Shenzhen AirlinesZH

Shenzhen Airlines is a major Chinese carrier headquartered in Shenzhen, the high-tech hub of southern China's Pearl River Delta region. Founded in 1992 as one of China's first local airlines, the carrier has grown into one of the country's largest, operating a fleet of approximately 230 aircraft—primarily Airbus A320-family and Boeing 737 narrowbody jets, along with Airbus A330 widebodies for longer routes.

As a subsidiary of Air China (since 2010), Shenzhen Airlines became a Star Alliance connecting partner in 2012, providing access to the alliance's global network while maintaining its own distinct identity. The airline is known for its strong presence in southern China's booming economic corridor and its reliable domestic network connecting Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and the greater Pearl River Delta to cities across China.

Shenzhen Airlines carries approximately 40 million passengers annually and is the fifth-largest airline in China by fleet size. The airline's livery features a red phoenix-inspired design reflecting its Air China parentage.

Carry-On Allowance

Class	Pieces	Weight (each)	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 (11 lbs) each	55 x 40 x 20 cm each

Note: Dimensions must fit in overhead compartments or under seats. A small personal item (handbag, laptop bag) is allowed in addition to the cabin bag.

Checked Baggage - Domestic Routes

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Business	2 bags	30 kg (66 lbs) each

Checked Baggage - International Routes

Most international routes follow weight concept:

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

Routes to Americas (Piece Concept):

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

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

Elite Member Benefits

Status	Extra Allowance
Phoenix Miles Silver	+1 bag
Phoenix Miles Gold	+1 bag
Phoenix Miles Platinum	+1 bag
Star Alliance Gold	+1 bag (23 kg)

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic Routes (within China): Calculated per kilogram at 1.5% of the adult economy class (Y class) fare based on direct origin-destination mileage.

International Routes:

Condition	Fee (CNY)	Fee (USD)
Extra piece (1st)	1,000-1,400	140-195
Extra piece (2nd)	1,400-2,000	195-280
Overweight (23-32kg)	500-1,000	70-140

Important: Fees vary by route. Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) cannot be carried as checked baggage.

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, pedals removed
Car seat	Free
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free

Fees as of January 2025. Shenzhen Airlines policies may vary by route—verify at shenzhenair.com before traveling.

Business Class

Long-Haul (A330-300):

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-2-2
Pitch	60" (152 cm)
Width	20" (51 cm)
Recline	Lie-flat on select routes
Screen	15" personal touchscreen
Amenities	Amenity kit, slippers, blanket

Domestic/Regional:

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-2 (A320)
Pitch	38-42" (97-107 cm)
Width	20" (51 cm)
Recline	Standard recliner
Features	Priority boarding, enhanced meal service

Economy Class

Feature	Widebody (A330)	Narrowbody (A320/737)
Configuration	2-4-2	3-3
Pitch	31-32" (79-81 cm)	30-31" (76-79 cm)
Width	18" (46 cm)	17.2-18" (44-46 cm)
Screen	Personal seatback	Overhead/streaming
Power	USB on newer aircraft	USB on newer aircraft

Entertainment

Feature	Details
System	Seatback screens on A330 widebody
Content	Chinese and international films, TV shows, music
Streaming	Available on select domestic flights
WiFi	Limited availability (paid on select aircraft)

Note: Entertainment selection focuses primarily on Chinese-language content. Newer Airbus A320neo and A330 aircraft have improved entertainment options.

Dining

Business Class:

• Multi-course meals with Chinese and Western options
• Premium beverages including wine selection
• Snacks and refreshments throughout flight

Economy Class:

• Complimentary meals on domestic flights over 2 hours and all international flights
• Choice of Chinese or Western dish
• Standard beverages included
• Snacks on shorter domestic flights

Special Meals: Request 24+ hours before departure through the website or customer service.

Booking:

• Book directly on shenzhenair.com for easiest service during disruptions
• Compare prices with Air China—sometimes Shenzhen Airlines offers better value on shared routes
• Premium cabin fares can be competitive on domestic routes
• Check both Chinese and English websites for potential pricing differences

Baggage:

• Domestic weight allowance (20 kg economy) is lower than many international carriers—pack light
• Carry-on weight (5 kg) may be enforced strictly at Chinese airports
• Prepay excess baggage when available for potential savings
• Confirm allowance for your specific route—policies vary

At the Airport:

• Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) Terminal B is newer and more efficient than Terminal A
• Beijing Capital (PEK) Terminal 3 is enormous—allow 2+ hours for connections
• Phoenix Miles status provides priority check-in at all tiers
• Star Alliance Gold provides lounge access at Chinese airports

In-Flight:

• A330 widebodies have the best entertainment and seat comfort
• Download entertainment to your device—seatback screens limited on narrowbody
• Meal quality is generally good for Chinese carriers
• Crew English proficiency varies—basic phrases in Mandarin help

Earning Miles:

• Phoenix Miles earned on Shenzhen Airlines count toward Air China elite status
• Credit flights to Phoenix Miles for Star Alliance earning
• Miles expire after 36 months regardless of activity—use them regularly
• Family pooling allows combining miles with relatives

Connections:

• Shenzhen is an excellent gateway to southern China and Southeast Asia
• Air China codeshares enable smooth connections to Beijing hub
• Allow extra time for connections at Beijing Capital (PEK)
• Check transit visa requirements—72/144-hour visa-free available for many nationalities

Common Issues:

• Website navigation can be challenging in English
• Customer service English support limited outside business hours
• Online check-in windows are shorter than Western carriers
• Some services require Chinese phone number or payment method (Alipay/WeChat Pay)