Spring Airlines

9 Air is a vibrant representative of modern Chinese aviation, based in the metropolis of Guangzhou. As a subsidiary of the renowned Juneyao Airlines, this carrier combines the quality standards of its parent company with the flexibility of budget fares. 9 Air opens doors for travellers to the dynamic world of Chinese cities and popular resorts in neighbouring countries, offering a practical approach to air travel.

History and Mission

Founded in 2014, 9 Air became the first low-cost carrier to choose Guangzhou as its home. The company's main mission is to provide passengers with an economical way to travel without compromising on reliability. A distinctive feature of the brand is the bright livery of its aircraft featuring colourful circles, symbolizing the diversity of destinations and the joy of travel. The company strives to make the skies accessible by offering competitive ticket prices, which is particularly appreciated by independent tourists and young travellers.

Flight Geography

The airline's route network covers key economic and tourist centres in the region. A significant portion of flights connects Shanghai with cities in East and Southeast Asia. Among the most sought-after international destinations are flights to Japan, such as the city of Osaka, the cultural hub of Fukuoka, and bustling Tokyo. Lovers of beach holidays and exotic locations often choose flights to Bangkok and the island of Phuket. The schedule also includes regular flights to Singapore and the South Korean city of Jeju City, making 9 Air a convenient choice for planning complex itineraries across Asia.

Fleet and Safety

The 9 Air fleet consists primarily of reliable liners from the Boeing 737 family, including the 737-800 models and the modern 737 MAX 8. Fleet unification allows the airline to optimize maintenance and staff training costs, which positively impacts ticket prices. The company pays close attention to safety issues, strictly following the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and maintaining high standards of operational reliability.

You can contact 9 Air representatives via the official website, mobile app, or the 24-hour hotline. Since the carrier is a low-cost airline focused primarily on the domestic market, issues are resolved most promptly through digital channels or by phone within the country.

Official Website

The main resource for managing bookings, purchasing tickets, and obtaining current information is www.9air.com. The site has an English version, which facilitates navigation for international travellers.

Key Contacts

• Customer Service (Call Centre): +86 400-105-1999. Please note: this number (400 format) is designed for calls within China and may be inaccessible via some international telecom operators.
• Email: jykf@9air.com (customer service inquiries, complaints, and refunds).
• Mobile App: 9 Air (available in major app stores; recommended for online check-in).

Social Media

The airline is active primarily on local Chinese platforms. News and promotions are regularly published on:

• WeChat (Official 9 Air Account)
• Weibo

Important: The carrier's activity on Western social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) is practically non-existent. For urgent communication, it is better to use email.

Offices and Representatives

The company's headquarters is located in Guangzhou, in the Baiyun International Airport area. For travellers already in China, a convenient way to get a personal consultation is at the branded counters in the base airports:

• Guangzhou: Baiyun Airport (CAN), airline counters in the departure terminal.
• Shanghai: Pudong Airport (PVG), which serves the city of Shanghai and acts as an important hub for the carrier.

Tips Before Contacting

The airline's hotline operates 24/7, however, waiting times for an English-speaking response may be longer. Before calling or sending an email, it is recommended to have your ticket number, flight number, and passport details ready to speed up the identification procedure.

The baggage policy of 9 Air (9C) fully aligns with the low-cost model: base fares are maximally affordable, but additional services, including suitcase carriage, often require separate payment. To ensure your journey through Shanghai or any other city in the network goes smoothly, it is important to study the carrier's requirements in advance and choose a suitable fare.

Hand Luggage Allowance

Rules for carrying items in the cabin with 9 Air are quite strict and depend on the type of ticket purchased. Airline staff carefully check dimensions and weight before departure.

• Free Allowance: For most economy fares, passengers are allowed 1 piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7 kg.
• Dimensions: The standard size limit is 20×30×40 cm. This means you can take a small backpack, laptop bag, or small briefcase into the cabin that fits easily under the seat in front of you.
• Important Exception: On some promo fares, free hand luggage may be absent entirely or limited only to a personal item (ladies' handbag, folder for papers). Always check the conditions on your itinerary receipt.

Checked Baggage

Unlike classic airlines, 9 Air does not include free checked baggage in the cheapest fares. If you are flying from Guangzhou for a long holiday, you will likely need to purchase baggage allowance.

