How often are flights from San Francisco to Shanghai delayed?

Historically, on average around 13% of flights between San Francisco and Shanghai have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 186 minutes.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Cathay Pacific is the most popular carrier operating from San Francisco to Shanghai

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Shanghai on average per week?

The number of flights available between San Francisco and Shanghai is 17 per week as of February 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 18% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Shanghai on average per day?

2 flights are operational daily from San Francisco to Shanghai as of February 2026. The most popular departure time for this route is 12:00PM, with 100% of flights per day taking off in the afternoon.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the least number of delays on this route over the last 12 months; with about 12% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

What airlines fly to Shanghai?

Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and China Eastern are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Shanghai from San Francisco according to our data. Cathay Pacific is the first choice among our users, with 31% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Shanghai. Keep in mind that there are 14 different airlines that fly to Shanghai on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights at night have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

As of February 2026, there are 14 operators available to choose from for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai.

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Shanghai?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Shanghai can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Shanghai. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$434 Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai in 2026

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Round-trip

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Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

1:00 pm - 3:35 pm

SFO

SHA

35h 35m

1 stop

10:30 pm - 10:40 pm

SHA

SFO

39h 10m

1 stop

$714Cathay Pacific

Wed, Apr 8 - Mon, Apr 20

1:00 pm - 11:55 pm

SFO

PVG

19h 55m

1 stop

8:35 am - 10:55 am

PVG

SFO

17h 20m

1 stop

$714Cathay Pacific

Mon, Mar 30 - Wed, Sep 30

12:50 am - 2:15 pm

SFO

PVG

22h 25m

1 stop

9:00 am - 8:30 pm

PVG

SFO

26h 30m

1 stop

$715Multiple Airlines

Fri, Apr 17 - Mon, Apr 20

1:00 pm - 12:05 pm

SFO

SHA

32h 05m

1 stop

10:30 pm - 10:40 pm

SHA

SFO

39h 10m

1 stop

$716Cathay Pacific

Mon, Apr 6 - Mon, Apr 20

1:00 pm - 8:15 pm

SFO

PVG

40h 15m

1 stop

7:20 am - 10:40 pm

PVG

SFO

30h 20m

1 stop

$716Cathay Pacific

Wed, Apr 1 - Sat, May 23

11:50 pm - 10:05 am

SFO

PVG

19h 15m

1 stop

8:35 am - 3:20 pm

PVG

SFO

21h 45m

1 stop

$717Asiana Airlines

Tue, Apr 14 - Mon, Apr 27

11:50 pm - 10:05 am

SFO

PVG

19h 15m

1 stop

11:35 am - 3:20 pm

PVG

SFO

18h 45m

1 stop

$718Asiana Airlines

Mon, Mar 30 - Tue, Apr 21

11:35 pm - 4:15 pm

SFO

PVG

24h 40m

1 stop

10:50 pm - 7:40 pm

PVG

SFO

36h 50m

1 stop

$722China Southern

Mon, Feb 23 - Mon, Mar 2

12:10 am - 2:50 pm

SFO

PVG

23h 40m

1 stop

9:00 am - 8:30 pm

PVG

SFO

26h 30m

1 stop

$725Multiple Airlines

Tue, Mar 17 - Mon, May 18

11:50 pm - 8:55 pm

SFO

PVG

30h 05m

1 stop

8:35 am - 3:20 pm

PVG

SFO

21h 45m

1 stop

$726Asiana Airlines

Mon, Mar 30 - Mon, May 18

Cathay Pacific flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

Our best Cathay Pacific deals on San Francisco to Shanghai flight tickets

Cathay Pacific

Apr 8

SFO1:00 pmSan Francisco

35h 35m

1 stop

SHA3:35 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Apr 20

SHA10:30 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

39h 10m

1 stop

SFO10:40 pmSan Francisco

$714

Cathay Pacific

Apr 6

SFO1:00 pmSan Francisco

32h 05m

1 stop

SHA12:05 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Apr 20

SHA10:30 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

39h 10m

1 stop

SFO10:40 pmSan Francisco

$716

Cathay Pacific

Mar 16

SFO11:55 pmSan Francisco

22h 35m

1 stop

PVG1:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong

Mar 23

PVG5:30 pmShanghai Pu Dong

32h 15m

1 stop

SFO10:45 amSan Francisco

$728

Korean Air flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

Our best Korean Air deals on San Francisco to Shanghai flight tickets

