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Shanghai Airlines was founded in 1985 and is a Chinese airline based at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. In 2010, Shanghai Airlines merged with China Eastern Airlines, but its operations remain separate post-merger - Shanghai Airlines still retains its distinct brand and livery of aircraft.
The airline is a subsidiary of China Eastern Airways and operates flights to Shanghai as well as a number of domestic and international destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Taipei and Thailand. The airline currently has two hubs in Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
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Baggage Policy
The baggage allowances of Shanghai Airlines are the same as China Eastern Airlines because it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. Please note that baggage allowance will depend on the specific route and is subject to change - the following information can be used as a guide, but the exact allowance will be confirmed during the booking process.
Carry-on Baggage
On domestic and international flights, passengers are permitted at least 1 piece of carry-on baggage.
Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers are allowed 1 piece of carry-on baggage that cannot weigh more than 10kg / 22lbs.
First Class passengers are permitted 2 pieces of carry-on baggage, each weighing no more than 10kg / 22lbs.
Please note that on domestic flights, all carry-on luggage on domestic flights must not exceed 55cm / 21in (height), 40cm / 15in (length) and 20cm / 7in (width). On intentional flights, carry-on luggage must not exceed 56cm / 22in (height), 45cm / 17in (length) and 25cm / 9in (width).
Checked Baggage
Domestic Flights
Shanghai Airlines operates a vast domestic network on behalf of its parent company, China Eastern Airlines. On domestic and regional flights, the checked baggage allowance is as follows:
First Class - 1 piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 40kg / 88lbs.
Business Class - 1 piece weighing no more than 30kg / 66lbs.
Premium Economy and Economy - 1 piece weighing no more than 20kg / 44lbs.
Please note that the sum of the length, width and height of all checked baggage must not exceed 158cm / 62in.
International Flights
The free checked baggage allowance on international flights will vary depending on departure and arrival country. Your free baggage allowance will be confirmed when booking your flights through Alternative Airlines, during which time you can also choose to add extra baggage to your booking. More information on baggage allowance on international flights can be found on our China Eastern Airlines page.
Check-In
Check-in times will vary depending on your departure airport. China Eastern Airlines has a handy guide which lists the recommended check-in time for each of the airports that it (and its subsidiaries) depart from.
Online Check-In
Shanghai Airlines offers online check-in, which can be completed through the China Eastern Airlines check-in page. Please be aware that some flights do not support online check-in, which must be done at the airport.
For qualifying flights, online check-in is available from 24 hours before departing, up to 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Airport Check-In
Passengers who choose to check in at the airport can do so between 150 to 45 minutes before scheduled departure - it is recommended to arrive as early as possible.
Cabin Classes
Shanghai Airlines has 4 types of cabin class to choose from - these are Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class.
Economy Class
Economy Class Facilities
The number of Economy seats varies from 132 to 262. Meals and beverages are included in the price of the ticket.
Entertainment: The onboard entertainment experience will depend on the aircraft being operated. On some flights, cabin drop-down screens are available but Economy passengers are recommended to arrive prepped with entertainment pre-downloaded onto personal digital devices.
Within Economy Class, there are also a number of fare options available (Basic, Standard, and Flexible). The onboard experience will be similar, but the different fares provide different levels of benefits - for example, the Basic fare (the most affordable) is non-changeable and non-refundable. In comparison, the Flexible fare is refundable (with a fee) and changeable. When you book your flights through Alternative Airlines, the different fare options will be explained and it is easy to choose the perfect fare for you - more information can be found in our guide to fare families.
Economy Class Seating
Aircraft depending, power outlets and drop-down television screens are available.
Seats have a minimum seat pitch of 32 inches. Relax with fully adjustable headrests. Footrests add to your comfort, and there is plenty of storage space.
Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy is a new product and is only available on flights operated by the Boeing 787. The Premium Economy product is a fare upgrade on Economy Class. The onboard experience will be similar to Economy, but passengers can enjoy much larger seats with extra legroom and recline.
Business Class
Business Class Facilities
The number of Business class seats available varies between 8 and 38, depending on the aircraft, and can be found in a separate cabin to Economy.