• Weight Allowances: Baggage packages of 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, and more are available. The maximum weight of a single piece of baggage must not exceed 32 kg (for handler safety reasons), even if you have paid for a higher total weight.
• Dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) of the suitcase must not exceed 100×60×40 cm.
• Pooling Baggage: Usually, low-cost carriers do not encourage combining baggage weight for passengers flying together, so it is better to distribute items evenly across suitcases according to the purchased allowances.

Excess Baggage and Fees

If your items exceed the established weight or size limits, you will have to pay extra. Excess baggage rates at the airport are significantly higher than when paying online.

We strongly recommend paying for additional baggage via the official website or app at least 24 hours before departure. Paying "at the counter" before the flight, for example, at the airport in Bangkok, can cost several times more than the original cost of the service.

Special Items

Transporting non-standard cargo requires prior coordination with the airline.

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf equipment, or skis are transported for an additional fee. Equipment must be securely packed in protective cases.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried in the cabin if a separate seat (extra seat) is purchased for them. Large instruments are checked in as fragile cargo with a limited liability form signed.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions (China Specifics)

Chinese aviation authorities (CAAC) have very strict rules which 9 Air strictly observes. Pay special attention to the following points:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: Categorically prohibited in checked baggage. They can be carried only in hand luggage.
  • Capacity must not exceed 100 Wh.
  • From 100 to 160 Wh — only with airline permission (no more than 2 pcs).
  • Over 160 Wh — prohibited for transport.
  • Important: The device must have a factory marking indicating capacity. If the label has worn off, the battery will be confiscated at security without exception.
• Lighters and Matches: Completely prohibited for carriage in both hand luggage and checked baggage on all flights within and departing from China.

Tips for Efficient Packing

When planning a flight to Osaka or other international destinations, weigh your bags at home. Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases for hand luggage — they are easier to place in the overhead bin or under the seat. Always keep your most valuable items, documents, and electronics with batteries with you in the aircraft cabin.

9 Air (9C) adheres to strict rules regarding the transport of live animals, which is characteristic of most Chinese carriers. Travelling with a pet requires careful preparation, as the airline prioritizes the safety and comfort of all passengers, imposing restrictions on animal transport in the aircraft cabin.

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

Generally, budget airlines in China, including 9 Air, do not permit the transport of pets in the passenger cabin. An exception is made only for specially trained assistance dogs.

• Permitted Animals: Only service dogs (guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with hearing impairments). Transport of cats and other small animals in the cabin is usually prohibited.
• Documents for Service Dogs: You must provide a certificate of the dog's special training and medical certificates.
• Placement: The dog must stay at the owner's feet, must not occupy a separate seat, and must be muzzled and leashed.
• Limit: Prior approval from the airline is required, as the number of service animals on a flight may be limited.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

This is the primary method for transporting domestic cats and dogs on 9 Air flights. The animal travels in a heated and ventilated compartment of the aircraft.

• Container Requirements: The cage must be rigid (plastic, metal), with a secure lock and a waterproof bottom. Soft carriers are not allowed.
• Container Dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions usually should not exceed standard baggage norms (e.g., 40×60×100 cm), and the animal must be able to stand up fully and turn around.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the container must not exceed 32 kg.
• Temperature Restrictions: Transport may be prohibited if the air temperature at the departure or arrival airport is below -12°C or above +30°C.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If your pet together with the cage weighs more than 32 kg, or if the specific aircraft type does not have conditions for transporting live creatures in baggage, shipment via the cargo terminal is used.

• When Required: For large dog breeds or when transporting animals unaccompanied by the owner.
• Booking Procedure: You must contact the airline's cargo department or cargo agents at least 24 hours before departure.
• Special Requirements: The container must have a reinforced structure; additional packaging with netting may be required.

Necessary Documents

The document package differs for domestic flights within China and international flights. All certificates must be valid at the time of departure.

• Veterinary Passport: With records of all vaccinations.
• Rabies Vaccination: Administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to travel.
• Health Certificate (Quarantine Certificate): For domestic flights within China, an Animal Quarantine Certificate from the local veterinary authority is required, usually obtained 3-5 days before departure.
• International Certificates: For travel abroad, documents complying with the entry rules of the destination country (e.g., antibody titres) are required.