Korean Air

Apr 19

SFO12:40 pmSan Francisco

16h 30m

1 stop

PVG8:10 pmShanghai Pu Dong

May 31

PVG1:40 pmShanghai Pu Dong

36h 00m

1 stop

SFO10:40 amSan Francisco

$768

Korean Air

Feb 16

SFO11:40 amSan Francisco

30h 05m

1 stop

PVG9:45 amShanghai Pu Dong

Mar 1

PVG2:00 pmShanghai Pu Dong

35h 30m

1 stop

SFO9:30 amSan Francisco

$781

Korean Air

Apr 7

SFO12:40 pmSan Francisco

37h 25m

1 stop

SHA5:05 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Apr 20

SHA6:25 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

31h 15m

1 stop

SFO10:40 amSan Francisco

$787

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Wed 4/8

1:00 pm-3:35 pm

1 stop35h 35m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Mon 4/20

10:30 pm-10:40 pm

1 stop39h 10m

$714

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 3/30

1:00 pm-11:55 pm

1 stop19h 55m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Wed 9/30

8:35 am-10:55 am

1 stop17h 20m

$714

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Fri 4/17

12:50 am-2:15 pm

1 stop22h 25m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 4/20

9:00 am-8:30 pm

1 stop26h 30m

$715

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Mon 4/6

1:00 pm-12:05 pm

1 stop32h 05m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Mon 4/20

10:30 pm-10:40 pm

1 stop39h 10m

$716

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Wed 4/1

1:00 pm-8:15 pm

1 stop40h 15m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sat 5/23

7:20 am-10:40 pm

1 stop30h 20m

$716

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Tue 4/14

11:50 pm-10:05 am

1 stop19h 15m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 4/27

8:35 am-3:20 pm

1 stop21h 45m

$717

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 3/30

11:50 pm-10:05 am

1 stop19h 15m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Tue 4/21

11:35 am-3:20 pm

1 stop18h 45m

$718

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 2/23

11:35 pm-4:15 pm

1 stop24h 40m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 3/2

10:50 pm-7:40 pm

1 stop36h 50m

$722

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Tue 3/17

12:10 am-2:50 pm

1 stop23h 40m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 5/18

9:00 am-8:30 pm

1 stop26h 30m

$725

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 3/30

11:50 pm-8:55 pm

1 stop30h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 5/18

8:35 am-3:20 pm

1 stop21h 45m

$726

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Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Shanghai

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Shanghai?

The cheapest month to fly to Shanghai from San Francisco is in January. Flight prices, which tend to average around $757, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of August is another great option to travel to Shanghai, with average flight prices from San Francisco averaging around $868.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to Shanghai is on a Monday when prices can be found for as low as $887. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. When flying out on a Friday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from San Francisco to Shanghai for around $1,300.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

Our data shows that the cheapest San Francisco to Shanghai flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to Shanghai in the evening for as low as $766. Flights at noon are often more expensive with an average ticket price of $1,297.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Shanghai flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Shanghai Pu Dong for the best San Francisco - Shanghai flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Shanghai?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Shanghai from San Francisco when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Shanghai for around $1,079 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Shanghai from San Francisco for as low as $879 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

There are 4 cabin classes available to choose from on San Francisco to Shanghai flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Cheap San Francisco to Shanghai flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

Fastest flight time	12h 55m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Shanghai	2 airports

The fastest flight from San Francisco to Shanghai takes 12h 55m

Direct flights go from San Francisco to Shanghai every day.

