Spring Airlines — flights, check-in & baggage guide

Spring Airlines (春秋航空, IATA: 9C) is a low-cost carrier based in Mainland China, with its main hub at Shanghai Hongqiao & Pudong.

Founded in 2005 and part of 春秋集团.

Spring Airlines is China’s largest LCC, famous for its ¥99 flash sales. Japan is its signature market — dense Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya frequencies — plus Thailand and Southeast Asian leisure routes, all in a high-density all-economy layout at fares well below full-service rivals.

As a low-cost carrier, base fares usually exclude checked baggage and seat selection — check what your fare includes, and buy baggage online in advance to save.

Spring Airlines, established in 2005, sits within 春秋集团; outside the big alliances, it relies on bilateral codeshares for international connectivity. The low-cost formula — single fleet type, high utilisation, ancillary revenue — is what keeps its fares structurally low.

In network terms, Spring Airlines's core strength is Japan, Thailand and Southeast Asia leisure routes. At Shanghai Hongqiao & Pudong the airline runs its own check-in zones and premium facilities, and minimum connection times are most reliable there.

Booking tips: always compare the total — base fare plus bags plus seats. Baggage is cheapest bought online in advance and several times dearer at the airport; promo fares carry strict change limits, so avoid flash deals when dates are soft. Check in online where possible — some LCCs charge for counter check-in.