Spring Airlines: Flights, Routes, Baggage and Fares

Spring Airlines is a Chinese low-cost carrier known for affordable domestic flights and an expanding network connecting mainland China with destinations across East and Southeast Asia.

Headquartered in Shanghai, the airline follows a budget model in which passengers purchase a basic flight ticket and pay separately for optional services such as checked baggage, advance seat selection, priority boarding and onboard meals.

This guide covers Spring Airlines flights with the 9C airline code. It should not be confused with SPRING JAPAN, which operates under the IJ code and has separate fares, baggage rules and check-in procedures.

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Spring Airlines at a Glance

Category	Details
Official name	Spring Airlines Company Limited
Airline type	Low-cost carrier
Headquarters	Shanghai, China
IATA code	9C
ICAO code	CQH
Ticketing code	089
Main aircraft family	Airbus A320 family
Fleet size stated by airline	138 aircraft
Domestic network	More than 190 routes
International and regional network	More than 50 routes
Premium product	SpringPlus
Loyalty program	SpringPass
Customer-service number	+86 21 95524

Spring Airlines’ official conditions identify it as a Shanghai-based carrier using the airline code 9C, ICAO code CQH and ticketing code 089. Its current company profile states that it operates 138 aircraft, more than 190 domestic routes and over 50 international and regional routes.

About Spring Airlines

Spring Airlines operated its inaugural flight on July 18, 2005, becoming one of China’s early privately owned airlines.

The company developed around a direct-sales model, using its website and mobile channels rather than depending entirely on conventional ticket agents. Its low-cost strategy focuses on high aircraft utilisation, a simplified fleet and optional paid travel services.

Shanghai remains the airline’s most important operating centre, with services from both Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Spring Airlines also lists operational bases in cities including Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Xi’an, Chengdu, Dalian, Lanzhou, Nanchang, Yangzhou and Jieyang.

The airline’s green “3S” branding represents:

• Safety

• Sincerity

• Smile

Spring Airlines uses the slogan “Don’t think, just fly!”, reflecting its emphasis on simple and relatively affordable travel.

Spring Airlines Routes and Destinations

Spring Airlines operates an extensive network within mainland China. Its domestic services connect Shanghai and its other bases with major cities and popular leisure destinations.

Examples listed by the airline include:

• Beijing

• Shanghai

• Guangzhou

• Shenzhen

• Xiamen

• Sanya

• Chengdu

• Chongqing

• Xi’an

• Shenyang

• Harbin

• Dalian

• Qingdao

• Urumqi

• Shijiazhuang

• Hohhot

Its international and regional network focuses mainly on nearby Asian markets. Destinations highlighted by Spring Airlines include cities in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore, along with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Popular international markets

Japan

Japan is one of Spring Airlines’ most important international markets. Its network has included destinations such as:

• Tokyo

• Osaka

• Sapporo

• Nagoya

• Fukuoka

• Okinawa

• Takamatsu

• Saga

• Ibaraki

Spring Airlines launched a Shanghai Pudong–Ibaraki charter service in July 2010, marking its first international operation.

South Korea

The airline operates or has operated routes to South Korean destinations including Seoul and Jeju. Jeju is also identified by the company as an overseas operating base.

Southeast Asia

Spring Airlines serves a selection of leisure and business destinations in Southeast Asia, including:

• Bangkok

• Phuket

• Chiang Mai

• Phnom Penh

• Singapore

Routes can be seasonal and may operate only on selected days. Travellers should therefore search their exact departure city and date rather than assuming that every route operates daily.

Spring Airlines Fleet

Spring Airlines operates an all-Airbus narrow-body fleet centred on the Airbus A320 family. Its official company profile currently states that the airline owns 138 aircraft.

Using closely related Airbus aircraft helps the airline simplify:

• Pilot and cabin-crew training

• Aircraft maintenance

• Spare-parts management

• Scheduling and fleet allocation

Spring Airlines aircraft are easily recognised by their white fuselage, green tail and large green Chinese and English branding.