Service Costs

Animal transport is never included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately as excess or special baggage.

• Cabin Transport (Service Dogs): Usually free of charge provided all documents are present.
• Hold Transport: Calculated based on weight (animal + cage). A common formula is: 1.5% of the full economy class ticket price for every kilogram of weight.
• Route Dependency: Fixed rates in foreign currency may apply on international routes.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Requirements: The bottom of the container should be covered with absorbent material. Wheels must be removed from the cage or locked.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but ensure access to water (use a drinker attached to the door).
• Reducing Stress: Place a familiar item with the owner's scent in the cage. The use of sedatives is not recommended without a veterinarian's prescription, as this affects thermoregulation.
• Time: Arrive at the airport (e.g., in Guangzhou) at least 2-3 hours before departure to pass veterinary control and process the cargo.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport to certain categories of animals.

• Prohibited Breeds (Brachycephalic): Dogs and cats with flattened faces (Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Persian cats) are often banned from transport due to the risk of breathing problems at altitude.
• Aggressive Breeds: Fighting dogs and animals showing aggression.
• Health Condition: Pregnant females, animals younger than 8-10 weeks, and sick animals.
• Prohibited Species: Rodents, reptiles, and birds (except in cases of cargo transport by special request) are usually not admitted as baggage.

Please note: Pet transport rules may change depending on the aircraft type and destination. We strongly recommend contacting 9 Air customer support before purchasing a ticket to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet.

Since 9 Air is a subsidiary of the major carrier Juneyao Airlines, passengers can enjoy the benefits of the unified Juneyao Air Club loyalty programme. This opens up excellent opportunities for earning points not only on budget flights but also on the parent company's routes, especially if you fly frequently through the key hub in Shanghai.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

The programme offers a multi-tier status system, where each new level makes travel more comfortable. Moving to the next step depends on the number of qualifying points or flight segments accumulated.

• Base (Member): Assigned immediately upon registration, allows earning points for every flight.
• Silver: Priority on the waiting list, bonus points on accruals, and priority check-in at business class counters.
• Gold: Access to VIP lounges (on parent company flights), priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
• Platinum: Maximum priority in everything, guaranteed seat on the flight up to 24 hours in advance, and the possibility of free class upgrades.

How to Earn Points

The main currency of the programme is bonus points, which are awarded for passenger activity. The system rewards not only flights but also the use of partner services.

• Flying with 9 Air and Juneyao: The number of points depends on the fare and flight distance, for example, for flights to Osaka or Bangkok.
• Co-branded Bank Cards: Payment for daily purchases with partner bank cards is converted into miles.
• Partner Network: Hotel bookings, car rentals, and purchases in specific shops bring additional bonuses.
• Special Promotions: The airline often runs promo campaigns with double point accrual on new destinations.

How to Spend Points

A flexible point redemption system allows for significant savings on future travels or making them more pleasant.

• Award Tickets: Full or partial payment for a flight, for example, from Guangzhou to popular tourist spots.
• Class Upgrade: Using points to upgrade from economy to business class on parent company flights.
• Goods in the Online Store: Exchanging bonuses for electronics, cosmetics, or travel goods in the Juneyao Air Club catalogue.
• Excess Baggage: Paying for excess weight with points instead of cash, which is particularly relevant for shopping tourists.

Alliance Participation

Although 9 Air is formally a low-cost carrier, its parent company Juneyao Airlines holds the status of a Star Alliance Connecting Partner. This unique partnership integrates the carrier into a global network.

• Connection with Star Alliance: Status members of the programme can receive alliance privileges on connecting flights with Juneyao Airlines.
• Partners: Mutual recognition of points and services works with giants such as Air China, ANA, and other alliance members on specific routes.

How to Join the Programme

Becoming a club member is simple and free. It is recommended to do this before purchasing your first ticket so as not to miss out on points for the upcoming flight.

• Register on the official 9 Air or Juneyao Airlines website in the Loyalty Programme section.
• Download the airline's mobile app for quick access to your digital membership card.
• Use the popular Chinese messenger WeChat to register via the carrier's official mini-app.

