Shandong Airlines flights and airline information

About

Shandong Airlines (SC) is one of the key players in the Chinese aviation market, providing reliable connections between the country's major cities and regions. Based in the picturesque Shandong Province, the carrier uses the modern airport in Qingdao as its main hub. The company has established itself as a stable network operator within the orbit of the largest state holding, Air China, which guarantees high standards of safety and service quality.

With an impressive fleet and serving millions of passengers annually, Shandong Airlines successfully develops both domestic routes and international flights within Asia. The airline has been repeatedly recognized with awards for punctuality and service level, making it a preferred choice for travelers planning trips across Eastern China.

IATA codeSC
Fleet size139
Passenger traffic24,000,000
Destinations75
HubQingdao

One of the company's main features is its deep integration into the transport system of Shandong Province, allowing passengers to conveniently reach the region's key economic centers. Shandong Airlines actively invests in the modernization of its aircraft fleet, favoring modern and fuel-efficient models, which contributes to increased comfort on board.

For its customers, the air carrier offers a flexible fare system and a developed network of connecting flights. Close cooperation with Air China allows passengers to benefit from the global network and additional services characteristic of the world's largest aviation alliances. A focus on innovation and digitalization of services helps the company stay competitive in China's dynamically developing aviation sector.

Contacts

You can contact airline representatives and get up-to-date flight information through the following channels:

  • Official website: sda.cn
  • Hotline (China): 95369
  • International call center number: +86 (531) 95369
  • Email: yjsl@sda.cn
  • Mobile app: available for download in the App Store and Google Play (Shandong Airlines App)
  • Headquarters: Shandong Airlines Center, 5746 East 2nd Ring Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, China, 250014

For prompt resolution of issues related to lost baggage or flight delays, it is recommended to contact the registration desks at airports or call the indicated hotline number. Please check the current contact details on the official website before reaching out.

Baggage

Baggage rules at Shandong Airlines depend on the selected fare and service class. As carry-on baggage, passengers are usually allowed one bag in the cabin, with a weight not exceeding the standard 5 kg and dimensions that allow it to be placed on the overhead shelf or under the seat. It is recommended to check the allowances for your ticket in advance on the official website sda.cn, as they may change.

For checked baggage, allowances are based on a weight system. In economy class, the free allowance is typically up to 20 kg, while business class passengers can expect an increased limit of up to 30 or 40 kg. Each piece of baggage must be securely packed and not contain prohibited items such as flammable substances or high-capacity lithium batteries.

Excess baggage is paid for in accordance with the airline's current rates at the departure airport. If you plan to transport sports equipment, musical instruments, or strollers, it is advisable to notify the carrier in advance. Strollers are usually carried free of charge and handed over right before boarding the aircraft.

When packing, try to place fragile items in the center of the suitcase, surrounding them with soft clothing. Don't forget to remove old baggage tags to avoid sorting errors at the airport. Remember that Chinese civil aviation safety rules strictly regulate the transportation of portable chargers (Power Banks) — they must be only in carry-on baggage and have clearly marked capacity.

Pet Rules

Pet transportation in the cabin and baggage compartment

Shandong Airlines has strict requirements for the transportation of pets. To take an animal on a trip, it is necessary to send a request in advance and receive confirmation from the booking service. Generally, most flights involve transporting animals only in a special temperature-controlled cargo hold.

  • Container requirements: The carrier must be durable, have a secure lock, and sufficient ventilation. The size of the container should allow the animal to stand at full height and turn around.
  • Documentation: For the flight, you will need a veterinary passport, a vaccination certificate (including rabies), and an international veterinary certificate issued in accordance with the rules of the destination country.
  • Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) may not be allowed for transportation, as they do not tolerate pressure drops and stress during flight well.

Preparation and cost

The cost of transporting an animal is calculated as excess baggage based on the total weight of the pet together with the crate. Free baggage allowance does not apply to pets, except for guide dogs accompanying passengers with visual or hearing impairments.

  • Before the trip, it is recommended not to feed the animal for 4-6 hours before departure, but to provide access to water.
  • Place a familiar object or toy in the carrier to reduce the pet's stress level.
  • Be sure to attach a tag to the container with the owner's contact details and the animal's name.

Since rules may change depending on the aircraft type and specific route, it is highly recommended to contact the Shandong Airlines call center to clarify current conditions and reserve a space for your pet at least 48 hours before departure.