There are 2 airports in Shanghai. From San Francisco there are direct flights to Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG).

Search flight deals

How far is San Francisco to Shanghai by plane?
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Shanghai is 6133.8 mi. In terms of flight time, this usually takes a little over 12h 55m.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?
Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?
As of February 2026, there are 14 operators available to choose from for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai.
How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Shanghai?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to Shanghai can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Shanghai. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Best airlines flying from San Francisco to Shanghai

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from San Francisco to Shanghai with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
China Eastern	PriceFrom $415	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 192 reviews	Search China Eastern flights
Philippine Airlines	PriceFrom $645	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 953 reviews	Search Philippine Airlines flights
ANA	PriceFrom $669	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.4 1,089 reviews	Search ANA flights
Cathay Pacific	PriceFrom $670	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.6 1,159 reviews	Search Cathay Pacific flights
China Southern	PriceFrom $671	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 137 reviews	Search China Southern flights
Asiana Airlines	PriceFrom $675	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.1 503 reviews	Search Asiana Airlines flights
Air China	PriceFrom $702	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 138 reviews	Search Air China flights
Korean Air	PriceFrom $766	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.4 1,188 reviews	Search Korean Air flights
Delta	PriceFrom $832	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,172 reviews	Search Delta flights
China Airlines	PriceFrom $849	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.3 803 reviews	Search China Airlines flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Shanghai?

It is quick and easy to find San Francisco to Shanghai flights on momondo. We search and return numerous flight options from various airlines and agents. You can then use our filters to narrow your search until you have found the most convenient flight to Shanghai that suits you.

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Shanghai with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Shanghai from San Francisco with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

momondo offers useful filters to help you find the right flight. Choose specific flight times, airports or even what payment method you prefer. We have numerous options to help you book your ideal flight from San Francisco to Shanghai.

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes. momondo can track prices for San Francisco to Shanghai flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

An easier way to manage your Shanghai trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Cheap flights from San Francisco to Shanghai from $434

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai departing on 3/16. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Cathay Pacific flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Shanghai

What is the cheapest month to fly to Shanghai?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Shanghai?

Our data shows that the cheapest San Francisco to Shanghai flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to Shanghai in the evening for as low as $766. Flights at noon are often more expensive with an average ticket price of $1,297.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Shanghai flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Shanghai Pu Dong for the best San Francisco - Shanghai flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Shanghai?

What cabin class options are available on San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

There are 4 cabin classes available to choose from on San Francisco to Shanghai flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Cathay Pacific is the most popular carrier operating from San Francisco to Shanghai

What airlines fly to Shanghai?

How often are flights from San Francisco to Shanghai delayed?

Historically, on average around 13% of flights between San Francisco and Shanghai have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 186 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

Generally, flights departing in the early afternoon tend to experience fewer delays. Flights at night have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Wednesday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Shanghai flights?

According to our data, China Eastern have had the least number of delays on this route over the last 12 months; with about 12% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Shanghai on average per day?

2 flights are operational daily from San Francisco to Shanghai as of February 2026. The most popular departure time for this route is 12:00PM, with 100% of flights per day taking off in the afternoon.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Shanghai on average per week?

The number of flights available between San Francisco and Shanghai is 17 per week as of February 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 18% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

Cheap San Francisco to Shanghai flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Shanghai

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Shanghai

How far is San Francisco to Shanghai by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Shanghai?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Shanghai?

Best airlines flying from San Francisco to Shanghai

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from San Francisco to Shanghai with momondo

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Shanghai with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Shanghai?

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Shanghai right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Shanghai trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to China

Fly into one of these airports located in Shanghai

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 18.9 mi from Shanghai

Fly your favorite airline to Shanghai

Airlines are sorted and displayed according to clicks in the past 7 days on momondo

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According to popular flight searches on momondo this year

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