**Yes—on PVG → LAX → DFW, plan to collect your checked bags at LAX and recheck them after customs, even if they’re tagged all the way to DFW.** LAX is your first U.S. entry point; [American’s baggage guidance](https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/customer-service/support/conditions-of-carriage.html) requires claiming bags before customs.

The usual sequence is:

1. Clear U.S. immigration/passport control.
2. Collect your checked bags.
3. Go through customs with your bags.
4. Follow signs for connecting-flight baggage recheck and hand them back to AA. If already tagged **DFW**, this is normally a quick bag drop.
5. Go through TSA security again and head to your DFW gate.

For a smoother connection:

- **At Shanghai check-in, confirm the bag tags say DFW** and get both boarding passes if possible. Keep your baggage receipts.
- **I’d aim for about three hours at LAX**, longer if you booked separate tickets. Immigration, baggage delivery and security waits can vary.
- Check the AA app for your departure gate. After security, [LAX’s terminals are connected by walkways](https://www.flylax.com/inter-terminal-connections).
- Use Global Entry if you’re enrolled, or [Mobile Passport Control](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control) if eligible.
- If your bags are tagged only to LAX, you’ll need AA to check them onward rather than simply dropping them at the transfer belt.