A cheap fare is worth taking only when you know what it includes. Compare the final total, with bags, seats and the way to the airport, not the headline price.
It is sensible to want to save, especially when friends are splitting costs. The aim is to avoid a surprise at check-in.
Which routes can you actually fly on a budget carrier?
Spring Airlines has three links with Malaysia that we could confirm, so check these first. It began daily Shanghai to Penang flights with an Airbus A320 in January 2026[1]. It began Guangzhou to Penang on 1 February 2026 with three weekly flights[2]. It also resumed daily Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu on 28 January 2026[3].
Other carriers fly to Kuala Lumpur too. In April 2026, Sichuan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and AirAsia were named as existing Kuala Lumpur to China operators[4]. Schedules shift, so confirm on the airline site for your dates.
What should a group check before paying?
Use a short checklist. It saves arguments later.
- Is a checked bag included, and who pays for it?
- Can each person choose a seat, or are you seated apart?
- Is a meal included on the leg?
- How do changes and refunds work if one friend must cancel?
- Which airport does it use, and how far is it from the city?
Read our baggage allowance guide before you add bags. Add the extras to the fare and compare the total.
How do you split the real cost?
Count everything that each person pays: the fare, the bag, the seat and the ride to the airport. Divide the group costs, such as one taxi, by the number of people in the car.
The budget planner lets you enter today’s quotes and see a ringgit total for the group. Update it when you get a better quote.
Which Shanghai airport will you land at?
Budget flights may use a different airport from the one you expect. In Shanghai, check whether your flight lands in Pudong or Hongqiao, because the way into the city is not the same. Our Pudong versus Hongqiao guide explains how to choose.
For longer legs, see our guide to flights from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai. Penang and East Malaysia travellers can start from flights from Penang, Johor and East Malaysia.
When should you skip the budget fare?
Skip it when the extras erase the saving, or when a train gives a simpler day. For short city pairs, compare with high-speed rail in China rail versus domestic flight. Whichever you choose, keep your passports in your hand luggage.