Palma de Mallorca (PMI) → Shanghai (PVG): cheap fares overview
There's no nonstop on this route — every ticket from Palma de Mallorca to Shanghai Pudong involves at least one connection, which means price is shaped by which hub you're routed through and how competitive that hub's carriers are. Fares tend to be lowest in late winter and early autumn, when neither Spanish school holidays nor China's Golden Week are pushing demand up. Summer spikes hard, partly because of European leisure travel and partly because Shanghai's business calendar stays active year-round. The longer your layover flexibility, the better your chances of finding something reasonable.
Why travel from Palma de Mallorca to Shanghai?
Mallorca has a surprisingly strong Chinese-Spanish business community, and a lot of travelers on this route are visiting family or managing trade relationships — think ceramics, textiles, food imports. Beyond that, Spanish travelers tend to be drawn to Shanghai specifically for the food scene, which rewards people who already eat adventurously. The architecture alone justifies the flight: the contrast between the French Concession's low colonial streets and Pudong's skyline is genuinely striking in a way photos don't fully capture. There's also a growing wave of slow travelers using Shanghai as a base for wider China exploration, and Mallorca, with its expat infrastructure and good flight connections, has become a quiet hub for that kind of longer trip planning.
How to find a cheap fare on this route
Book at least eight to ten weeks out for the best prices — last-minute fares on this route get painful fast. February and October tend to offer the most breathing room on price. Barcelona (BCN) is only about an hour away and opens up significantly more routing options if you're flexible on departure airport. On the Shanghai end, Hongqiao (SHA) serves some domestic connections if you're continuing further into China. Routing through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Doha often undercuts European carrier pricing, so compare those itineraries carefully before defaulting to a familiar airline. A price calendar view across a full month is worth the extra five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Shanghai?
Flight prices vary seasonally, but typically traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or outside Chinese New Year and summer holidays tends to offer better rates. We recommend checking multiple months in our search tool to compare prices for your specific travel dates.
How far in advance should I book a flight from Palma de Mallorca to Shanghai?
For long-haul international flights like this route, booking 2-3 months in advance generally provides better pricing options. However, prices can fluctuate, so setting up price alerts will help you catch the best deals when they become available.
What is the best connecting route for flights from Palma de Mallorca to Shanghai?
Since there are no direct flights on this route, you'll need at least one connection through major European or Asian hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, or Middle Eastern airports. The best route depends on flight schedules and layover times, which our search filters can help you optimize.
What currency and payment options should I know about when booking?
You'll book in EUR (euros) from Spain, and most international travel sites accept major credit cards and digital payment methods. Once in Shanghai, you'll use CNY (Chinese yuan), so plan your currency exchange before departure or use ATMs upon arrival for the best rates.
What should I know before booking a connecting flight on this route?
Ensure your connecting airport has sufficient layover time (at least 2-3 hours for international connections) and check visa requirements for both Spain and China before booking. on top of that, verify baggage policies with each airline, as connecting flights may have different allowances.