Book your flight as early as possible. The airline will take advantage of the desperation of last minute fliers by increasing the prices substantially a week or two before a flight. Book an international flight to Shanghai at least one month in advance.
Have multiple flight dates in mind. Being set on flying out to Shanghai on only one specific date could have you paying more than flying out the next day.
Fly on a weekday to avoid the prices charged to weekend getaway fliers.
Search rates for multiple airports around your departure city. Though flying directly into the Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport may be more convenient, it may be more cost effective to fly into Beijing, China's capital city, or Hong Kong then transfer to Shanghai.
Search for airline prices on the airline's official website before trying discount air travel sites. Discount sites like Expedia or Kayak often charge additional service fees that purchases from the airline directly will not have.
Fly during a season in which air travel traffic is lower, such as months without major holidays. The summer months of June, July and August are Shanghai's busiest tourist season as visitors enjoy river cruises past the architecturally alluring Pudong district. Travel during the fall season, starting in September, when activities and attractions are still open, but there are fewer crowds.
Search websites which specialize in travel to China such as FlyChina.com or USChinaTrip.com. These websites can search for connecting flights to Shanghai from smaller airports to find you a better rate.
