Shanghai Airlines flights and airline information

Shanghai Airlines (IATA code — FM) is a dynamic, full-service Chinese airline based in one of the world's largest metropolises — Shanghai. Founded in 1985, it started as an independent regional carrier but eventually became part of the China Eastern Airlines group, significantly expanding its capabilities and route network. Today, the company plays a key role in providing high-quality air travel within China and on popular international routes.

As a member of the SkyTeam global aviation alliance, the airline offers its passengers access to international service standards and convenient connections worldwide. Thanks to close cooperation with alliance partners, travelers can easily plan complex itineraries, including flights to cities like Seoul or Bangkok, while enjoying all the benefits of a single network.

A key feature of the airline is its modern fleet, consisting of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. This ensures a high level of comfort on board, offering passengers spacious seats and quality in-flight meals inspired by Chinese culinary traditions. Attentive staff and high punctuality rates make the carrier a popular choice for both business travelers and tourists.

Flight safety and technological development are priorities for the company. The introduction of digital services, including online check-in and booking management via mobile devices, makes travel preparation as simple and efficient as possible. Shanghai Airlines continues to improve its services, striving to meet the expectations of the most discerning customers.

An important aspect of the company's operations is its integration with the transport system of the Shanghai hub, which minimizes transfer times between domestic and international flights. The airline is actively developing regional connections, providing access to smaller but economically significant cities in China, making it an indispensable partner for exploring the country.

To contact the airline representatives and receive prompt assistance regarding your flight, passengers can use the following contact details:

• Official website: https://www.shanghai-air.com (the group resource ceair.com is also available)
• Customer Support Phone (24/7): +86 21 206 95530
• General inquiry number for China: 95530
• Customer Support Email: customercare@ceair.com
• Social media: official accounts on Facebook and Instagram
• Mobile App: available for iOS and Android under the China Eastern & Shanghai Airlines brand
• Emergency Support: in case of flight delays or lost baggage, we recommend contacting the check-in counters at the departure airport.

It is recommended to always verify current contact information directly on the official Shanghai Airlines website before your trip, as phone numbers and addresses may change.

As a full-service carrier, Shanghai Airlines provides passengers with the option to carry both hand luggage and checked baggage. Allowance norms directly depend on the selected fare and class of service. Passengers are permitted to bring one piece of hand luggage into the cabin weighing up to 8–10 kg, with dimensions that allow it to be placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front.

For checked baggage, standard allowances are typically 1 piece weighing up to 23 kg for Economy Class and up to 32 kg for Business Class. In First Class, limits may be higher. It is important to remember that rules may differ on international flights, so exact information should be checked in the booking details or on the official website when purchasing a ticket.

If the established limits are exceeded, excess baggage fees apply. Rates depend on the weight overage and the flight destination. It is recommended to pay for extra baggage in advance through online services, as the cost at the airport may be significantly higher. Transporting heavy or oversized cargo requires prior coordination with the airline.

Special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or strollers are transported according to special rules. In most cases, foldable strollers can be checked in right before boarding the aircraft free of charge. Musical instruments exceeding hand luggage dimensions may require the purchase of a separate seat in the cabin.

There is a strict list of prohibited items that cannot be carried in baggage or hand luggage for safety reasons. These include flammable substances, compressed gases, toxic materials, and high-power lithium batteries. Always check the current dangerous goods regulations on the FM carrier's website.

For a comfortable trip, we recommend securely packing your baggage, using protective covers or wrap, and making sure to attach a tag with your contact details. Fragile items and valuables, including documents and electronics, are always best kept in your hand luggage.

In-Cabin Transport

The airline allows the transport of certain types of small pets in the cabin, provided strict weight and dimension requirements are met. Usually, the total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 5-8 kg. Cats, small dogs, and ornamental birds are most often allowed in the cabin, though the number of animals per flight is strictly limited.

Transport in the Baggage Compartment

• The container must be made of impact-resistant material and have a secure lock.
• The dimensions of the crate must allow the animal to stand at full height, turn around, and lie in a natural position.
• Ventilation openings must be present on three or four sides of the container.

Required Documents

For traveling with a pet, you must prepare an international veterinary passport, a vaccination certificate (rabies vaccination is mandatory, administered at least 30 days before departure), and a standard veterinary health certificate in advance. For international flights, additional permits from the destination country may be required.

Cost and Preparation

• The pet transportation service is paid as excess baggage at a special rate.
• Preparation should begin several months in advance by getting the pet used to the carrier to reduce stress during the flight.
• It is recommended not to feed the animal 4-6 hours before departure, while ensuring constant access to water.

Restrictions

There are restrictions on the transport of brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) due to their respiratory structure, which can lead to complications during pressure changes. Seasonal bans on transporting animals in the baggage compartment may also apply during periods of extreme heat or cold. To clarify current rules, always contact the airline's call center before booking.