Loyalty Program

PhoenixMiles Loyalty Program

As an affiliated partner of Air China, Shandong Airlines offers its passengers participation in the PhoenixMiles program. This is China's first frequent flyer program, covering several airlines at once and providing wide opportunities for accumulating and using bonus miles.

Membership levels and privileges

  • Basic level: Allows you to start accumulating miles for every flight completed and use partner services.
  • Silver level: Provides access to premium lounges, priority check-in, and an additional free baggage allowance.
  • Gold and Platinum levels: Guarantee the highest priority on the waiting list, accelerated pre-flight formalities, and exclusive service conditions across the entire alliance network.

How to earn and spend miles

Miles are earned not only for flights on Shandong Airlines but also for using the services of numerous partners: hotels, car rental companies, and banks. Accumulated points can be exchanged for award flight tickets, cabin upgrades from economy to business, or for paying for goods in the program's specialized online store.

Joining the program is completely free by registering on the official website or via the mobile app. Participation in PhoenixMiles opens doors to world-class privileges, making every journey with Shandong Airlines even more pleasant and rewarding.

Services

Shandong Airlines offers passengers a classic two-class cabin layout, providing comfort on both short regional and longer routes. In Business Class, travelers can expect seats with extra legroom, an improved menu, and priority service. Economy Class is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a standard seat pitch and attentive service throughout the flight.

On board Shandong Airlines (SC) aircraft, passengers are offered hot meals or light snacks depending on the flight duration and time of day. The menu often includes traditional Chinese dishes, allowing passengers to experience the culinary traditions of the Shandong region. The entertainment system may vary: streaming services or shared screens with video content are available on modern aircraft.

Special services are provided for passengers with children, including the possibility to order a children's menu and the provision of bassinets on certain aircraft types (subject to prior booking). The company also pays great attention to assisting passengers with disabilities, offering accompaniment and the necessary equipment for comfortable boarding and disembarking. Additional options, such as online check-in and seat selection, are available for most flights through the carrier's official website.

Destinations

The Shandong Airlines flight network covers an extensive range of cities across China, connecting the east of the country with the western and southern regions. The airline's main hub is the international airport in Qingdao, from which dozens of flights are operated daily to the most popular destinations.

The carrier's route network includes regular flights between Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, ensuring reliable connections between major metropolises. In addition, the company is actively developing its international presence, offering convenient flights to neighboring countries in the region, such as flights to Seoul, making it an important link in the East Asian transport system.

Booking Tips

To purchase Shandong Airlines tickets at the best rates, it is recommended to plan your purchase in advance — ideally 4–8 weeks before your intended trip. Monitoring prices on the official website sda.cn in the middle of the week often allows you to find more affordable offers than on weekends. It is also worth paying attention to seasonal sales that the carrier holds ahead of major Chinese national holidays.

Online check-in for Shandong Airlines usually opens 24 hours before departure. We strongly recommend using this service to select the most comfortable seats in the cabin in advance and save time at the airport. When checking in, you will need the passenger's last name, e-ticket number or booking code (PNR), and mobile phone number.

For those who value extra comfort, exclusive options for selecting seats with extra legroom at a special price are often available in the airline's mobile app. Don't forget the importance of travel insurance: although the airline is responsible to passengers, an additional policy will help protect you in case of unforeseen changes to plans or baggage delays. Always check the terms of a specific fare before paying, as refund and exchange rules can vary significantly.

History

The history of Shandong Airlines began in 1994, when it was founded as a regional carrier for Shandong Province. Since its inception, the company has set ambitious goals to improve transport accessibility in Eastern China. Based in the city of Jinan, the airline quickly grew from a small operator to a significant player in the national civil aviation market.

A milestone in the carrier's development was the establishment of a close partnership with Air China. This cooperation allowed Shandong Airlines to integrate into the global aviation ecosystem and significantly expand its operational capabilities. Today, the airline uses the code SC and is an important part of the Air China group of companies, while maintaining its unique identity and regional focus.

The evolution of the Shandong Airlines fleet reflects a commitment to innovation and safety. Starting with the operation of small aircraft, the company gradually transitioned to modern vessels, forming one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the region. The core of the fleet today consists of reliable airliners that allow for both short domestic hops and medium-range international flights.

In recent decades, the airline has actively expanded its flight geography beyond mainland China. The opening of flights to cities such as Seoul marked a new stage of international expansion. Today, Shandong Airlines continues to implement modern technological solutions and sustainable development programs, confirming its status as a reliable and progressive air carrier in the Asia-Pacific region.

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