The airline began introducing new seats with a fixed 114-degree backrest angle on newly delivered aircraft in February 2019. Because aircraft configurations can differ, the exact seat design and legroom may vary by flight.

How the Spring Airlines Low-Cost Model Works

Spring Airlines follows an unbundled pricing model. The basic fare primarily covers transportation, while many additional services are sold separately.

Optional services can include:

• Checked baggage

• Advance seat selection

• Priority boarding

• Onboard meals

• Travel insurance

• Airport transportation

• Additional travel products

This structure can benefit passengers travelling with minimal luggage. However, travellers requiring checked baggage, meals and a specific seat should calculate the final price after adding every necessary extra.

SpringPlus

SpringPlus is Spring Airlines’ enhanced travel product for passengers seeking more comfort and additional inclusions.

Exact benefits can depend on the flight, route and ticket conditions. SpringPlus may provide benefits such as:

• A seat in a preferred cabin area

• Additional baggage allowance

• Greater flexibility

• Complimentary food and drinks

• Additional SpringPass points

The airline confirms that eligible SpringPlus tickets include complimentary meals and drinks, unlike standard tickets, which generally do not include free catering.

Travellers should check the SpringPlus package displayed for their individual flight because benefits and availability can vary.

Spring Airlines Hand-Baggage Allowance

Spring Airlines has relatively strict cabin-baggage limits compared with many full-service airlines.

Domestic flights within China

The official baggage rules state that domestic passengers may normally carry:

• One piece of cabin baggage

• Maximum weight: 7 kilograms

• Maximum dimensions: 40 × 30 × 20 centimetres

The bag must fit within the permitted dimensions and pass the airline’s security and size checks.

International and regional flights

The airline’s route-specific baggage table currently lists a cabin allowance of:

• One piece

• Maximum weight: 5 kilograms

• Maximum dimensions: 40 × 30 × 20 centimetres

Some English-language sections of Spring Airlines’ website display a general seven-kilogram limit, so passengers should treat the allowance printed on their ticket or booking confirmation as the applicable rule for their flight.

Cabin-baggage tips

Measure the bag before travelling because Spring Airlines’ permitted dimensions are smaller than the standard cabin-suitcase size accepted by many other airlines.

Place essential items such as travel documents, medication, electronics and valuables in the permitted cabin bag. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should remain in hand baggage and must comply with the airline’s latest safety restrictions.

Spring Airlines Checked-Baggage Allowance

The amount of complimentary checked baggage depends on:

• Fare class

• Ticket product

• Route

• Flight distance

• Promotional conditions

Some low promotional fares may not include any free checked baggage. Other tickets and SpringPlus products may include an allowance. Spring Airlines advises travellers to check the allowance displayed during booking and on the final ticket.

Passengers can purchase additional baggage through the airline’s official booking channels. Advance baggage usually provides better value than arriving at the airport with an overweight or unbooked suitcase.

Spring Airlines sells extra baggage in weight bands, such as 5, 10 or 15 kilograms. The deadline for purchasing baggage in advance varies by flight.

Tips for avoiding baggage charges

• Check whether the fare includes checked baggage before paying.

• Add the necessary weight through “My Order” before the deadline.

• Weigh both cabin and checked bags at home.

• Do not assume that baggage included by another airline applies to a Spring Airlines connecting flight.

• Review the limits again when changing a booking.

Seat Selection

Spring Airlines allows passengers to purchase an advance seat assignment on eligible flights.

Seat selection can be useful when passengers want:

• A window or aisle seat

• To sit with family or friends

• A seat near the front

• Additional space in an eligible row

• Faster access to the exit after landing

For eligible online reservations, advance seat selection generally needs to be completed more than 24 hours before scheduled departure. Once the seat-selection payment has been completed, online changes or cancellations are normally restricted.

Emergency-exit seats are subject to safety requirements. Passengers must be physically able and willing to assist the crew during an emergency.

