Spring Airlines: What Flying Low-Cost in China Really Costs

Fares and baggage

Spring Airlines' base fare does not include an in-flight meal, not even water, checked baggage or seat selection: everything can be bought separately, including a package with more legroom. It is the low-cost model applied rigorously, with online check-in available from 48 hours to 1 hour before departure for those who want to handle everything themselves without going to the counter.

The fleet

Operating a single aircraft family, the Airbus A320/A321, simplifies maintenance, crew training and spare parts management: a choice typical of the world's most successful low-cost carriers, replicated here on a Chinese scale.

History and positioning

Spring Airlines has carved out its own space in a market historically dominated by China's three big state carriers, showing that a low-cost model could work in China too. Today it operates not only domestic routes but also low-cost international links to Japan and Southeast Asia.

On board

Don't expect in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi: the cabin is set up for quick turnarounds and low costs, without the amenities typical of a full-service carrier.

Spring Airlines is worth it for those who travel light and want the lowest possible price on domestic Chinese routes or to Japan and Southeast Asia, less so for those who need baggage included or room for last-minute changes. Practical tip: always calculate the final price with baggage, seat and meal added before comparing it with a traditional carrier, because the starting fare shown on search engines tells only part of the real cost.