Eastern Miles Loyalty Program

As part of the China Eastern group, Shanghai Airlines uses a shared loyalty program called Eastern Miles. This is a global bonus system that allows frequent flyers to accumulate privileges and turn their miles into real benefits. The program is designed to create comfortable conditions for travelers both within China and abroad.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Base Level: available immediately after registration, allowing you to earn points for flights and partner purchases.
• Silver Level: provides priority registration, access to business lounges on domestic flights, and an additional baggage allowance.
• Gold Level: includes a guaranteed seat on the flight, expedited security clearance, and access to SkyTeam elite lounges.
• Platinum Level: the highest category, granting the right to free upgrades and personalized service.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

Points are awarded for each flight segment on FM flights or SkyTeam alliance partners. Additionally, miles can be earned by booking hotels, renting cars, or using co-branded bank cards. Accumulated miles can be exchanged for award tickets, cabin upgrades from Economy to Business, as well as for paying for stays at partner hotels or products in the official online store.

Alliance Participation

Thanks to membership in SkyTeam, Eastern Miles members can earn miles and confirm their status by traveling on flights with airlines such as Air France, KLM, or Delta. This makes the program a universal tool for those who fly worldwide. Registration in the program is free and available on the official website or via the mobile app.

Passengers of Shanghai Airlines are offered a traditional service model divided into classes. Economy Class focuses on comfort and affordability: ergonomic seats and sufficient legroom ensure a pleasant flight. In Business Class, travelers can expect seats that transform into a bed, increased personal space, and a premium menu. On long-haul routes, First Class may also be available with an exclusive set of services and maximum privacy.

Entertainment systems are provided on board the airline's modern aircraft. Passengers can enjoy watching movies, listening to music, or playing games during their flight to Osaka and other cities. Meals are included in the price of most fares and vary from light snacks on short flights to full hot lunches with Asian and European dishes on longer routes.

Special attention is paid to special services. Bassinets are available for passengers with children (must be booked in advance) along with a special children's menu. The airline also offers an escort service for unaccompanied minors and assistance for passengers with disabilities. Travelers with specific dietary preferences can order vegetarian, kosher, or halal meals by notifying the carrier at least 24–48 hours before departure.

The airline's flight geography covers dozens of cities, connecting key regions of Asia with mainland China. The primary hub for the carrier is the international airport in Shanghai, from which regular domestic and international flights are operated.

To purchase Shanghai Airlines tickets at the most favorable rates, it is recommended to start your search 2–3 months before the intended travel date. Prices are usually lower for flights departing in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday), while weekends and holiday periods in China are characterized by increased demand and higher costs.

The airline regularly holds seasonal sales timed to major holidays, such as Chinese New Year. To avoid missing special offers, it is worth subscribing to the newsletter from the China Eastern group and following updates on their official social media pages.

Online check-in opens 24–48 hours before departure and allows passengers to save time at the airport. By choosing your seat in advance through the web portal, you ensure a more comfortable flight, especially if you are traveling with a large group or family.

When choosing a seat, consider that some rows (for example, at emergency exits) offer more legroom but may have restrictions on hand luggage placement. Depending on the fare, seat selection may be free or require an additional fee for Preferred Seats categories.

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance covering potential flight delays or medical expenses. Insurance products offered by the airline during booking usually include baggage protection and basic risks associated with trip cancellation.

Using the mobile app is one of the most convenient ways to manage your booking. In the app, you can not only buy a ticket and check in, but also receive instant notifications about flight status changes or your boarding gate number.

The history of Shanghai Airlines began in 1985, when it was established as the first airline in China owned by the Shanghai municipal government. In those years, the carrier's main goal was to develop the city's transport hub and ensure regional independence in the aviation sector, which was an important step in the country's economic reform.

Since its founding, the company has shown steady growth, gradually expanding its fleet from small aircraft to modern Boeing and Airbus models. A key milestone was the opening of the first international routes in the early 90s, which connected Shanghai with major economic centers in East Asia. This strengthened the carrier's reputation as a reliable partner on the international stage.

Significant changes occurred in 2010, when the airline officially completed its merger with China Eastern Airlines. Despite the consolidation of resources, the Shanghai Airlines brand was preserved as a separate trademark with its own unique logo in the form of a stylized crane and the FM code. This allowed the airline to maintain the loyalty of frequent flyers while simultaneously integrating into the global SkyTeam alliance network.

The evolution of the company's aircraft fleet has always kept pace with the times. The introduction of new-generation wide-body aircraft allowed the airline to enter long-haul markets, providing comfortable flights across Asia. The company was one of the first in the region to actively apply modern digital technologies for passenger service at all stages of the flight.

In recent years, Shanghai Airlines has focused on environmental sustainability and innovation, updating its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft models. Today, the airline continues to develop its history, remaining a symbol of hospitality and progress for its home city, providing services to millions of passengers annually.