Complete travel information for your November journey
November departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Washington (All Airports) (WASA) typically face cooler weather in Shanghai and increasing demand later in the month as U.S. Thanksgiving approaches. Expect earlier check-in times for international flights (recommended 3 hours), seasonal schedule adjustments, and occasional airline promotions after Singles' Day (November 11). Check flight status and book early to secure preferred schedules and fares.
Most PVG to Washington (All Airports) (WASA) itineraries in November are one-stop or two-stop routings via major hubs such as Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Hong Kong (HKG), or European hubs. Nonstop services are rare and seasonal; when available, nonstop flight time is typically around 13 to 15 hours. Search for both nonstop and connecting options to balance travel time and price.
PVG experiences moderate traffic in early November, with spikes around November 11 (Singles' Day) and increasing passenger volumes in the latter half of November due to return-travel for U.S. Thanksgiving. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often have lower fares and less congestion compared with weekend or holiday-adjacent dates. Consider early November travel for better availability and prices.
For international departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), arrive at least three hours before departure for check-in and baggage drop. Expect security screening and passport/visa checks; have all travel documents (passport, U.S. visa or ESTA where applicable) ready. Fast-track and priority lanes are available with certain airlines or memberships. Monitor airline emails for terminal and gate changes.
In November, you can reach Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) via Metro Line 2, Maglev train, airport shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-hail services. Expect slightly longer travel times during morning and evening commuting hours. Allow extra time on days with heavy shopping traffic around Singles' Day events and check Metro/road advisories before you travel.
Standard international baggage rules apply based on your airline and fare class; typical economy allowances are one or two checked bags up to 23–30 kg each. COVID-era restrictions have largely been lifted, but airlines may enforce health declarations or pre-departure testing if regulations change — always verify current requirements with your carrier before departure. Purchase travel insurance that covers schedule changes and health contingencies.
Arriving in the Washington area in November means cooler temperatures and possible busy terminals around U.S. Thanksgiving (late November). Expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures on arrival, baggage claim waits, and ground transport options to D.C., Baltimore, and surrounding suburbs. Plan for longer processing times on peak days and consider expedited entry programs if eligible.
Washington (All Airports) (WASA) represents the main metropolitan airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI). Choose based on final destination: IAD is best for suburban Maryland and northern Virginia, DCA is closest to downtown D.C., and BWI often has lower fares and is convenient for Baltimore and southern suburbs. Ground transportation and transfer times differ, so factor in onward connections.
Thanksgiving (late November) increases arrivals into the Washington area with higher volumes of domestic connecting passengers, leading to busier baggage claim areas, longer taxi queues, and higher ground-transport demand. If you plan to arrive around Thanksgiving, expect higher fares and limited hotel inventory. Consider arriving earlier in the month or booking connections well in advance.
From Washington (All Airports) (WASA) you can use Metro (from DCA), Silver Line Express and shuttles (from IAD), and MARC/Amtrak or light rail (from BWI) to reach downtown Washington, Baltimore, Alexandria, and Philadelphia. Ride-hail, taxis, and airport shuttles are available year-round; in November, allow extra time for peak holiday traffic and seasonal events in the D.C. area.
November brings crisp fall weather and an increasing chance of cold snaps and light snow late in the month around Washington. While significant winter storms are less common early November, sudden weather can impact schedules. Monitor forecasts, build buffer time for connections, and choose refundable or flexible fares if traveling during late-November peak weather windows.
Travelers from Shanghai must have an appropriate U.S. visa or valid ESTA if eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Upon arrival at Washington (All Airports) (WASA), be prepared to present passport, visa/ESTA, and any supporting documents requested by CBP such as return tickets or address in the U.S. Check the U.S. Embassy in China for the latest entry requirements before travel.
November brings notable events that can affect travel on the PVG–WASA route. In Shanghai, late-November events such as the China International Import Expo (dates vary) can increase local accommodations demand and airport traffic. In the Washington area, late-November U.S. Thanksgiving, holiday parades, and early seasonal lightings increase domestic mobility and passenger volumes. Both cities host cultural festivals, food fairs, and business conferences that influence hotel prices and ground transport availability.
The best time to fly PVG to WASA in November is early-to-mid-November to avoid U.S. Thanksgiving crowds and post-Singles' Day demand surges. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) generally offer the best prices and lower airport congestion. For the cheapest fares, target travel windows 6–10 weeks before departure and avoid the final 7–10 days before Thanksgiving when prices tend to spike.
Deciding between direct and connecting flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Washington (All Airports) (WASA) hinges on priorities: nonstop flights minimize travel time and layover risk but are often more expensive or limited in November. Connecting itineraries through Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), or European/Middle Eastern hubs can cut cost and increase schedule options, though they raise the risk of missed connections and longer total travel time. For late-November travel during holiday peaks, opting for fewer connections with reliable carriers is advisable.
Major airlines serving PVG to Washington (All Airports) (WASA) routes or commonly used one-stop routings in November include China Eastern, Air China, United Airlines, Korean Air, ANA, Japan Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Compare based on total journey time, price, alliance benefits, inflight service, and baggage policies. For example, Korean Air and ANA offer strong service with efficient connections via ICN and NRT, while Middle Eastern carriers (Qatar/Emirates) may offer competitive fares with longer layovers.
For November travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Washington (All Airports) (WASA), pack layered clothing to accommodate Shanghai's cool mornings and Washington's colder evenings. Prepare for possible weather-related delays late in the month and keep digital copies of travel documents. Consider enrolling in Global Entry or carry proof of onward accommodation to streamline customs. Monitor airline notifications for schedule changes and purchase flexible fares when traveling around Thanksgiving.
Typical PVG to WASA flight times depend on routing. Nonstop services, if scheduled, take roughly 13–15 hours. One-stop itineraries via ICN, NRT, HKG, DOH, or FRA usually run 16–22 hours including layovers. Airlines often schedule departures from PVG in the late evening or early morning to align with hub connections and U.S. arrival windows. November schedules can vary with seasonal adjustments; check carriers for exact departure times and daylight-saving transitions.
Find cheap flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Washington (All Airports) (WASA) in November by booking 6–10 weeks in advance, searching midweek departures, and comparing one-stop routings via East Asian hubs like Seoul (ICN) or Tokyo (NRT/HND). Use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and consider nearby airports (BWI vs IAD vs DCA) for savings. LSI strategies include watching flash sales after Singles' Day and checking multi-airline itineraries for lower combined fares.