Book a trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai with Cathay Pacific

Begin your trip from Johannesburg to Shanghai on a modern aircraft from our fleet of Boeing 777s, Airbus A321neos, A330s, and A350s. Your journey, including a stopover in Hong Kong, takes approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. Please note that the aircraft model may change depending on availability.

Our First Class and Business Class passengers can relax and recharge with our award-winning lounge facilities, such as our Relaxation Rooms, Shower Suites, and Noodle Bar during the layover.

Checking in online with Cathay Pacific provides a convenient way to save time and avoid airport queues, and you can complete this via a computer (PC) or mobile device up to 48 hours before the flight. You are able to choose or change preferred seats in advance, speeding up airport procedures with your boarding pass ready to print or be saved digitally after online check-in, depending on origin or destination regulations. Frequent flyers with Green membership or higher can benefit from priority online check-in access, enhancing their ease of travel. Depending on your flight and ticket class, you may also be eligible to book your meals in advance should you have dietary preferences.

If your Cathay Pacific flight to Shanghai is delayed or cancelled, we will keep you informed through updates on our flight status page , airport screens, public announcements, or via text notification services like notiFLY. If your flight is delayed, we will provide new check-in and boarding times reflecting the updated schedule. Should you miss a connection due to a delay, we will provide assistance to ensure your onward travel. For more information, you may refer to your rights and regulations or reach out to us before you fly.

Upon arrival, follow the signs to the departure level for your connecting flight. If you already have your onward boarding pass, proceed to the security screening before heading to your boarding gate. Alternatively, you can visit the transfer desk located near Departure Gate 11 to check in for your next flight. Passengers aged 11 and above with electronic travel documents can use e-Security Gates for faster processing.

There are plenty of things to do at Hong Kong Airport to make your Johannesburg to Shanghai layover (less than 24 hours) enjoyable. For a quick refresh, visit the Sky Garden terrace on level 7 East Hall for a peaceful spot with greenery and great views of the runways. Coffee lovers can enjoy coffee shops like Maison Kayser or Arabica, while those wanting a unique experience can visit the Intervals Sky Bar on level 9 in the Sky Bridge for cocktails with a view. For families, there are interactive play areas and child-friendly zones to keep the little ones entertained. If time allows, you can discover some shopping or enjoy the airport’s viewing spots, including the glass-floored Sky Bridge walkway, which offers fascinating views of planes taxiing below.

Our First Class and Business Class Lounges offer refined comforts, including a serene ambience crafted by award-winning architects and interior designers. Cathay Pacific First Class and Business Class passengers at HKIA have access to the following lounges in Terminal 1:

The Wing : Located near Gate 2, the Business Class lounge at The Wing combines elegance with functionality. It features spacious seating areas, a stunning design, and a renowned Noodle Bar offering a variety of Asian dishes. You can enjoy Shower Suites and a tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation before a flight.

The First Class lounge features The Haven dining area with à la carte menus, a champagne bar, and private cabanas with bathtubs and day beds.

The Pier : Situated near Gate 65, The Pier is known for its serene ambience and modern design. It offers a selection of gourmet meals, including an impressive buffet and à la carte options. The lounge also includes Shower Suites and private resting areas, providing a peaceful retreat. For our First Class passengers, this lounge provides private suites, fine dining curated by top chefs, and bespoke service. It also includes premium amenities like massage services and extensive relaxation areas.

The Bridge : Located moments from Gate 35, The Bridge is designed with a contemporary flair. It features a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating and a variety of dining options. You will find a selection of snacks and beverages, along with access to Shower Suites and workstations for those needing to catch up on business.

The Deck : Situated near Gate 6, The Deck Lounge provides a more casual setting with a focus on comfort. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, light refreshments, and a range of seating options. This lounge is perfect for those looking to unwind before their flight.

Cathay Pacific has a selection of Economy Class fares to choose from, based on what is best suited for your needs. Each type of fare has its own benefits, baggage allowances, and flexibility for changes or cancellations, so you can choose the option that best fits your travel plans.

Light Fare : Suitable for those wanting a budget-friendly ticket, the Light fare includes a standard baggage allowance with limited options for changes or refunds.
Essential Fare : A step up from Light, this fare offers more flexibility, including changes with some fee, and additional benefits such as seat selection and better mileage accrual.
Flexi Fare : This is the most flexible Economy Class fare, allowing changes or cancellations with minimal fees and a more comprehensive baggage allowance. It’s ideal for those who want flexibility and peace of mind.

If you want to learn more about our baggage policies for your respective fare class, visit our fare classes page.

Your experience in the Premium Economy Class and Business Class begins the moment your flight ticket is confirmed. Starting with an additional baggage allowance, you will be able to pack more comfortably for your trip before you are warmly greeted at one of our designated check-in counters. With priority boarding, you can expect an elevated experience from your seat, from spacious seating to exquisitely crafted menus.

