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 184 minutes.

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

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

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 December 2025. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 18% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

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 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.

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 December 2025. The most popular departure time for this route is 12:00PM, with 100% of flights per day taking off in the afternoon.

What airlines fly to Shanghai?

United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and China Eastern are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Shanghai from San Francisco according to our data. United Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 34% 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 cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Shanghai?

Air China, China Southern, and Cathay Pacific are the most popular carriers operating from San Francisco to Shanghai

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 December 2025, 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.

$407 Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Shanghai in 2025/26

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One-way

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Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

11:35 pm - 5:25 pm

SFO

SHA

25h 50m1 stop

1:50 pm - 7:40 pm

SHA

SFO

21h 50m1 stop

$707China Southern

Sat, Jan 17 - Sat, Jan 24

12:35 am - 10:00 am

SFO

PVG

18h 25m1 stop

6:20 pm - 8:30 pm

PVG

SFO

41h 10m2 stops

$707China Southern

Thu, Mar 19 - Sun, Mar 29

11:50 pm - 11:55 am

SFO

PVG

20h 05m1 stop

1:10 pm - 2:00 pm

PVG

SFO

16h 50m1 stop

$709Asiana Airlines

Wed, Jan 7 - Fri, Feb 6

11:35 pm - 10:00 am

SFO

PVG

18h 25m1 stop

6:05 pm - 8:40 pm

PVG

SFO

17h 35m1 stop

$712China Southern

Mon, Feb 16 - Mon, Mar 9

11:50 pm - 11:55 am

SFO

PVG

21h 05m1 stop

11:35 am - 3:00 pm

PVG

SFO

18h 25m1 stop

$713Asiana Airlines

Mon, Mar 23 - Thu, Jun 11

11:35 pm - 9:35 pm

SFO

PVG

30h 00m2 stops

6:25 pm - 8:30 pm

PVG

SFO

17h 05m1 stop

$714China Southern

Mon, Feb 16 - Thu, Apr 2

12:35 am - 3:25 pm

SFO

SHA

23h 50m2 stops

9:50 pm - 8:30 pm

SHA

SFO

37h 40m2 stops

$715China Southern

Mon, Mar 30 - Wed, Apr 8

1:00 pm - 9:55 am

SFO

SHA

29h 55m1 stop

8:25 pm - 10:30 am

SHA

SFO

29h 05m1 stop

$741Air China

Wed, Mar 11 - Tue, Apr 21

2:50 pm - 5:00 pm

SFO

SHA

35h 10m1 stop

7:25 pm - 10:30 am

SHA

SFO

30h 05m1 stop

$754Air China

Tue, Mar 31 - Tue, Apr 7

11:25 am - 12:20 pm

SFO

SHA

32h 55m1 stop

10:30 pm - 9:00 pm

SHA

SFO

38h 30m1 stop

$771Cathay Pacific

Mon, Jan 12 - Mon, Jan 19

China Southern flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

Our best China Southern deals on San Francisco to Shanghai flight tickets

China Southern

Jan 17

SFO11:35 pmSan Francisco

25h 50m

1 stop

SHA5:25 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Jan 24

SHA1:50 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

21h 50m

1 stop

SFO7:40 pmSan Francisco

$707

Find similar

China Southern

Feb 16

SFO11:35 pmSan Francisco

18h 25m

1 stop

PVG10:00 amShanghai Pu Dong

Mar 9

PVG6:05 pmShanghai Pu Dong

17h 35m

1 stop

SFO8:40 pmSan Francisco

$712

Find similar

China Southern

Feb 16

SFO11:35 pmSan Francisco

30h 00m

2 stops

PVG9:35 pmShanghai Pu Dong

Apr 2

PVG6:25 pmShanghai Pu Dong

17h 05m

1 stop

SFO8:30 pmSan Francisco

$714

Find similar

Air China flights from San Francisco to Shanghai

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

Air China

Mar 11

SFO1:00 pmSan Francisco

29h 55m

1 stop

SHA9:55 amShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Apr 21

SHA8:25 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

29h 05m

1 stop

SFO10:30 amSan Francisco

$741

Find similar

Air China

Mar 31

SFO2:50 pmSan Francisco

35h 10m

1 stop

SHA5:00 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Apr 7

SHA7:25 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

30h 05m

1 stop

SFO10:30 amSan Francisco

$754

Find similar

Air China

Jan 28

SFO12:00 pmSan Francisco

33h 55m

1 stop

SHA1:55 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

Mar 30

SHA3:25 pmShanghai Hongqiao Intl

35h 55m

1 stop

SFO12:20 pmSan Francisco

$765

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Sat 1/17

11:35 pm-5:25 pm

1 stop25h 50m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Sat 1/24

1:50 pm-7:40 pm

1 stop21h 50m

$707

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Thu 3/19

12:35 am-10:00 am

1 stop18h 25m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Sun 3/29

6:20 pm-8:30 pm

2 stops41h 10m

$707

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Wed 1/7

11:50 pm-11:55 am

1 stop20h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Fri 2/6

