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Shanghai Airlines

China Eastern's sister airline, flying from Shanghai

  • ChinaCountry
  • FMIATA Code
  • CSHICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Shanghai Airlines

Shanghai Airlines is a subsidiary of China Eastern, flying from Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao to Chinese cities and across Asia. Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and flights earn Eastern Miles with SkyTeam partners. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in in Shanghai, the city’s two airports and how it compares with China Eastern and Juneyao Airlines.

Founded in 1985, it was one of China’s first privately funded airlines and became part of China Eastern in 2010. It flies Boeing 737s and 787s.

Shanghai Airlines flights to Shanghai
Photo: Edward He / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Shanghai Airlines

China’s aviation regulator, the CAAC, applies strict rules:

  • Power banks cannot be used to charge devices during the flight.
  • Since June 2025, power banks without a clear 3C (CCC) mark are banned on domestic flights within mainland China.
  • Power banks must be in cabin baggage, never in checked bags; up to 100 Wh needs no approval and 100–160 Wh needs approval.

Check-In in Shanghai

Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. Chinese airports have thorough security, and counters close 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights, so arrive at least two hours early for domestic and three hours for international flights.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and a folding stroller can be checked free. Children travelling alone can use the airline’s escort service, which must be booked in advance. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Shanghai’s Two Airports

Shanghai has two major airports:

  • Hongqiao (SHA) is close to the city and serves most domestic flights and some regional routes.
  • Pudong (PVG) is about 30 km east and handles most international flights.
  • Allow at least two hours to travel between them by Metro.

How to Find Cheap Shanghai Airlines Flights

Cheap Shanghai Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Hongqiao and Pudong fares for domestic trips.
  • Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
  • Use Eastern Miles for upgrades and award flights.
  • Book a few weeks ahead for busy business routes.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to China Eastern, Juneyao Airlines and others.

Shanghai Airlines vs China Eastern vs Juneyao Airlines

Three airlines based in Shanghai.

Shanghai AirlinesChina EasternJuneyao Airlines
HubShanghaiShanghaiShanghai
AllianceSkyTeam (via China Eastern)SkyTeamStar Alliance partner
Domestic checked bag20 kg20 kg20 kg
LoyaltyEastern MilesEastern MilesJuneyao Club

See our China Eastern Airlines guide and Juneyao Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Shanghai

From Pudong, the Maglev train reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes, and Metro Line 2 serves both airports. Hongqiao is next to the high-speed railway station.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Shanghai Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. It offers reliable service, SkyTeam connections and a good network from Shanghai, though it is less known abroad than China Eastern.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Trip.com on China’s power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

The airline flies as part of the China Eastern group, which is a member of SkyTeam, so you can earn and spend miles with SkyTeam partners.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Its flights are sold together with China Eastern, and it codeshares with SkyTeam partners.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) are the airline's hubs.

Popular Shanghai Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Shanghai with Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, plus Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bangkok. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Shanghai Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Domestic and international fares come with different change and refund rules, shown when you book. Cheaper fares have higher fees and fewer benefits.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference, and fees rise closer to departure.

  • Cheapest fares Highest change and refund fees.
  • Flexible fares Lower fees and more benefits.
  • Fees Usually rise closer to departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use the website, app or customer service.

Shanghai Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals and drinks are served on most flights. Seats can be chosen online, with better seats on higher fares.

Business passengers get lounge access and priority services.

  • Meals Served on most flights.
  • Seats Choose online or at check-in.
  • Business Lounges and priority services.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Shanghai Airlines Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers on domestic flights can usually bring one cabin bag of 5–8 kg (55 × 40 × 20 cm) plus a small personal item, and Business passengers more.

Domestic Economy usually includes 20 kg of checked baggage, and Business 30 kg. International Economy usually includes one or two 23 kg bags, depending on the route and fare.

  • Economy cabin bag 1 piece, usually 5–8 kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm.
  • Personal item A small bag under the seat.
  • Domestic Economy Usually 20 kg checked.
  • Domestic Business Usually 30 kg checked.
  • International Economy 1–2 × 23 kg, by route and fare.
  • Infants A folding stroller is carried free.

Eastern Miles: Shanghai Airlines Loyalty Programme

Flights earn miles in Eastern Miles, the loyalty programme of China Eastern. Miles can be spent on China Eastern group and SkyTeam flights.

  • Programme Eastern Miles (China Eastern).
  • Earn Flights and SkyTeam partners.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Shanghai Airlines website

Shanghai Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Shanghai Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is FM. It appears in flight numbers (for example FM 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is CSH, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Shanghai Airlines part of?

It is a member of SkyTeam. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Shanghai Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

04When was Shanghai Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1985.

05What are Shanghai Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Shanghai (PVG) – Main Hub.

06Is Shanghai Airlines part of China Eastern?

Yes. It is a subsidiary of China Eastern and flies as part of the SkyTeam group.

07What is the Shanghai Airlines baggage allowance?

Domestic Economy usually includes a 5–8 kg cabin bag and 20 kg checked; international allowances depend on the route and fare.

08Can I use a power bank on Shanghai Airlines?

No. Chinese rules ban charging devices from power banks during flights, and power banks without a 3C mark are banned on domestic flights.

09Which Shanghai airport does Shanghai Airlines use?

Both Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), so check your ticket.

10What is the Shanghai Airlines loyalty programme?

Flights earn miles in Eastern Miles, China Eastern's frequent flyer programme, which can be spent on China Eastern group and SkyTeam flights.

Shanghai Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Shanghai Airlines Co., Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Shanghai Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.