If you frequently fly solo between Shanghai and Seoul, depart from Hongqiao Airport (SHA) and fly to Seoul Gimpo (GMP). Asiana Airlines (soon to be Korean Air) in the morning and Korean Air in the afternoon are your most comfortable options.
How I decide on what best is
As I mentioned in my best SHA/PVG-HKG flights post, SHA is always better than PVG. If you want to fly to Seoul, flights at the times you want is the only factor worth considering as there are very few options. I will not list low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Unlike Shanghai (SHA) to Tokyo (HND), all flights are SkyTeam from SHA are to GMP (Gimpo airport). This is a very busy route, so all flights below are daily.
| Airline | Departure | Typical Aircraft | Seat Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Eastern / Shanghai Airlines | 8:05am | Airbus A330-200/300 | 17.2" to 17.8" |
| Asiana Airlines (soon to be Korean Air) | 10:55am | Airbus A330-300 / B777-200 | 17.7" / 18.1" |
| Shanghai Airlines / China Eastern | 5:05pm | B787-9 / Airbus A330-300 | 16.3" / 17.8" |
| Korean Air | 6:25pm | A330-300 / B787-9 | 18" / 17.2" |
Why Gimpo (GMP) instead of Incheon (ICN)
If you're familiar with Shanghai, it's a bit like Hongqiao airport (SHA) versus Pudong airport (PVG), or Haneda (HND) versus Narita (NRT). Gimpo is much closer to downtown Seoul than Incheon. You will save at least 1hr door-to-door time with SHA being 30 mins less travel time than PVG, and 30 mins with GMP being closer to downtown than ICN.
Seats
There's too much plane and seat layout options to try to hope or plan to get an 18" seat width. As it's only a 2 hour or so flight, book based on scheduling needs. Both seat width and food quality are better on Asiana and Korean Air versus China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines.
Price
Asiana Airlines and Korean Air have better prices than China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines, so it's a no brainer to pay less and get better seats and food.
Takeaway
Fly Asiana in the morning and Korean Air in the early evening from Shanghai to Seoul.
Discussion