Spring Airlines
A Chinese low-cost carrier based in Shanghai, distinguished by an extensive domestic network and an all-Airbus A320-family operation.
About Spring Airlines
Spring Airlines is a privately owned Chinese low-cost carrier founded in 2004 and launched into scheduled service in 2005. Based in Shanghai, it is associated with the Spring travel group and trades publicly through its listed parent company. The airline follows a budget model built around direct sales, high aircraft utilisation and optional paid extras.
Shanghai is the airline’s primary hub and the centre of a network spanning 45 destinations across 5 countries on 136 routes. Shijiazhuang, Shenyang, Chongqing and Xiamen are also important departure points. Domestic flying is central to the schedule, linking cities including Kunming, Guilin, Urumqi, Yinchuan, Changde, Chengdu and Dayong, alongside selected international services in Asia.
The fleet is based on Airbus A320-family aircraft, including the Airbus Industrie A320 type recorded across its operations. Cabins are configured primarily for economy travel, with a relatively dense seating layout consistent with the low-cost model. Some fares or products may provide extra flexibility, preferred seating or additional services, but travellers should not expect the conventional multicabin experience of a full-service airline.
Spring Airlines does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It therefore offers fewer alliance-wide benefits and through-ticketing opportunities than a major network carrier. The airline provides customer membership and promotional benefits through its own sales channels, but travellers should check the current terms directly because these do not function like a large global frequent-flyer programme.
A genuine strength is the breadth of the airline’s low-cost network from Shanghai and several regional Chinese bases, which can make nonstop travel available between cities that otherwise require a connection. The trade-off is an unbundled fare structure: checked baggage, meals, seat selection and ticket changes may cost extra, while tighter seating and limited partner protection can matter during disruptions or separate-ticket connections.
Good to know
Flying with Spring Airlines — what to expect
Check Fare Inclusions
Spring Airlines uses an unbundled low-cost model, so baggage, seat selection, meals and flexibility depend on the fare purchased. Review the inclusions before paying rather than comparing headline prices alone.
Baggage Rules Vary
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements can differ by fare and route. Confirm the applicable weight, size and piece limits on your booking, especially when connecting from another airline.
Buy Extras Early
Prepaying checked baggage or selecting a seat online may be more convenient than arranging extras at the airport. Keep the receipt or booking confirmation accessible during check-in.
Expect Economy Seating
The Airbus A320-family cabins are primarily designed for efficient economy travel. Travellers wanting more space should check whether preferred or extra-legroom seating is offered on their flight.
Allow Connection Time
Spring Airlines is not part of a global alliance, so separate-ticket connections may not include baggage transfer or disruption protection. Leave a generous buffer and verify whether bags must be collected and rechecked.
Check Shanghai Airport
Shanghai has both Pudong and Hongqiao airports, and Spring Airlines services may use either. Verify the airport code before arranging transport or a connection.
Network overview
Where Spring Airlines flies
Spring Airlines operates 136 routes to 45 destinations across 5 countries, its longest sector reaching Shanghai to Urumqi (3,273 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Spring Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Shanghai → Urumqi
3,273 km · SHA → URC
The longest sector in the Spring Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Spring Airlines
Notable destinations on Spring Airlines's network.
9CShanghaidirect9CShijiazhuangdirect9CShenyangdirect9CChongqingdirect9CXiamendirect9CKunmingdirect9CGuilindirect9CUrumqidirect9CYinchuandirect9CChangdedirect9CChengdudirect9CDayongdirectDestination list is indicative of Spring Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Spring Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Spring Airlines operates an extensive Chinese domestic network and selected international services within Asia. Its destinations include Shanghai, Shijiazhuang, Shenyang, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Guilin and Urumqi.
- Spring Airlines's longest route is Shanghai to Urumqi, about 3,273 km nonstop.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking early, travelling outside Chinese public holidays and avoiding peak weekend departures. Compare nearby dates and include any baggage or seat fees when assessing the total price.
- Carry-on limits depend on the booked fare and route, with restrictions applying to both size and weight. Passengers should check the baggage conditions on their booking before travel because excess or oversized items may need to be checked for a fee.
- Spring Airlines serves 45 destinations across 5 countries, operating 136 routes.
- Shanghai is Spring Airlines's primary hub. Services may operate through Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, so passengers should verify the airport shown on their ticket.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Its busiest departure points are in Shanghai, followed by Shijiazhuang, Shenyang, Chongqing and Xiamen. Relevant airports include Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shijiazhuang Zhengding, Shenyang Taoxian, Chongqing Jiangbei and Xiamen Gaoqi.