Shandong AirlinesSC

Shandong Airlines is a major Chinese carrier headquartered in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province in eastern China. Founded in 1994, the airline has grown from a regional operator into one of China's significant domestic carriers, operating a fleet of approximately 130 aircraft serving over 100 destinations primarily within China.

Air China holds approximately 49% of Shandong Airlines, making it a key member of the Air China network. While Shandong Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance directly, its close ties with Air China enable extensive codeshare opportunities and integration with the Phoenix Miles frequent flyer program. The airline focuses on domestic Chinese routes with growing international services to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Shandong Airlines carried approximately 25 million passengers in 2024, making it one of China's top ten airlines by traffic. The airline is known for its strong Shandong Province network and reliable service connecting eastern China with major domestic destinations.

Carry-On Allowance

Class	Pieces	Weight	Dimensions
Economy	1 piece	5 kg (11 lbs)	55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
Business	2 pieces	5 kg each (10 kg total)	55 x 40 x 20 cm each

Note: Dimensions must fit in overhead compartments or under seats. Small personal items (handbag, laptop bag) allowed in addition. The 5 kg limit is strictly enforced at Chinese airports.

Checked Baggage - Domestic (Weight Concept)

Domestic routes within China use the weight concept:

Class	Free Allowance	Maximum per Bag
Economy	20 kg (44 lbs)	32 kg (70 lbs)
Business	30 kg (66 lbs)	32 kg (70 lbs)

Multiple bags: You can split your weight allowance across multiple bags (e.g., two 10 kg bags in Economy).

Checked Baggage - International (Piece Concept)

International routes typically use the piece concept:

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (length + width + height)

Phoenix Miles Elite Benefits

As part of the Air China/Phoenix Miles network, elite members receive enhanced baggage allowances:

Status	Extra Allowance (Domestic)	Extra Allowance (International)
Phoenix Miles Silver	+10 kg	+1 piece (23 kg)
Phoenix Miles Gold	+20 kg	+1 piece (23 kg)
Phoenix Miles Platinum	+30 kg	+1 piece (23 kg)
Star Alliance Gold	+10 kg	+1 piece (23 kg)

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic Routes:

Condition	Fee
Per kg over allowance	1.5% of adult Economy fare

International Routes:

Condition	Fee (CNY)	Fee (USD)
Extra piece	1,200-1,500	165-210
Overweight (23-32 kg)	1,000	140
Oversized (159-203 cm)	1,000	140

Important: Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) cannot be checked as baggage. Use cargo service instead.

Prepaid Baggage: Available through the website or app at discounted rates when purchased before check-in.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	Standard bag fee	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at shandongair.com.cn before traveling. 1 USD = 7.2 CNY approximately.

Shandong Airlines operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet with select Boeing 787 Dreamliners on longer routes, offering consistent service across its network.

Business Class

Available on most domestic routes and international flights:

Feature	Boeing 737	Boeing 787
Configuration	2-2	2-2-2
Pitch	38-42" (97-107 cm)	42-45" (107-114 cm)
Width	19-20" (48-51 cm)	20" (51 cm)
Recline	Recliner	Recliner / Angled flat
Screen	Overhead / Streaming	Personal 10"+
Power	AC outlet	AC + USB

Business Class Amenities:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access at major hubs
• Enhanced meal service
• Complimentary beverages including alcohol
• Amenity kit on longer flights
• Increased baggage allowance

Economy Class

Feature	Boeing 737	Boeing 787
Configuration	3-3	3-3-3
Pitch	30-32" (76-81 cm)	31-32" (79-81 cm)
Width	17" (43 cm)	17.5" (44 cm)
Screen	Overhead / Streaming	Personal 9" (select aircraft)
Power	USB (newer aircraft)	AC + USB

Economy Class Features:

• Complimentary meals on flights over 2 hours
• Complimentary snacks and beverages on shorter flights
• Blankets and pillows on longer flights
• Personal device entertainment via streaming app

Entertainment

Feature	Details
System	Streaming to personal devices (most aircraft)
Content	Chinese and international movies, TV shows
Languages	Primarily Chinese, some English content
WiFi	Not widely available

Note: Download the Shandong Airlines app before your flight for streaming entertainment. Bring your own headphones.

Dining

Business Class:

• Hot meal service on flights over 1 hour
• Choice of Chinese and Western dishes
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Snacks and beverages throughout flight

Economy Class:

• Complimentary hot meals on flights over 2 hours
• Choice of Chinese dishes (rice or noodles typical)
• Complimentary soft drinks and juice
• Snack service on shorter flights

Special Meals: Available on select routes with advance request (24+ hours). Options may be limited compared to larger carriers.

Booking:

• Book directly on shandongair.com.cn for best rebooking support
• Compare prices with Air China for overlapping routes
• Join Phoenix Miles before booking to earn from the first flight
• Business Class often affordable on domestic routes compared to high-speed rail

Baggage:

• 5 kg carry-on limit is strictly enforced at Chinese airports—weigh your bag before arriving
• Domestic weight concept allows flexibility to split weight across multiple bags
• Prepay excess baggage online for savings
• Call ahead for unusual items

At the Airport:

• Jinan (TNA) is smaller and easier to navigate than major Chinese hubs
• Qingdao (TAO) new airport is large—allow extra time
• Self-service kiosks save time when available
• Phoenix Miles members get priority check-in even at Silver level

In-Flight:

• Download the Shandong Airlines app before your flight for entertainment
• Bring your own headphones—quality of provided ones varies
• Request Chinese meal options for more authentic cuisine
• WiFi is limited—download content before boarding

Earning Miles:

• Phoenix Miles earned on Shandong Airlines count toward Air China status
• Star Alliance Gold is achievable with 80,000 km per year
• Miles expire after 36 months regardless of activity
• Consider crediting to other Star Alliance programs if preferred

Connections:

• Jinan offers convenient connections to smaller Shandong cities
• Qingdao good for Japan/Korea connections
• Air China codeshares extend network significantly
• Allow 2+ hours minimum for connections in major Chinese airports

Common Issues:

• Website may be difficult to navigate in English
• App features may be limited outside China
• Customer service primarily in Mandarin
• International routes have limited frequency—book early
• Seat selection may not be available at booking on discounted fares