How Zenit flies to Shanghai: charter flight details and handy tips

Why Zenit opts for charter flights

For international fixtures the club usually flies on its own charters rather than regular commercial services. That gives them control over the timetable, the right level of comfort, and lets the whole squad—players, coaches, medical staff and media—travel together. The official carrier is Aeroflot, whose logos appear on both the kits and the stadium.

The aircraft and the route

The Saint‑Petersburg‑to‑Shanghai leg was handled by a Boeing 737‑800, a type that normally flies to Dubai. It took off from Pulkovo‑3 terminal, giving the squad a chance to get ready away from the crowds. Because the range of a narrow‑body jet without refuelling wasn’t enough, a stopover in Krasnoyarsk was built into the plan. The journey broke into two roughly five‑hour legs with a one‑hour ground pause, during which passengers stayed in the cabin.

How the cabin is set up for the players

In economy each player got a block of three adjacent seats. Those seats were fitted with special mattresses and pillows, turning a regular row into something close to a “Sleep+” service. Head coach Sergey Semak says the arrangement let most of the squad lie down, which is far more comfortable than staying upright in standard seats. In practice, economy turned out to be cozier than business class, whose seats weren’t tweaked for their needs.

Time‑zone shift and adaptation

Saint‑Petersburg is about five hours behind Shanghai. The coach notes that most of the players are used to such shifts, as the team flies to many countries. He says the difference isn’t a deal‑breaker, though a few individuals may feel a mild jet lag.

What they do during the flight

For some players the aircraft is the only place where they can focus on personal projects. Defender Nino spends the time brushing up on Russian and taking an online theology course, while Gustavo Mantuan watches movies and reads. Card games also pop up in the cabin: the Brazilians and Colombians play “truco”, and the rest stick to quick board‑game variants that need no lengthy rule‑explanations.

In‑flight meals

Each leg of the trip included two meals. The menu centered on protein and carbs – chicken, rice, pasta – and alcohol was completely omitted. Instead, sugar‑free cola was served. The pre‑match staple of chicken pasta also made the cut. One player, Luis Enrique, mentioned that he liked Chinese pancakes with condensed milk, likening them to Russian cheese pancakes.

Luggage and souvenirs

Each squad member received a small, branded suitcase with a personal tag to avoid mix‑ups. On the way back players can bring purchases, and sometimes spouses and children are allowed on the flight, turning the return into a more family‑oriented trip.

What to pack for your own Shanghai flight as a regular tourist

• Comfortable sleep: if you’re facing a long haul, consider an inflatable pillow or a small mattress that fits in the seat.
• Food stash: airlines usually serve healthy meals, but it helps to have light protein snacks, especially if you work out.
• Entertainment: load books, movies or games beforehand – the flight will pass more quickly.
• Luggage: tag your suitcase with a bright label so it can be spotted fast if things get mixed up.
• Time‑zone adjustment: try shifting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure to blunt jet lag.

Bottom line

Zenit’s charter to Shanghai shows how a routine flight can become comfortable and productive. Tailored seats, thoughtful entertainment and balanced meals let the players land in China rested and ready for the match. The same ideas can be applied by ordinary travelers who want to get the most out of a long haul to China.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.