from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are more commonly scheduled to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) rather than Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). In November, most itineraries to SHA involve one connection—often via a major Asian hub like Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), or via a domestic transfer in China (PVG to SHA). Check airlines for seasonal schedules and consider flights to PVG with a short domestic transfer to SHA if you prefer Hongqiao.
November in Chicago brings cooler temperatures and a chance of snow or freezing rain, which can cause de-icing delays and occasional schedule changes at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Airlines may enforce winter weight and balance procedures, so oversized or unbalanced cargo could be restricted. Monitor your flight status, sign up for airline alerts, and allow extra connection time because winter weather can create cascading delays on transpacific routes.
Travelers flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) often connect from or to nearby major cities such as Chicago (downtown), Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Madison. These cities feed passengers into ORD for international flights to destinations like Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), making ORD a major Midwest gateway. If you're coming from these cities, consider regional flights or rail + Blue Line connections to optimize your itinerary.
Arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) in November offers a comfortable gateway to central Shanghai and nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Nanjing. SHA's direct metro connection (Line 2 and Line 10) and the adjacent Hongqiao Railway Station make onward travel fast—high-speed trains link travelers to Suzhou and Hangzhou in under an hour, a popular choice for business and leisure. November's pleasant, cool weather is ideal for walking tours of the Bund, historic lanes, and urban parks; however, pack layers and an umbrella for light rain. For international flyers routed through PVG, plan a domestic transfer to SHA via the Maglev + metro or private transfer if time-sensitive. Use this guide to compare transfer times, check visa and immigration requirements, and book in advance for business travel tied to November trade events. Book SHA transfers and search Shanghai hotels now to secure November availability.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is conveniently connected to downtown Shanghai via Metro Line 2 and Line 10, high-speed rail at Hongqiao Railway Station, taxis, and airport shuttles. In November, the weather is cool and comfortable for arriving passengers; metro and rail are usually the fastest options during peak hours. For door-to-door convenience, a licensed taxi or pre-booked ride will take you directly to hotels in central districts like Jing'an, Huangpu, and Xuhui.
Direct nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are uncommon; most transpacific services land at Shanghai Pudong (PVG). In November, travelers often route through a connecting hub or fly into PVG and transfer domestically to SHA by fast train or shuttle. Always compare itineraries for total door-to-door time rather than nonstop vs. one-stop pricing alone.
Several November events can affect ORD→SHA travel demand and hotel availability. In Shanghai, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) often occurs in November and draws international buyers and exhibitors to the city, increasing demand for SHA and PVG airport transfers and hotels. Singles' Day (November 11) also drives retail activity across China and can increase business-related travel and logistics. In Chicago, U.S. Thanksgiving travel spikes in late November, causing higher fares and busier airports around ORD. Business conferences and seasonal trade shows in both cities can create localized demand—book flights and hotels early if you're attending major November events. CTA: If traveling for an expo, reserve flights and ground transfers now to avoid premium pricing.
For the ORD→SHA route in November, the best time to fly for lower fares and fewer delays is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and on overnight departures that arrive next-day local time. Early-morning departures from ORD reduce the chance of cascading delays caused by previous-day weather disruptions. Avoid U.S. Thanksgiving week if possible—prices and congestion spike. If flexibility allows, search for itineraries arriving into PVG late-night with a short domestic transfer to SHA the following morning to maximize seat availability and savings.
Direct nonstops (commonly to PVG) reduce total travel time and simplify baggage handling, making them attractive for November travel when weather can complicate connections. However, flights into Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) often require at least one connection; connecting itineraries can be significantly cheaper and provide more schedule flexibility. Popular connection hubs for ORD→SHA include Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), and Beijing (PEK), each offering frequent onward flights. If you choose a connecting flight in November, allow generous layovers—2.5–4 hours for international-to-domestic transfers in China—to accommodate customs and potential winter delays at ORD.
United Airlines: Often offers nonstop service to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) from O'Hare (ORD) when scheduled; strong Star Alliance connectivity for onward travel and lounge access. China Eastern: Frequently routes into both PVG and SHA via regional networks and offers convenient domestic transfers between PVG and SHA. American Airlines and Delta: Typically provide one-stop itineraries via partner carriers and Asian hubs; good mileage-earning options for loyal customers. Korean Air and ANA: Useful one-stop options through ICN or NRT/HND respectively, with strong inflight service and transfer efficiency. For November, compare total transit time, baggage allowances, change fees, and alliance benefits—particularly if your ticket requires a separate domestic transfer in Shanghai. CTA: Search and compare ORD to SHA November fares across alliances to find the best balance of price and convenience.
Packing & clothing: November in Shanghai is cool—pack layers, a medium-weight jacket, and an umbrella; in Chicago expect colder conditions and possible snow—carry gloves and an insulated coat for airport transfers. Documents & visas: Verify your Chinese visa or entry permit well before departure; expedited services can take several business days. Health & safety: Bring face masks and hand sanitizer; monitor any entry health requirements as they can change seasonally. Flight prep: Choose an aisle or exit-row seat for frequent move breaks on long-haul flights; bring noise-cancelling headphones and a travel pillow to manage the 14+ hour time difference. Airport transfers: If flying into PVG, plan at least 3–4 hours for transfer to SHA when accounting for customs, immigration, and ground transportation in November. CTA: Check visa rules and book your SHA transfer in advance for a stress-free November arrival.
Estimated flight durations for the ORD→SHA route in November vary by routing. A nonstop Chicago–Shanghai Pudong (PVG) flight typically takes about 13–14 hours (subject to winds). Since direct service to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) from ORD is rare, expect one-stop itineraries averaging 16–22 hours door-to-door with common layover hubs such as Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Beijing (PEK), or a domestic leg from PVG to SHA. Time difference: Chicago (Central Standard Time, UTC−6 in November during standard time) to Shanghai (China Standard Time, UTC+8) is 14 hours ahead—account for jet lag and schedule planning. November schedules can include additional evening departures to align with business traveler demand; check airline timetables and set notifications for schedule changes.
To find cheap flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) in November, search 6–10 weeks ahead and be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often yield lower fares; avoid peak booking windows around U.S. Thanksgiving week. Compare flights into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and factor in the cost/time of domestic transfer to SHA—some savings on PVG can offset the transfer. Use fare alerts, mix-and-match one-way tickets, and check alliance partners (United + China Eastern code-shares) for discounted round-trip pricing. Consider nearby departure points for lower fares: sometimes flying from Milwaukee or Detroit into ORD as a separate leg reduces total cost. CTA Blue Line savings and pre-booked airport parking can further trim total trip expenses. CTA: Set a fare alert for 'ORD to SHA November' now to capture sale prices.
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Upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), prepare passports, valid visas or entry permits, and completed arrival forms as required by Chinese immigration. November is not a peak holiday for Chinese New Year, so immigration queues can be moderate—however, large conferences or expos can increase wait times. Have your accommodation address ready and follow signage to immigration and baggage claim; global entry-type expedited lanes are not universally available, so allot time.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) serves many domestic routes and regional connections to cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing, and Wuxi. In November, business travel ramps up between these economic centers and Shanghai. If you're arriving internationally and need to visit these destinations, consider convenient high-speed train options from Hongqiao Railway Station or short domestic flights.
November in Shanghai is cool and dry with average temperatures from 10–17°C (50–63°F). Pack a light to medium jacket, layers for varying indoor heating, and a compact umbrella for occasional drizzle. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring neighborhoods like the French Concession and the Bund; carry a power adapter (Type A/C/I) and check electronics voltage compatibility before travel.
