Spring Airlines Guide: Fleet, Baggage, Check-In & Plus Service

What Is Spring Airlines? An Overview for Australian Travellers

As China’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), Spring Airlines has revolutionized budget travel across Asia. Headquartered in the bustling global hub of Shanghai, the airline serves as a vital bridge, connecting savvy travelers to highly sought-after destinations across East Asia and Southeast Asia. Today, its reach extends even further through its subsidiary, Spring Japan, offering passengers seamless, budget-friendly domestic and international flights within the Japanese market and beyond.

The History and Growth of Spring Airlines

The journey of Spring Airlines is a story of pioneering milestones in Chinese aviation:

• May 2004: The airline received its official founding approval, setting the stage to disrupt the traditional aviation landscape in China.
• July 2005: Spring Airlines took to the skies for the very first time, launching its inaugural commercial flight between Shanghai and Yantai.
• 2009: Marking a historic milestone, it became the first-ever Chinese budget airline to receive official approval to operate international routes.
• 2010 & Beyond: The carrier went global with the launch of its first international route to Japan's Ibaraki Airport in 2010. This success quickly paved the way for rapid network expansion into Hong Kong, Macau, and major tourist hot spots across Southeast Asia.

Is Spring Airlines a Good Airline?

Spring Airlines isa safe, reliable, and functional budget carrier. It is ideal for cost-conscious travelers who want to save money on direct flights across Asia. However, you must adhere strictly to their baggage limits and expect zero frills, as no meals or entertainment are provided.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

• Safety: Highly rated for safety, it is the first Chinese private airline to receive a safety star rating from civil aviation authorities.
• Value: Tickets are heavily discounted, but services are completely unbundled. You must pay extra for luggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals.
• Baggage Rules: This is the most common source of complaints. Carry-on limits are strict (usually restricted to 7 kg). Pre-booking extra luggage online via the Spring Airlines Official Site is highly recommended to avoid expensive fees at the gate.
• Onboard Experience: Cabins are clean and use modern Airbus A320s. However, seats do not recline, and there is no in-flight entertainment.
• Customer Reviews: Traveler sentiment on forums like Reddit TravelChina is mixed. While punctual and affordable, some users experience frustration with strict gate enforcement, crowded airport check-in lines (as online check-in is often unavailable), and hidden fees.

What is Spring Plus & How to Upgrade?

Spring Plus is the airline's premium economy class designed to provide budget-conscious travelers with a more comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Here is a summary of the core benefits included in the Spring Plus service:

• More Spacious Seating: Passengers enjoy upgraded seating, typically located in the front rows (Rows 1–2) or exit rows of the aircraft, offering significantly more legroom and a quieter cabin environment.
• Generous Checked Baggage Allowance: Unlike standard low-cost tickets, Spring Plus includes a bundled baggage allowance—usually up to 30 kg for international routes and 25 kg for domestic routes (combined carry-on and checked weight)—saving passengers from high airport baggage fees.
• In-Flight Dining & Comfort: A complimentary high-quality hot meal or curated snack set along with bottled water/beverages is provided during the flight, accompanied by a dedicated comfort kit (such as blankets and pillows on selected routes).
• Priority Airport Privileges: Travelers enjoy a seamless airport experience with dedicated Spring Plus check-in counters, priority baggage handling (your bags come out first on the carousel), and priority boarding at the gate.
• Flexible Ticket Rules: Spring Plus tickets offer much higher flexibility, featuring lower fees or even free modifications/cancellations compared to standard promotional fares.

(Note: Exact baggage weights and meal options may vary slightly depending on whether you are flying a domestic Chinese route or an international flight.)

How to Upgrade Sping Plus?

To buy Spring Plus, the premium bundle for Spring Airlines, you canupgrade during your initial flight booking or add it to an existing reservation.

