The flight distance from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle, United States to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) in Shanghai, China is 9,210 kilometers (5,723 miles / 4,973 nautical miles). The estimated flight time for this route is approximately 12h, flying northwest at a heading of 309°.

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

This is an international route connecting United States with China. It is an intercontinental flight between North America and Asia. Travelers should check visa requirements, customs regulations, and any travel advisories before booking.

Time zone information: When it's 06:26 in Seattle, it's 22:26 in Shanghai. With a 16-hour time difference, travelers should plan for significant jet lag. It typically takes one day per hour of time difference to fully adjust.

The return flight from Shanghai (SHA) to Seattle (SEA) follows a heading of 38° (northeast). Actual flight times may vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used.

For more information about these airports, visit the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) detail pages, or use our flight duration calculator to compare other routes.