Business Class passengers flying on designated routes on board our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft can indulge in our award-winning Aria Suite and an experience sculpted with you in mind.

*New Boeing 777-300ER cabins will be progressively introduced.

Your carry-on baggage allowance varies by cabin class: Economy Class and Premium Economy passengers can bring one bag up to 7 kg plus a small personal item, Business Class passengers have a 10 kg carry-on allowance plus a personal item, and First Class passengers can bring one bag weighing up to 15 kg plus a personal item. All carry-on bags must meet size limits of 56 x 36 x 23 cm, with the personal item fitting under the seat. Read more about our baggage policy .

Passengers flying on Economy Light fares or using redemption tickets will be granted 1 piece of checked baggage. Economy Essential, Economy Flex, and Premium Economy Class travellers are allowed to bring up to 2 pieces of checked baggage, with a maximum weight of 23kg per piece. Business Class passengers are allowed to bring up to 2 pieces of checked baggage weighing up to 32kg each, while First Class passengers may bring up to 3 pieces. For more information regarding how much checked baggage you can bring on your journey, visit our baggage calculator.

Keep in mind that going above your baggage allowance may incur additional fees, depending on whether it is above the weight limit or size limit. Depending on your route, you may want to consider our prepaid extra baggage allowance .

During your flight, you can access the inflight shopping service using the onboard Wi-Fi , available across our entire fleet. By connecting your device to the "Cathay Pacific" Wi-Fi network and navigating to the shopping portal, you can browse a wide range of products from over a thousand brands. Cathay members can log in to their accounts to redeem Asia Miles for purchases or earn as they shop.

To calculate how many Asia Miles you earn flying from Johannesburg to Shanghai on Cathay Pacific, you can use our online Status Points and Asia Miles calculator . The amount of Asia Miles earned depends primarily on three factors: the route distance, your cabin class, and the fare type you purchased, with more flexible and premium fares generally earning more Asia Miles and Status Points. Bear in mind that you will only be earning Asia Miles and status points on flights marketed by Cathay Pacific.

Our extensive global network connects you to over 100 destinations worldwide, ensuring ample travel options and seamless connections. Our modern fleet offers spacious cabins with fully flat beds in Business Class, roomy Premium Economy seats, and comfortable Economy Class seats. Our entertainment suite and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to stay connected and entertained during your flight. As you fly with us on our loyalty programme, you will be able to accumulate Asia Miles and status points, both of which offer different benefits.

Booking directly with Cathay Pacific offers greater flexibility, exclusive promotions, and enhanced customer service compared to third-party channels. Direct bookings come with benefits like 24-hour free cancellation, access to the full range of fare options, and special offers including bonus Asia Miles and discounts on add-ons. Passengers enjoy priority support for changes and disruptions, seamless mileage earning and redemption, and perks such as advanced upgrade opportunities for members.

*Terms and conditions apply. Visit our page for full details.

Status Points determine your tier status, impacting your membership level and benefits. They reset to zero at the start of each new membership year upon renewal, upgrade, or downgrade. Asia Miles acts as a currency for redeeming flights and lifestyle rewards and are valid for three years. Status Points help you attain elite status, and Asia Miles enable you to enjoy travel experiences and purchases.

The membership tiers—Green, Silver, Gold, and Diamond—are designed to reward frequent flyers and provide increasing levels of perks.

Green membership is the entry-level tier, providing access to exclusive flight offers, priority online check-in 48 hours before your flight, and the ability to book extra-legroom seats using Asia Miles. You will also receive a complimentary 2-day access pass to PressReader with each flight booking.

In addition to existing Green tier benefits, Silver members unlock priority check-in at Business Class counters, access to Business Class lounges, and expedited baggage handling. You will also receive additional earning rates on Asia Miles when shopping or dining.

Gold tier members can bring an extra piece of checked baggage and have guaranteed Economy Class seating on Cathay Pacific flights. Additionally, Gold tier members receive two complimentary Business Class lounge passes and exclusive upgrades, along with enhanced earning rates for Asia Miles.

Members in the Diamond tier benefit from First Class check-in, access to all First Class and Business Class lounges, and the ability to invite a companion. Diamond tier members also enjoy priority baggage handling and exclusive offers at partner hotels and restaurants.

You can read more about status points and the benefits of each tier here .

Eligible tickets are those issued by Cathay Pacific or our oneworld alliance partners in fare classes that qualify for earning Status Points. During the booking process and once you manage your booking online, you can see the exact number of Status Points and Asia Miles your ticket will earn based on the airline, cabin class, fare type, and distance travelled.

If your ticket is eligible, Status Points will be automatically added to your account after your flight. If you fly with one of our partner airlines, you can still earn Status Points toward your Cathay membership, subject to fare and class eligibility.

Explore an exciting array of benefits when booking your next trip with Cathay Pacific, including our Economy Class fares , which give you greater choice, versatility, and value. Our latest flight and holiday package offers are regularly updated to provide you with greater flexibility on your travels with Cathay Pacific.