Shandong Airlines Check-in and Boarding Pass

The rule to watch most closely is the closing time: check-in is no longer possible 30 minutes before departure. Note that some airports apply an earlier cutoff under their own local rules, and that cutoff applies to you regardless. So always go by the earliest time slot shown on your booking.

As for opening times, Shandong Airlines follows the practice common to Chinese carriers: online check-in generally becomes available from the day before departure, often somewhere between 24 and 48 hours ahead of the scheduled time, depending on the flight and the airport. On international and regional flights, opening may happen later. Check the exact time on your booking confirmation rather than relying on a general rule.

For an international flight departing from China, allow a noticeably wider margin than for a domestic flight: exit formalities, document checks and security screening all take time.

Shandong Airlines offers a dedicated boarding pass section (办登机牌) on its official site, sda.cn, accessible from the trip management area. The airline's mobile app and its WeChat channels handle the same trip management functions. Some features on the Chinese-language site require real-name authentication, which can make access harder for a foreign traveler; in that case, the airline directs passengers to its customer service line at 95369 (+86 531 95369 from abroad and from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

At the airport, two options coexist in Chinese terminals: Shandong Airlines counters and self-service kiosks, both listed among the airline's ground services. Either way, bring a valid ID document, the same one used to purchase the ticket.

A few situations cannot be handled remotely and require direct contact with the airline: an unaccompanied minor, a passenger needing assistance, a pregnant traveler, a sick or disabled passenger, or an animal in the cabin. These cases must be reported to Shandong Airlines before the ticket is purchased and are only accepted once the airline has agreed. On codeshare flights, it is the conditions of the airline actually operating the flight that apply, and when Shandong Airlines sells a ticket or checks in a passenger on behalf of another carrier, it acts as that operating carrier's agent.

Shandong Airlines tickets are personal and non-transferable: a ticket may only be used by the passenger named on it. mainland China identity cards (resident, temporary), passports, military certificates and other official documents are accepted as valid identification. For mainland Chinese residents under 16, a birth medical certificate, the household register (hukou), or an identity certificate issued by the local public security bureau are also accepted. Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan present their mainland travel permit or residence permit; foreign travelers present a valid passport, a diplomatic document issued in China by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a permanent residence card for foreigners.

On international flights, passengers must arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure and check in with their ticket and a valid identification document. Check with the relevant embassy before booking and confirm that your documents are valid for your itinerary.

The name shown on the boarding pass must match the ID document exactly. On the airline's tools, first and last names are entered separated by a forward slash, which explains many failed booking lookups.

Check-in is also when baggage questions get settled, which is precisely why the airline asks passengers to be on site 90 minutes before departure.

In the cabin, on domestic flights: one bag per passenger in business and economy class, two pieces in first class, each piece limited to 5 kg and 5 kg. Any bag heavier or larger than that must be checked.

For checked baggage, the free allowance on domestic flights is 20 kg in economy class, 30 kg in business class, 40 kg in first class, and 10 kg for an infant ticket. Allowances on international and regional flights depend on the route and the fare purchased, so check what your ticket states. Shandong Airlines also sells prepaid baggage, which must be booked before departure.

Dangerous goods are covered by the airline's own regulations, which should be checked before you pack.

If you would rather not track the opening of check-in yourself, iBoardingPass can complete your online check-in on your behalf as soon as it opens and send you your boarding pass by email.

Booking not found online: check the format of the name (first and last name separated by a forward slash), as well as the ticket number or booking reference. The airline also offers order lookup for users without an account, along with a ticket authenticity verification tool.

Arriving too late: once the cutoff has passed, the airline is not obliged to accept you. On international tickets, Shandong Airlines states that a passenger arriving late for a flight as part of a planned segment change may face additional charges. If you are running late, contact 95369 before departure time rather than after.

Seating: Shandong Airlines offers advance seat selection and paid upgrades, available at purchase, at check-in, or at the boarding gate. Onboard seat assignment remains subject to the airline's own arrangements.

Delayed or cancelled flight: the airline provides delay or cancellation certificates and rebooking procedures, available on its website. If your flight changes, any boarding pass already issued must be reissued.

If you are comparing rules across other Chinese carriers, see our pages on Air China check-in, China Eastern check-in, China Southern boarding pass and Hainan Airlines check-in procedures.