Follow these steps to secure your upgrade:

1. Book Online: Visit the Spring Airlines Website or use their mobile app. Enter your travel details and select your flight.
2. Choose the Fare: When prompted to select a fare bundle (between Spring Saver and Spring Plus), choose Spring Plus.
3. Upgrade an Existing Booking: If you have already purchased a basic ticket, log in, navigate to My Orders, find your flight, and select the upgrade option.
4. Third-Party Platforms: You can also purchase Spring Airlines flights with the Spring Plus add-on through travel agencies like Alternative Airlines.

Spring Airlines Fleet: The Aircraft You'll Be Flying On

The Strategic Power of a Single-Type Fleet

A core pillar of Spring Airlines' highly successful low-cost carrier (LCC) model is its commitment to a single-type fleet structure. By operating exclusively narrow-body aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, the airline significantly reduces maintenance overheads, streamlines pilot training, and maximizes operational efficiency.

As of 2026, Spring Airlines operates a highly modernized, eco-efficient fleet totaling 135 aircraft in service:

• 75 Airbus A320-200s (Current Engine Option - ceo): The reliable backbone of Spring's domestic short-to-medium haul routes.
• 48 Airbus A320neos (New Engine Option): Delivering up to 20% lower fuel burn and reduced$CO_2$ emissions per seat.
• 12 Airbus A321neos: The largest variant in the fleet, utilized on high-density regional routes to maximize seat capacity and revenue.

What is Spring Airlines Baggage Policy?

Spring Airlines imposes a strict "base fare + on-demand baggage" policy.All passengers are permitted one small personal item and one free carry-on bag (up to 7kg). Checked baggage is usually not included in standard fares and must be purchased in advance for the best rates.

Spring Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance

• Weight Limit: Maximum of 7kg (15.4 lbs) combined for your personal item and carry-on.
• Standard Size Limit: 20 cm × 30 cm × 40 cm (for basic economy and exclusive seat tickets).
• Business/SpringPlus Allowance: Passengers in premium classes (or SpringPlus) are allowed dimensions up to 20 cm × 40 cm × 55 cm and a 10kg weight limit.
• Boarding Gate Penalty: If your carry-on exceeds these limits at the gate, it will be compulsorily checked and hit with a heavy penalty fee.

Spring Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

• Free Allowance: Standard domestic and regional tickets usually have 0kg included free checked baggage. Some specific international routes may offer a 15kg to 20kg base allowance, depending on the destination and fare class.
• Size Limit: Each checked bag must not exceed dimensions of 100 cm × 60 cm × 40 cm (or length + width + height ≤ 158 cm).
• Purchasing Extra: You can buy luggage allowances in advance online through the Spring Airlines Official Website or app, which is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport counter.

How to Check In with Spring Airlines?

Online Check-In (Best for Mainline Spring Airlines)

For main Spring Airlines (9C) flights, checking in online saves time and allows you to secure your seat.

• Availability: Opens 48 hours before departure and closes 1 hour prior to takeoff.
• How to do it: Log in via the official Spring Airlines website or mobile app, enter your reservation details, select your seat, and download your digital boarding pass.
• With Checked Bags: If you check in online but have luggage to drop, you still need to stop by the airport baggage drop counter before it closes.

Airport Kiosk / Self-Check-In

If you are flying a domestic route within Japan or departing from major hubs like Shanghai (SHA/PVG), you can use the self-service kiosks.

• Timeline: Available from 90 minutes up to 30 minutes before your flight.
• How to do it: Scan the QR code from your Spring Airlines booking itinerary or manually type in your reservation number. Verify your name and print your boarding pass.
• Restrictions: You cannot use the kiosk and must go directly to a staffed counter if you:
• • Are traveling with an infant (under 2 years old).
  • Booked an emergency exit row seat.
  • Require special assistance.
  • Have checked baggage (you must go to the counter to drop your bags).

Airport Check-In Counter

If you have checked bags, are flying an international route, or prefer a staffed experience, head straight to the regular airport counters.

• Opening Times: Counters typically open 2 to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
• Closing Times (Strict):
• • Domestic Flights: Usually closes 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
  • International Flights: Usually closes 45 to 60 minutes before departure (e.g., flights out of Beijing Capital or Shanghai Pudong close exactly 60 minutes prior to takeoff).

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