Spring Airlines flights and airline information

Spring Airlines (9C) is China's largest private airline and the country's first carrier to operate on a low-cost model. Founded in 2004, it maintains a leading position in the budget travel segment, offering passengers affordable fares with a high level of safety and punctuality. The airline's primary hub is Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, from where flights are operated to dozens of domestic and international destinations.

Despite its budget model, Spring Airlines is known for its efficiency and modern approach to fleet management. The carrier is not a member of any global aviation alliance but actively develops partnerships in the Asian region, allowing travelers to easily plan complex routes through East and Southeast Asia.

A key feature of the airline is the use of a single aircraft type, the Airbus A320 family, which significantly simplifies maintenance and reduces costs. This allows it to offer tourists some of the lowest ticket prices in the region. In addition, Spring Airlines regularly receives high marks for customer service among China's budget airlines.

The company focuses on innovation, offering convenient digital services for booking and check-in. Passengers appreciate the airline for its transparent fare system, where everyone can choose only the necessary services without overpaying for extra options.

To contact Spring Airlines representatives, you can use the following communication channels:

• Official website — ch.com
• Hotline — +86 21 95524 (international support line)
• Email — cs@ch.com
• Social media — Spring Airlines accounts on WeChat, Weibo, and Facebook.
• Mobile app — available for download on the App Store and Google Play as Spring Airlines.
• Emergency support — information desks at Shanghai (Pudong) airport and other airports of presence.

It is recommended to check the latest contact information on the official website of the airline before making calls or sending inquiries.

Spring Airlines uses a classic low-cost carrier model, where baggage allowances depend on the selected fare. In the cabin, one piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 7 kg is permitted. The bag's dimensions must not exceed 20x30x40 cm to fit under the seat in front of you.

For checked baggage, there are several options. The cheapest fares do not include baggage, while SpringPlus fares can include up to 20-30 kg. The total linear dimensions of one suitcase (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm. Passengers are advised to pay for additional baggage in advance through the website, as excess baggage fees at the airport are significantly higher.

The transportation of special items, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, is possible for an additional fee. Strollers are usually carried free of charge, provided they are checked at the aircraft steps. It is important to remember that Spring Airlines operates Airbus A320 aircraft, so space for bulky cargo may be limited.

Prohibited items include flammable substances, toxic materials, and high-power lithium batteries. Always check the current list of prohibited items before packing your suitcase to avoid delays at security.

Cabin and Cargo Hold Transportation

Spring Airlines has strict rules regarding the transportation of animals. As a budget carrier, the company restricts the transport of pets in the passenger cabin — this service is mostly unavailable, with the exception of certified service dogs for passengers with disabilities. Most pets (cats and dogs) can only be transported as checked baggage or through the cargo terminal.

Container and Document Requirements

• Container must be rigid, have a secure lock, and adequate ventilation. The animal must be able to stand and turn around.
• An international veterinary passport with records of vaccinations (including rabies) is mandatory.
• A health certificate issued no earlier than 7-10 days before departure.

Restrictions and Cost

The airline charges a separate fee for transporting animals, calculated based on the weight of the pet including the crate as excess baggage. It is worth noting that Spring Airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) due to the increased risk to their health during the flight. During periods of extreme heat or cold, transportation in the cargo hold may also be restricted.

To clarify the current rules and book a place for an animal, you must contact the airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Spring Club Loyalty Program

The airline offers its regular customers participation in the Spring Club program. This is a simple and effective reward system aimed at frequent flyers who value savings and comfort.

How to Earn and Spend Points

• Earning points: Members receive bonus points for every ticket purchased for 9C flights. The number of points depends on the fare cost and flight distance.
• Special offers: Club members get access to private ticket sales with discounts of up to 20-30%.
• Privileges: Points can be used to pay for flight tickets, select seats on the plane, or purchase additional baggage.

How to Join the Program

Registration in Spring Club is free and available on the official website or in the airline's mobile app. Immediately after registration, the passenger gains access to a personal account where they can track their balance and manage their bookings. The airline is not a member of global alliances, so point accumulation is only possible on Spring Airlines' own flights.

On board Spring Airlines aircraft, a mono-class configuration is used — economy class. This allows for the lowest possible ticket prices for all passengers. However, the company offers the SpringPlus service, which includes seats in the front rows with extra legroom, priority boarding, and included meals.

The seat configuration in Airbus A320 aircraft is standard (3-3), and the seat pitch is optimized for short and medium-haul flights. Food and drinks in regular seats are provided for an additional fee. Passengers can order hot meals, snacks, and soft drinks from the onboard menu during the flight or in advance when booking a ticket.

To reduce aircraft weight and ticket costs, there is no fixed entertainment system or Wi-Fi on board most liners. It is recommended to download content to your mobile devices in advance. Escort services and boarding assistance are provided for passengers with disabilities, but such needs must be reported in advance.

For travelers with children, it is possible to choose seats next to each other, and the polite crew is always ready to help with heating baby food. A special menu (e.g., vegetarian) is available for pre-order under some fares or for an extra charge.

The flight geography of Spring Airlines covers key cities in China and popular tourist centers in Asia. Its primary operations are centered in Shanghai, from where the carrier connects mainland China with Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Thanks to an extensive route network, travelers can easily reach metropolises such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Bangkok. The company actively develops both business destinations and flights to popular resorts, including Phuket and Osaka, offering convenient connections and favorable fares.

To buy Spring Airlines tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to book them 2-3 months before departure. The best offers usually appear during seasonal sales, which are often timed to holidays or the opening of new routes. Buying a ticket on Tuesday or Wednesday can also help save compared to weekends.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight and allows you to avoid queues at the airport, as well as take available seats in the back of the cabin for free (depending on the fare). If comfort is important to you, it is worth paying extra to select a seat in advance — seats at the emergency exit or in the front of the cabin are in high demand.

Pay special attention to the airline's mobile app. Exclusive fares and promo codes not available on the website are often published there. It is also more convenient to track flight status and manage baggage services through the app. Don't forget to get travel insurance: although the low-cost carrier offers its own options during booking, a third-party policy may cover a wider range of risks.

The history of Spring Airlines began in 2004 when the well-known travel agency Shanghai Spring International Travel Service decided to create its own air carrier. The first flight took place on July 18, 2005, from Shanghai. The airline became a pioneer of the budget segment in China, breaking the state monopoly on fares and making flying affordable for millions of people.

Over the years of its development, the company has grown from a small carrier with three aircraft to a giant with a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. A significant milestone was the opening of international flights in 2010, when 9C planes began flying to Japan. This allowed Spring Airlines to establish itself on the international stage as a reliable regional low-cost carrier.

Unlike many competitors, the company focused from the start on a single-type fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. This decision optimized costs for pilot training and maintenance. In 2015, the airline successfully conducted an initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, which gave new momentum to expanding the route network into Southeast Asia.

Today, Spring Airlines continues to actively implement environmental initiatives, striving to reduce its carbon footprint by updating its fleet with more fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo models. The company remains true to its philosophy that "everyone can fly," combining modern technology and travel affordability for all segments of the population.