$429 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (SHA)

Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (SHA) at a glance

Embark on an international journey from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (SHA), with a diverse selection of airlines offering various route options. Explore and compare full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you delve into the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Shanghai. Here, you'll find essential information for flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).

• Fastest flight duration: around 15h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2 hours layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,700 miles (9,170 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $360–$570, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Seattle to Shanghai, often chosen for one-stop and multi-stop options. A popular layover is at Capital International Airport, PEK, which typically involves about a 2-hour wait. This allows you to mix and match prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.

• Hainan Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier, Hainan Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $375 and $545. This airline handles around 84% of the flights on this route, with a flying time of 15 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel duration of about 17 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover.

Alternative route from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (SHA)

• Seattle to Shanghai (SEA-PVG): Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located approximately 27 miles from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $380 and $1190, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both direct and connecting flights. Major airlines servicing this route include Delta and Asiana Airlines. Additionally, business class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (SHA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Seattle to Shanghai is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book 2-8 weeks in advance. Departures in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in cheaper rates, while Saturday remains the most popular travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Hongqiao International Airport from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Shanghai welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. Here's how to reach Shanghai efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Shanghai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Hongqiao International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Hongqiao International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Hongqiao International Airport, Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 Station, a metro station, is located about 0.5 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, a train station, is situated approximately 3.4 miles away and is accessible by car.

Seattle to Shanghai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Seattle to Shanghai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Seattle to Shanghai are during the month of March. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Seattle to Shanghai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Seattle to Shanghai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle to Shanghai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Seattle to Shanghai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Seattle to Shanghai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $429 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Seattle to Shanghai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Seattle to Shanghai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.