The 40% discount currently runs Y580 and is available out of both PVG and SHA. 45% and 50% (off of full fare, which is just shy of Y1000) discounts are also fairly common, but usually harder to get out of Hongqiao. In general, the deeper the discount, the more restrictive the ticket, but IME even 50% discounts allow you to make one change for free (though you might end up buying up to the next level if no inventory available).

My long time TA, Liz, recently informed me that she can no longer book anything deeper than a 20% discount so she's started referring me to other places. Still, she's a good starting point because of her strong command of English; her number is 5424 4605. I've also started using 96113, the Shanghai number for one of the larger national agencies and have had good results, but their English was lacking.

I disagree with the suggestion that all airlines serving this market are indistinguishable. On the other hand, airline quality/comfort is far down my list of priorities (price, schedule, likelihood of using bus gate, and not having to go to PVG are more important to me). But, since you asked, here are my rankings:

1) CA 744 (only to PVG, but I take that flight when convenient)
2) CA 777
3) FM 767
4) CA 767
5) other FM
6) other CA
7) anything MU

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by moondog (edited Dec 07, 2003).]