Priority Boarding

Priority boarding is available only on selected Spring Airlines flights. The airline currently identifies eligible services departing from Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong among those offering the product.

Passengers who purchase priority boarding must collect the appropriate priority boarding pass during check-in and present it at the gate.

Priority boarding does not guarantee that cabin baggage will be accepted when it exceeds the airline’s weight or size restrictions.

Check-In and Boarding

Check-in availability and closing times vary by airport and route.

Passengers should review the itinerary or airport information supplied with their reservation. International travellers should arrive early enough to complete:

• Travel-document inspection

• Visa verification

• Baggage drop

• Security screening

• Immigration

• Boarding formalities

The Spring Airlines website and app provide booking management and flight-status services. Some airports also offer self-service facilities, but passengers carrying checked baggage or requiring document verification may still need to visit a staffed counter.

Missing the stated check-in deadline can result in denied boarding, even when the aircraft has not yet departed.

Food and Drinks

Standard Spring Airlines tickets generally do not include complimentary food or drinks. Passengers can purchase catering in advance or buy available products onboard.

Spring Airlines offers pre-order meals on eligible routes, including:

• Chinese-style rice dishes

• Vegetarian meals

• Halal meals

• Children’s meals

• Seasonal menu options

Passengers can normally add a meal during booking or later through:

My Order → Extras → Onboard Meals

Availability and ordering deadlines vary by airport and flight. When a booking is changed, the airline recommends completing the change at least 36 hours before departure to improve the likelihood that the selected meal can be moved to the new flight.

SpringPlus tickets include free meals and drinks on eligible services.

Onboard Experience

Spring Airlines operates a single-aisle, high-density low-cost cabin. Passengers should expect a functional travel experience rather than the extensive inclusions of a traditional full-service carrier.

The normal onboard experience may include:

• Economy-style seating

• Paid food and beverages

• Onboard merchandise sales

• Limited complimentary services

• Cabin announcements in Chinese and additional languages on international routes

The airline asks passengers to avoid strongly scented foods and messy items such as foods with shells or peels in order to maintain cabin cleanliness.

SpringPass Loyalty Program

SpringPass is the Spring Airlines membership and points program.

Members can collect points through eligible purchases and use them toward selected products settled in Chinese yuan. The airline states that:

One SpringPass point equals one Chinese yuan when redeemed for eligible products.

Points can be used for products such as:

• Spring Airlines tickets

• Extra baggage

• Onboard meals

• Insurance

• Selected additional services

Availability and redemption rules depend on the member account, product and currency used for the transaction.

Passengers can also submit a missing-points request through their SpringPass account when an eligible journey has not been credited automatically.

Ticket Changes and Refunds

Spring Airlines tickets have different refund and change conditions according to fare class and product.

Under the ticket rules applying to sales from June 4, 2026:

• Voluntary changes are generally limited to the flight date and time.

• The itinerary cannot simply be changed to a different origin or destination.

• The operating carrier cannot be changed voluntarily.

• The passenger’s name cannot normally be replaced with another person’s name.

• Fare differences and service fees may apply.

Lower-priced tickets typically have stricter conditions. Passengers expecting that their plans may change should compare the flexibility rules before selecting the cheapest fare.

When Spring Airlines cancels or significantly disrupts a flight, different involuntary-change and refund rules may apply.

Connecting Flights

Spring Airlines advises allowing sufficient time between connecting flights.

For connections at the same airport, its international booking information recommends at least:

• Two hours for domestic connections, with three hours suggested where stricter procedures apply

• Three hours for international or regional connections, with four hours suggested where security procedures may require additional time

Longer connection periods may be necessary when passengers must:

• Collect and recheck baggage

• Change terminals or airports

• Pass through immigration

• Travel on separately purchased tickets

• Obtain a transit visa

Travellers using separate reservations should confirm whether the onward journey is protected if the first flight is delayed.

Travelling With Pets

Spring Airlines currently states that it does not provide transportation for small animals on its domestic, regional or international flights because parts of its fleet cannot accommodate living animals.

