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Delta Air Lines · Route guide

Delta Detroit (DTW) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) Route Overview

Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

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1 airline on this route · 5x weekly, Year-Round

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Airline

Delta

Aircraft

Airbus A350-900

Service

5x weekly, Year-Round

Region

Asia-Pacific

The route

The direct flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) serves as a critical bridge between the American Midwest and China's primary financial center. Operated by Delta Air Lines, this route provides essential connectivity for business travelers and tourists alike, bypassing coastal hubs for a more direct transpacific journey.

Delta's service from Detroit to Shanghai is one of the airline's flagship transpacific routes. Utilizing the high-efficiency Airbus A350-900, the flight operates five times weekly, offering a range of cabin experiences from main cabin to the premium Delta One suites. The route is strategically timed to support connections from throughout Delta's extensive domestic network at its Detroit hub.

This route is vital for the automotive and manufacturing industries, linking the 'Motor City' directly with the industrial powerhouses of the Yangtze River Delta. For passengers, it represents one of the most efficient ways to reach mainland China from the Eastern United States without an additional domestic layover.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

AIR

Check-in: Arrive at the McNamara Terminal at least 3 hours prior to departure for international document verification.
Security: TSA PreCheck is available for eligible travelers, though all international passengers must go through standard document checks at the gate.
Connections: The McNamara Terminal features an ExpressTram for quick transit between gates.

Arrival

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

DTW

On arrival: Ensure your health declaration and arrival cards are completed before reaching the immigration counters.
Ground transport: The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest option to reach the city, connecting PVG to Longyang Road in 8 minutes.
Planning ahead: Currency exchange and SIM card kiosks are available immediately after exiting the customs area.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights generally depart Detroit in the late morning, arriving in Shanghai the following afternoon.
Duration: Westbound flights are longer due to headwinds, often exceeding 15 hours.
Seasonality: The route operates year-round with no significant seasonal breaks.
Time zones: Shanghai is 12 to 13 hours ahead of Detroit, which can cause significant jet lag.

Fares & booking

Booking window: The sweet spot for pricing is usually between 3 and 5 months before the departure date.
Cabin advice: Delta One is highly recommended for this 15-hour flight to ensure arrival well-rested.
Peak pricing: Fares skyrocket during the Lunar New Year and the October Golden Week holidays.

Book at least 60 days in advance to secure the most competitive transpacific fares.
Use the Fly Delta app to monitor for upgrade offers into Delta Premium Select.
Consider mid-week travel (Tuesday or Wednesday) for better seat availability.

Peak season

Summer and major Chinese holidays like Spring Festival.

Shoulder season

Late spring and early autumn provide a balance of weather and price.

Off-peak season

Late November through early March, excluding holiday peaks.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Destination and Origin, through our travel partner.

Browse tours

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination

01
Spring (April - May)
Pleasant temperatures and the blooming of Shanghai's parks make this an ideal time for visit.
02
Autumn (September - October)
Clearer skies and lower humidity levels compared to the summer months.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Business Travelers

Direct hub-to-hub connectivity between the US auto industry and Chinese commerce.

Leisure Travelers

A comfortable, non-stop way to explore one of Asia's most dynamic megacities.

Connections & alternatives

Beijing

Easily reached via a short domestic flight or high-speed rail from Shanghai.

Hong Kong

A frequent onward connection for travelers exploring greater China.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route

Visa & entry

Most US citizens require a pre-approved visa to enter China.
Check if you qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit if you are traveling to a third country.
Keep a digital and physical copy of your hotel confirmation for immigration officers.

Airport transfers

Take the Maglev for a world-class high-speed experience into the city.
Metro Line 2 provides a cheaper, though slower, connection to both Pudong and Puxi.
Use the official taxi stand and avoid unofficial drivers offering rides in the arrivals hall.

Baggage & transit

Delta's international baggage policy typically includes two checked bags for transpacific routes; check your specific fare class.
Label all luggage with your destination address in both English and Chinese characters.
Carry essential medications and documents in your carry-on due to the length of the flight.

Checklist

Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
Chinese Visa or valid entry permit
VPN software installed on all devices
International power adapter (Type I is common in China)

Carriers

Airlines Flying Origin to Destination

Delta

5x weekly

Exclusively utilizes the Airbus A350-900, featuring the latest cabin interiors.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Origin to Destination.

How long is the flight from Detroit to Shanghai Pudong?

The non-stop flight typically takes between 14 hours and 45 minutes to 15 hours and 30 minutes depending on the wind.

Which aircraft does Delta use for the DTW to PVG route?

Delta exclusively operates the Airbus A350-900 on this route, which features their latest cabin products.

How many times a week does Delta fly to Shanghai from Detroit?

Delta currently operates this service 5 times per week.

Do I need a visa for my flight to Shanghai?

Yes, most international travelers require a Chinese visa. Some may qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit if they have an onward ticket to a third country.

Which terminal at DTW does the Shanghai flight depart from?

The flight departs from the McNamara Terminal (Terminal EM) at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

Detroit (DTW)Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Countries & layovers

United States China Detroit layover guide

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