On the 787, business class suites are modular in design and provide completely personal spaces, complete with doors for added privacy. Business class on the 787 features 45cm / 18in personal TV screens.
Business Class Entertainment: Business Class passengers can enjoy personal television screens, and can choose from TV, the latest Hollywood films, and popular Chinese films.
Business Class Seating
Business Class seats convert into fully flat beds. For added comfort, seats feature customisable mood lighting, near-field communication sensors, in-seat power, Bluetooth audio connection and headphones.
First Class
First Class Facilities
A First Class product is only available on international flights operated on the 787. The 787 aircraft mostly operate from Shanghai to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. First Class passengers are in the same cabin space as Business but offers a premium experience. Before flying, passengers can enjoy a dedicated check-in counter and VIP lounge access.
Business Class Entertainment: Business Class passengers can enjoy much bigger personal television screens (32in, compared to 45cm / 18in in Business). Passengers can choose from TV, the latest Hollywood films, and popular Chinese films.
Top Tip: When you book your flights through Alternative Airlines, you can check which aircraft will be operated using our search filters!
First Class Seating
First Class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, and each seat can convert into a fully flat bed. The centre pair of first-class suites can be converted from two private suites into a larger, shared space - or converted into a ‘bubby space’ which allows four people to sit together in a private space - ideal for couples, families, or business colleagues.
In-Flight Meals
Business and First Class: Passengers should expect restaurant-quality dining, and can choose from a range of gourmet cuisine from around the world. All meals are served on porcelain and made using the highest quality ingredients.
Economy/Premium Economy Class: Meals and beverages are included in the price of the ticket - options will depend on the route being operated.
Special Meals
When you make your Shanghai Airlines booking through Alternative Airlines it is easy to select the Special meal you require from the drop-down option. More information can be found here. If you decide you’d like to add a Special Meal after you have made your booking, you can contact our customer service team who can contact the airline to arrange this for you.
Special Meal options include:
Seafood Meal
Diabetic Meal
Ulcer Diet Meal
Soft Fluid Meal
Low Salt Meal
Vegetarian Raw Meal
Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal
Vegetarian Oriental Meal
Vegetarian Hindu Meal
Frequent Flyer Program
Shanghai Airlines has a loyalty program called Eastern Miles which is part of China Eastern Airlines.
Eastern Miles
China Eastern Airlines operates a frequent flyer program called Eastern Miles to reward regular passengers. Eastern Miles is one of China’s leading frequent flyer programs. As a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, passengers flying with Shanghai Airlines can collect Eastern Miles points when they fly. More information can be found on our China Eastern Airlines page.
Collecting Eastern Miles
When you book your Shanghai Airlines flights through Alternative Airlines, it is easy to collect your Eastern Miles points. You can select ‘Eastern Miles’ as your chosen frequent flyer program and type in your membership number - a full guide can be found here.
Airline Alliance
Shanghai Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance alongside its parent company China Eastern Airlines.
SkyTeam
Shanghai Airlines is an affiliate member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, along with its parent company China Eastern Airlines, which is a full alliance member. More information about the Skyteam alliance can be found here.
Shanghai Airlines Seat Selection
Passengers who book their flights through Alternative Airlines can either pre-select seats during the booking process, by logging into 'My Account' (where your Shanghai Airlines reservations can be managed)or by contacting our customer service team. More information on how to pre-select your seat can be found here. If you do not pre-select your seat, a seat will be allocated to you during the check-in process. Please note that a seat select service is not supported on all routes.
Destinations that Shanghai Airlines flies to
Shanghai Airlines operates domestic flights in China as well as international flights to a selection of cities across Asia. Click below to find out all the destinations Shanghai Airlines currently flies to.
Alternatives to Shanghai Airlines
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Shanghai Airlines:
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Hub Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is the main domestic airport serving Shanghai, the biggest city in China. Hongqiao International Airport is a hub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Airlines and Spring Airlines.
Other airlines which use Shanghai Hongqiao Airport include Air China, Air Macau, China Southern Airlines, EVA Air, Hainan Airlines, Hebei Airlines, OTT Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Japan Airlines.
Fleet
Shanghai Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the Airbus A330-300, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and the Boeing 787-9. These aircraft are mostly occupied by Economy class seating, as well as a limited number of Business Class seats.