Airports Guide
IATA Code

9C

ICAO Code

Country
China
Routes

155

Last updated: January 22, 2025

About

Spring Airlines is China's first and largest private low-cost carrier, headquartered in Shanghai. Founded in 2005, the airline pioneered budget air travel in China and has grown to operate a fleet of 134 aircraft serving over 190 domestic routes and more than 50 international and regional routes across Asia.

The airline operates from dual hubs at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), with additional bases in Shenzhen, Shenyang, Shijiazhuang, Ningbo, Chengdu, and other major Chinese cities. Spring Airlines consistently ranks among China's top carriers for on-time performance and has received China's Top Safety Award along with a 7-Star Safety Rating.

As a low-cost carrier, Spring Airlines offers competitive base fares with optional add-ons for baggage, meals, and seat selection. The airline achieved an impressive 91.49% load factor in 2024, demonstrating strong demand for budget travel across China and Asia. Spring Airlines is not part of any global alliance.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where China SSS operates 5+ routes

Network

50 airports served

Loading map...

Baggage Policy

Carry-On Allowance

Standard Fare (all passengers):

  • Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 30 cm (16" x 8" x 12") - smaller than Western carriers
  • Weight: 7 kg maximum (strictly enforced)
  • Quantity: One piece only
  • Must fit in overhead bin

Spring Plus Fare:

  • Dimensions: 55 x 20 x 40 cm (22" x 8" x 16")
  • Weight: 10 kg maximum
  • Quantity: One piece only

Important: Spring Airlines has smaller carry-on dimensions than most carriers. Standard cabin bags from Western airlines may not comply. Weight limits are strictly checked at security, check-in, and boarding gates.

Fare Type Dimensions Weight Price to Upgrade
Standard 40 x 20 x 30 cm 7 kg CNY 160 domestic / CNY 220 international
Spring Plus 55 x 20 x 40 cm 10 kg Included

Checked Baggage

Spring Airlines uses a weight concept system rather than piece-based pricing.

Domestic Flights (China):

Fare Type Included Notes
Standard fares 0 kg Must purchase in advance
Spring Plus 30 kg Included in fare

International/Regional Flights:

Fare Type Total Allowance Notes
Standard fares 15 kg combined Carry-on + checked combined
Spring Plus 25 kg Plus 10kg cabin upgrade
Saga departures 25 kg All fares from Saga Airport

Size Limits: Maximum dimensions 100 x 60 x 40 cm (39" x 24" x 16"). Linear limit: 200 cm / 79".

Excess Baggage Fees

Purchasing in Advance (Online/App):

Weight Domestic (CNY) International (CNY)
5 kg From 75 ($10) From 100 ($14)
10 kg From 150 ($21) From 200 ($28)
15 kg From 225 ($31) From 300 ($42)
20 kg From 300 ($42) From 400 ($56)

At Airport/Gate (Much Higher):

Location Domestic International
Check-in counter Variable by weight Variable by weight
Boarding gate CNY 300 ($42)/piece CNY 500 ($69)/piece

Deadline: Baggage must be purchased at least 1 hour before departure online. After this, airport/gate pricing applies.

Special Items

Item Fee Notes
Car seat Free Gate-check available
Stroller Free Gate-check available
Wheelchair Free Priority handling
Sports equipment Charged Contact airline for pricing
Musical instruments Charged Must be properly packed

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at en.ch.com/flights/excess-baggage before traveling.

In-Flight Experience

Spring Airlines operates an all-economy, single-class configuration across its fleet, maximizing efficiency and offering competitive fares.

Aircraft Fleet:

  • Airbus A320ceo: 116 aircraft, 180 seats
  • Airbus A321: 12 aircraft, 220+ seats
  • Fleet average age: Under 7 years
  • Order for 30 A320neo aircraft (delivery 2028-2032)

Economy Seats:

  • Seat pitch: 28" (71 cm) standard; 30" (76 cm) in rows 1-2
  • Seat width: 18" (46 cm)
  • Configuration: 3-3 on all aircraft
  • Recline: Non-reclining seats (pre-reclined design for faster turnaround)
  • Power: None (no USB or AC outlets)

Seat Categories:

Seat Type Location Pitch Fee
Standard Rows 14-30 28" From CNY 40 ($6)
Forward Rows 3-11 28" From CNY 60 ($8)
Extra Legroom Rows 12-13 (exit) 32" From CNY 100 ($14)
Front Row Rows 1-2 30" From CNY 120 ($17)

Spring Plus Seating: Spring Plus passengers receive front-row seats with 20-40% more legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated cabin service.

Entertainment:

  • No seatback screens
  • No streaming entertainment system
  • No WiFi on most aircraft
  • Bring your own device/content

Food & Beverage:

  • Not included in standard fares
  • Buy-on-board service available
  • Pre-order hot meals: From CNY 79 ($11)
  • Snacks and noodles: CNY 20-50 ($3-7)
  • Beverages: CNY 10-30 ($1-4)
  • Spring Plus: Complimentary hot meal and beverages

Spring Plus Meal Service: Spring Plus passengers receive a freshly prepared hot meal including an entree, side items, bread roll, and dessert, plus complimentary beverages throughout the flight.