China Eastern Airlines — Shanghai's home carrier
Direct BKK–PVG in 4.5–5 hours, SkyTeam member

China Eastern Airlines is one of China's three major state carriers. Its primary hub is Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), with a secondary presence at Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic routes. The network covers over 50 countries, with the densest domestic coverage inside China of any carrier with a Shanghai hub.

PVG is China Eastern's home airport and the entry point for almost all international arrivals into Shanghai. From the terminal, the Maglev train reaches Longyang Road station in the city in 7 minutes at 430 km/h. Metro Line 2 takes roughly 60 minutes for a fraction of the price. Hongqiao Airport (SHA), which handles most of China Eastern's domestic departures, is on the opposite side of the city.

SkyTeam includes Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Aeromexico and Aeroflot, among others. If you already hold miles with Delta SkyMiles or Flying Blue, those miles earn on China Eastern flights and can be redeemed there too. Eastern Miles earned on MU flights credit to partner programmes in return.

Shanghai Airlines operates as part of the China Eastern group and shares its hub at PVG. Some BKK–PVG flights sold under a China Eastern reservation carry an FM flight number on a Shanghai Airlines aircraft. From a passenger standpoint the distinction is minor: same check-in counters, same Eastern Miles accrual, the same group's service standards.

On long-haul widebody aircraft (A350, B777), China Eastern's Business cabin offers lie-flat seats with personal IFE screens and premium meal service. The BKK–PVG route is a medium-haul sector of roughly 4.5–5 hours; Business here delivers a wider, more reclined seat, better food, additional baggage allowance, and lounge access at departure airports. The flat-bed configuration applies mainly to transcontinental routes — check the specific aircraft for your flight.

China Eastern operates a Premium Economy cabin on some widebody aircraft — wider seats with more pitch than standard Economy. This cabin is not available on every flight or aircraft type; the BKK–PVG route may or may not have it depending on the specific aircraft scheduled for your date. Check the seat map when booking to see whether a middle cabin is offered.

China Eastern is a full-service carrier, which means Economy on international routes includes checked baggage, a hot meal (typically one main course and a snack on medium-haul), beverages and a personal IFE screen on widebody aircraft. Narrowbody aircraft on the BKK–PVG route may have seatback screens or not — the seat map at booking usually indicates the aircraft type. Wi-Fi is available on some aircraft for a fee; coverage and speed vary.

On international routes, Economy class typically permits one checked bag of 23 kg. However, the exact allowance depends on the fare type you purchase: Economy Light fares often include reduced baggage or charge separately; flexible Economy fares may include more. Business class receives a higher allowance. Cabin baggage allowance is typically one piece, around 5–7 kg. Always read the Baggage section on your specific ticket — do not rely on a previous booking or general estimates.