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About
Shanghai Airlines is a Chinese airline headquartered in Shanghai, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines since 2010. Founded in 1985, it was one of China's first regional airlines and has grown to become a significant carrier serving domestic and regional international routes.
Despite being fully integrated into the China Eastern group, Shanghai Airlines maintains its distinct branding, livery featuring the red crane logo, and separate flight codes. The airline primarily operates from Shanghai's two major airports, serving over 100 destinations across China and Asia-Pacific.
As part of the China Eastern group, Shanghai Airlines passengers benefit from SkyTeam connectivity through China Eastern's alliance membership. The airline participates in the shared Eastern Miles frequent flyer program, allowing seamless earning and redemption across both carriers.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where Shanghai Airlines operates 5+ routes
Network
73 airports served
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+23 more airports
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item + Cabin Bag:
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
- Weight limit varies by cabin class
- First Class: 2 cabin bags allowed
- Business/Economy: 1 cabin bag allowed
| Class | Cabin Bags | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 2 pieces | 10 kg (22 lbs) each |
| Business Class | 1 piece | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Economy Class | 1 piece | 5 kg (11 lbs) |
Note: Economy cabin bag weight (5 kg) is strictly enforced on Shanghai Airlines flights.
Checked Baggage
Shanghai Airlines follows China Eastern's baggage system, with different rules for domestic and international routes:
Domestic Flights (Weight-Based System):
| Class | Free Allowance | Maximum per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 40 kg (88 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Business Class | 30 kg (66 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Economy Class | 20 kg (44 lbs) | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
International Flights (Piece-Based System):
| Class | Pieces | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| First/Business | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
| Economy | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions per bag (length + width + height)
Excess Baggage Fees
International Routes:
| Region | 1st Extra Piece | Additional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Japan/Korea | CNY 800 (~$110) | CNY 1,200 (~$165) |
| Southeast Asia | CNY 800 (~$110) | CNY 1,200 (~$165) |
Overweight/Oversized Fees:
| Condition | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight (23-32 kg) Economy | CNY 1,000 (~$140) |
| Overweight (32-45 kg) Business | CNY 2,700 (~$375) |
| Oversized (159-203 cm) | CNY 1,000 (~$140) |
| Oversized (204-292 cm) | CNY 2,000 (~$280) |
Domestic Flights: 1.5% of highest published Economy one-way fare per kilogram
Special Items
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Standard | Counts as 1 checked bag |
| Skis/snowboards | Standard | Oversize fee waived |
| Bicycle | CNY 1,200 (~$165) | Must be boxed |
| Car seat | Free | Gate-check available |
| Stroller | Free | Gate-check available |
| Wheelchair | Free | Transported free |
Fees as of January 2025. Verify at shanghai-air.com/baggage.
In-Flight Experience
Fleet Overview
Shanghai Airlines operates a modern fleet primarily consisting of:
- Boeing 737-800: Workhorse for domestic routes (158-189 seats)
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: International and premium domestic routes
Cabin Classes
Business Class (Boeing 787-9):
- Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on long-haul aircraft
- 78" (198 cm) pitch
- 21" (53 cm) seat width
- Personal entertainment screen
- AC power and USB ports
Economy Class:
- Pitch: 31-32" (79-81 cm)
- Width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
- Recline: 3" (8 cm)
- Entertainment: Seatback screens on Boeing 787; overhead monitors on 737s
- USB charging on newer aircraft
Entertainment
- Boeing 787: Personal seatback screens with movies, TV, music, games
- Boeing 737: Overhead monitors on most aircraft
- Content: Chinese and international programming
- Languages: Chinese, English
Dining
Business Class:
- Multi-course Chinese and Western meal options
- Premium beverages including wine and spirits
- Pre-order available for special dietary requirements
Economy Class:
- Complimentary hot meals on all flights over 90 minutes
- Chinese and Western options available
- Complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee
- Alcoholic beverages available for purchase
Special Meals: Must be pre-ordered 24+ hours before departure (vegetarian, Muslim, etc.)
WiFi
WiFi available on select Boeing 787 aircraft. Coverage expanding across fleet.
Tips & Tricks
Booking:
- Book on ceair.com for English interface and better service support
- Shanghai Airlines flights appear with FM code but share systems with China Eastern (MU)
- Compare fares between FM and MU for same routes; prices may differ
Baggage:
- Economy carry-on weight (5 kg) is stricter than many airlines; pack light
- Domestic China uses weight system (20 kg Economy total); international uses piece system
- Pre-purchase excess baggage online for savings vs airport pricing
- Weight limits strictly enforced at Chinese airports
At the Airport:
- SHA (Hongqiao) is more convenient for city access; PVG is larger with longer transit
- Use China Eastern app for FM flight check-in
- Arrive early; security and check-in lines at Chinese airports can be lengthy
- SkyPriority lanes available for elite members
Connections:
- SHA Terminal 2 used for most Shanghai Airlines domestic flights
- Allow 2+ hours for international connections at PVG
- Domestic-to-domestic connections at SHA more efficient
- China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines share lounges
Eastern Miles:
- Miles calculated in kilometers (metric system)
- Family pooling available to combine miles
- SkyTeam partners offer earning opportunities worldwide
- Silver status provides good value; achievable with regular domestic travel
Common Issues:
- Website and app can be challenging to navigate in English
- International booking options more limited than China Eastern
- Printed boarding pass may be required for some domestic flights
- Currency on China-departing flights is CNY
Best Value:
- Shanghai Airlines often offers lower fares than China Eastern MU on same routes
- Crane logo livery planes operate identical service to MU-coded flights
- Elite benefits earned on FM flights credit to Eastern Miles for both carriers