Rules for authorised service dogs are different. Eligible passengers must submit an application through the airline’s official service channels at least 24 hours before departure and provide the required certificates.

Is Spring Airlines a Good Airline?

Spring Airlines can be a practical choice for travellers prioritising price and direct routes within China or between China and nearby Asian destinations.

Advantages

• Extensive network within mainland China

• Numerous services from Shanghai

• International routes across East and Southeast Asia

• Single Airbus aircraft family

• Ability to customise the journey with optional extras

• SpringPlus option for additional inclusions

• SpringPass points program

• Pre-order meals on eligible flights

Points to consider

• Strict cabin-baggage dimensions

• Low international hand-baggage limits on some flights

• Checked baggage may not be included

• Food and seat selection usually cost extra

• Refund and change restrictions vary by fare

• High-density seating

• Seasonal routes may not operate every day

Spring Airlines is most suitable for travellers who understand the low-cost model and review all additional charges before completing the booking.

Tips for Booking Cheaper Spring Airlines Flights

Compare the complete price

Do not compare only the advertised base fare. Add baggage, seat selection, food, payment fees and airport-transfer costs before deciding.

Travel with a small bag

The lowest fare is usually most valuable when the passenger can remain within the airline’s strict hand-baggage limits.

Purchase baggage in advance

Adding baggage through the official website or app before the airport can help avoid higher excess-baggage costs.

Check both Shanghai airports

Spring Airlines operates from Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong. Confirm the correct airport because they are located in different parts of the city.

Review the ticket rules

A slightly more expensive ticket with better change conditions may provide greater value when travel dates are uncertain.

Confirm the operating airline

The Spring booking platform includes both Spring Airlines 9C and SPRING JAPAN IJ services. Check the flight number because baggage, check-in and ticket conditions differ between the two airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spring Airlines a Chinese airline?

Yes. Spring Airlines is a Shanghai-based Chinese low-cost carrier operating under the 9C airline code.

Is Spring Airlines the same as SPRING JAPAN?

No. Spring Airlines flights use the code 9C, while SPRING JAPAN flights use the code IJ. Each airline has separate baggage, fare and boarding rules.

How many aircraft does Spring Airlines operate?

The airline’s current company profile states that it owns 138 Airbus A320-family aircraft.

How much cabin baggage is allowed?

Domestic flights generally permit one bag weighing up to seven kilograms and measuring no more than 40 × 30 × 20 centimetres. The international and regional allowance shown on the airline’s route-specific table may be five kilograms. Always check the allowance attached to the booking.

Does Spring Airlines include checked baggage?

It depends on the ticket, route and fare product. Some low fares may include no checked baggage, while other products may include an allowance.

Does Spring Airlines provide free meals?

Normal tickets generally do not include complimentary meals or drinks. Food can be pre-ordered or purchased onboard. Eligible SpringPlus tickets include food and drinks.

Can passengers select seats?

Yes. Paid seat selection is available on eligible flights and bookings, generally when completed more than 24 hours before departure.

Can a Spring Airlines ticket be transferred to another person?

No. The airline’s current ticket conditions do not generally allow the passenger’s name to be changed to another traveller.

Does Spring Airlines accept pets?

Spring Airlines currently does not transport ordinary small pets on its flights. Separate application rules apply to eligible service dogs.

What is the Spring Airlines customer-service number?

The official Spring Airlines 9C customer-service number is +86 21 95524. English-language service is listed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Spring Airlines offers an extensive and cost-conscious way to travel around mainland China and to selected destinations across Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Its lowest fares are best suited to passengers travelling lightly and without the need for flexible ticket conditions. Travellers carrying checked luggage or wanting meals and advance seat selection should compare the total cost after adding these services.

Before departure, verify the operating airline, airport, baggage allowance, check-in deadline and ticket conditions shown in the reservation. With careful planning, Spring Airlines can provide a convenient and affordable option for exploring China and nearby Asian destinations.