9 Air positions itself as a budget carrier, so onboard service is organized on a "pay for what you use" basis. This allows for low ticket prices while offering passengers the ability to customize their comfort level. Departing from the hub in Shanghai or the home airport in Guangzhou, it is worth knowing in advance what to expect from the flight.

Service Classes

Unlike classic full-service airlines, the 9 Air fleet has a unified layout typical of low-cost carriers. You will not find luxurious First Class cabins here.

• Economy Class: This is the main and only class of service on most flights. The cabin of the Boeing 737 aircraft is equipped with standard seats in a 3-3 configuration (three seats on the left and three on the right of the aisle). This is a practical choice for short and medium flights, for example, to Bangkok or Osaka.
• Premium Seats (High-end Economy): On some aircraft, the first rows of the cabin may be designated as an area of increased comfort. Although this is not a full business class with wide seats, passengers in these rows receive extra legroom and priority during boarding and disembarkation.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

The interior of 9 Air aircraft is designed in a modern style, often using leather upholstery, which simplifies cleaning and looks aesthetic.

• Seat Pitch: The distance between seats meets budget airline standards and averages 74–76 cm. For tall passengers, this may feel somewhat tight.
• Recline: Seatbacks recline, but the angle is limited so as not to disturb passengers sitting behind.
• Traveller Tip: If you are planning a long flight, for example to Singapore, we recommend booking Exit Row seats or the first row in advance for an additional fee. There is significantly more legroom there.

Food and Beverages

The gastronomic concept of 9 Air is based on a paid model. Free hot meals are generally not included in base fares, especially on domestic flights.

• Onboard Menu: During the flight, flight attendants offer snacks, refreshments, and instant noodles for purchase. The assortment reflects the tastes of Chinese passengers: there are many spicy and savoury dishes. (Muslim travellers are advised to check packaging for Halal certification as specific dietary options may be limited).
• Beverages: Water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also available for an additional fee.
• Pre-order: On international flights (for example, when flying to Tokyo), the option to pre-order hot meals via the website is often available. This not only guarantees food availability but is usually cheaper than buying on board.

Entertainment and Connectivity

As with most low-cost carriers, there are no individual monitors on seatbacks.

• BYO Device: We recommend downloading films, music, or books to your smartphone or tablet in advance. USB charging ports are not available on all aircraft in the fleet, so having a fully charged power bank (in hand luggage!) is an excellent idea.
• In-flight Magazine: In the seat pocket, you will find the branded magazine where you can read about flight destinations, such as the resort of Jeju City or historic Xi'an, as well as browse the duty-free shop menu.

Special Services

Despite its budget status, 9 Air strives to care for all categories of passengers, providing necessary assistance upon request.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The airline provides escort services and wheelchairs. It is important to request this service no later than 48 hours before departure via the call centre or the feedback form on the website.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Transport of children (usually from 5 to 12 years old) without parents is possible but requires booking the special Unaccompanied Minor service and paying a service fee. The number of such places on each flight is strictly limited.
• Pregnant Women: For travel at later stages (usually after 32 weeks), a medical certificate issued no earlier than 72 hours before departure will be required.

The route network of 9 Air is focused on popular tourist and business destinations in Asia, with a special emphasis on flights to Shanghai. The airline offers a high frequency of flights from cities in Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, making travel to China accessible and convenient.

Travelling with a low-cost carrier requires some know-how so that the low ticket price does not result in additional expenses. 9 Air offers excellent fares, but like any budget carrier, there are nuances. We have compiled proven recommendations to help make your flight comfortable and cost-effective.

Best Time to Book

Experience shows that the best prices for 9 Air flights appear 30–60 days before departure. Buying tickets at the last minute, especially on popular routes to Shanghai or Guangzhou, can cost significantly more.

• Magic Number 9: The airline's marketing is closely tied to the number 9. Regularly check the site on the 9th, 19th, and 29th of each month. On these days, the carrier often holds sales and offers tickets at symbolic prices (for example, starting from 9 or 99 Yuan excluding taxes).
• Evening Time: Sometimes fares drop in the afternoon Beijing time, when booking quotas are updated.

Where to Find Discounts and Promotions

To catch the lowest price, simply visiting an aggregator is not enough. 9 Air distributes its "tastiest" offers through its own channels.