1:10 pm-2:00 pm

1 stop16h 50m

$709

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 2/16

11:35 pm-10:00 am

1 stop18h 25m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Mon 3/9

6:05 pm-8:40 pm

1 stop17h 35m

$712

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 3/23

11:50 pm-11:55 am

1 stop21h 05m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 6/11

11:35 am-3:00 pm

1 stop18h 25m

$713

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - PVG

SFOPVG

San Francisco

Mon 2/16

11:35 pm-9:35 pm

2 stops30h 00m

Shanghai Pu Dong

Thu 4/2

6:25 pm-8:30 pm

1 stop17h 05m

$714

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Mon 3/30

12:35 am-3:25 pm

2 stops23h 50m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Wed 4/8

9:50 pm-8:30 pm

2 stops37h 40m

$715

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Wed 3/11

1:00 pm-9:55 am

1 stop29h 55m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Tue 4/21

8:25 pm-10:30 am

1 stop29h 05m

$741

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Tue 3/31

2:50 pm-5:00 pm

1 stop35h 10m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Tue 4/7

7:25 pm-10:30 am

1 stop30h 05m

$754

San FranciscoShanghai

SFO - SHA

SFOSHA

San Francisco

Mon 1/12

11:25 am-12:20 pm

1 stop32h 55m

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl

Mon 1/19

10:30 pm-9:00 pm

1 stop38h 30m

$771

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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 August. Flight prices, which tend to average around $885, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. The month of September is another great option to travel to Shanghai, with average flight prices from San Francisco averaging around $890.

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 $889. 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 $1,303.

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 $1,253.

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 $1,132 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 $903 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	Tue, Fri and Sun
Airports in Shanghai	1 airport

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

Direct flights go from San Francisco to Shanghai on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. There are no airlines offering direct flights.

There is 1 airport near Shanghai: 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 16h 45m.
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 December 2025, 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
Philippine Airlines	PriceFrom $645	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 941 reviews	Search Philippine Airlines flights
ANA	PriceFrom $669	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.4 1,017 reviews	Search ANA flights
Cathay Pacific	PriceFrom $673	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.6 1,082 reviews	Search Cathay Pacific flights
Asiana Airlines	PriceFrom $674	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.2 490 reviews	Search Asiana Airlines flights
China Southern	PriceFrom $699	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 120 reviews	Search China Southern flights
Air China	PriceFrom $706	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 127 reviews	Search Air China flights
Korean Air	PriceFrom $766	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.4 1,177 reviews	Search Korean Air flights
Delta	PriceFrom $841	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,011 reviews	Search Delta flights
China Eastern	PriceFrom $842	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 178 reviews	Search China Eastern flights
China Airlines	PriceFrom $849	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.3 787 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.

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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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Find better results for your trip to China

Fly into one of these airports located in Shanghai

Shanghai Pu Dong Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao Intl Airport

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Cheap flights from San Francisco to Shanghai from $407

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 1/26. 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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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

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 $1,253.

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?

Air China, China Southern, and Cathay Pacific are the most popular carriers 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 184 minutes.

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

Generally, flights departing in the morning 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 December 2025. 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 December 2025. 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