• WeChat: This is the main communication channel in China. Subscribe to the official 9 Air account on WeChat. That is where notifications about flash sales and exclusive promo codes appear first.
• Official Website: Booking directly on the airline's website often allows you to avoid agency markups and gives access to a wider choice of additional services.

Online Check-in and Airport

Do not neglect the opportunity to check in for your flight in advance. This will save you a lot of time, especially in busy hubs.

• Opening Time: Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. It is better to complete it immediately to select remaining standard seats for free (if the fare allows).
• Strict Timings: Check-in counters at Chinese airports close strictly 45 minutes before departure. If you are flying from major international airports such as Bangkok or Osaka, allow extra time for all procedures — low-cost carriers generally do not wait for late passengers.

Seat Selection Tips

The cabin layout of 9 Air is quite dense, so flight comfort depends on your choice.

• For Tall Passengers: If you are taller than average, we strongly recommend paying extra for seats in the first row or at emergency exits. On flights longer than 3 hours (e.g., to Singapore or Tokyo), the standard seat pitch may feel tiring.
• Avoid the Last Row: Seats at the very back of the aircraft often have limited recline and are close to the toilets, where queues constantly form.

Travel Insurance

When flying with budget airlines, travel insurance becomes not just a formality, but a necessity.

• Flight Delays: The weather in southern China is changeable, and flight delays are not uncommon. Basic 9 Air fares are often non-refundable, so insurance covering delay or cancellation will help recover money in case of force majeure.
• Medical: Ensure your policy is valid in the PRC and the Asian countries you are visiting.

9 Air Mobile App

The branded app is a convenient tool for managing your trip, although its English interface can sometimes be incomplete.

• Functions: In the app, you can not only buy a ticket but also purchase extra baggage (cheaper than at the airport), order meals, and track flight status in real-time.
• Electronic Boarding Pass: On many domestic flights within China, you can use the QR code from the app instead of a paper boarding pass, which is very eco-friendly and convenient.

The history of 9 Air (9C) is an example of rapid growth and successful implementation of the low-cost concept in the massive Chinese market. Founded in 2014, the company became a bold experiment by the major carrier Juneyao Airlines, which decided to occupy the niche of budget travel in southern China.

Founding and Early Years

The official launch of 9 Air took place in February 2014, and the first commercial flight was operated in early 2015. The airline chose Guangzhou as its headquarters and main base, becoming the first local low-cost carrier in this strategically important transport hub. The company's name (Jiu Yuan Hangkong in Chinese) directly refers to its pricing policy: starting ticket prices during sales began from 9, 19, and 99 Yuan, which revolutionized the region's air travel market.

Fleet Evolution

From the very beginning, 9 Air bet on fleet unification, choosing reliable aircraft of the Boeing 737 family. This is a classic strategy for budget airlines, allowing savings on maintenance and pilot training.

• The company began operations with time-tested Boeing 737-800s.
• In 2018, 9 Air made history by becoming the first private airline in China to receive the then-newest liner, the Boeing 737 MAX 8. This allowed for improved fuel efficiency and increased flight range.

Route Network Expansion

The first years of activity focused on building a strong network of domestic routes. The airline connected industrial centres with tourist regions. However, 9 Air's ambitions quickly went beyond the country's borders.
An important stage of development was the opening of a second key hub in the city of Shanghai (Pudong Airport). This allowed the airline to effectively distribute passenger flows between China's two main economic centres.

International Breakthrough

Having received permission for international flights, 9 Air began active expansion into neighbouring countries, focusing on popular tourist destinations.

• Japan: Regular flights were launched to the city of Osaka, as well as Tokyo and Fukuoka, attracting a stream of tourists wishing to save on flights to the Land of the Rising Sun.
• Southeast Asia: The company established an air bridge with Thailand, opening routes to Bangkok and the island of Phuket, which are hugely popular with Chinese travellers.

Innovation and Modernity

Today, 9 Air continues to develop as an innovative carrier. The company was one of the first in the region to implement active sales through mobile platforms and social networks (WeChat), targeting a young audience. Despite its budget status, the carrier maintains close ties with its parent company Juneyao Airlines, allowing passengers to enjoy the benefits of a wide connecting network and a unified loyalty programme, which is unique for the low-cost segment.