Flying with Your Pet on Spring Airlines: Everything You Need to Know

OK hear me out — I've flown Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on more airlines than I can count, and Spring Airlines (9C) is actually pretty pet-friendly if you know the rules. Whether you're bringing a cat, dog, or smaller furry friend, Spring Airlines allows pets in the cabin, which means your buddy stays with you the whole flight instead of being separated in cargo. That's huge for keeping stress levels down.

Let me walk you through exactly what Spring Airlines requires, what it costs, and how to make sure your pet's travel experience is smooth and stress-free.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: 999 CNY (one-way)
  • Max combined weight (pet + carrier): 5 kg
  • Carrier dimensions: 55 cm (L) × 40 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
  • Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date

Cabin Travel: Your Pet Stays With You

Spring Airlines allows cats and dogs in the cabin, which is exactly what you want. Your pet travels in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you — you'll actually see them the whole flight. No cargo holds, no separation anxiety. Trust me on this one: cabin travel is the way to go if your pet qualifies.

Weight limit is tight, though. The combined weight of your pet plus the carrier cannot exceed 5 kg. That's roughly 11 pounds. If you've got a larger dog like mine, Spring Airlines' cabin option won't work — but we'll cover alternatives below.

Carrier requirements are specific:

  • Soft-sided carrier only (hard-sided won't fit under the seat)
  • Maximum dimensions: 55 cm long × 40 cm wide × 20 cm tall
  • Must have mesh ventilation on the sides
  • Must include an absorbent liner or mat inside (for accidents)
  • Must fit completely under the seat in front of you

When I flew with smaller pets, I always brought a collapsible soft-sided carrier — they compress down and are way easier to manage at the airport than rigid crates.

Breed Restrictions: Check If Your Pet Qualifies

Spring Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard, not just Spring Airlines being difficult.

Restricted breeds include: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Boxers, Mastiffs, Chow Chows, Japanese Chins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, and several others.

If your pet is on this list, contact Spring Airlines directly before booking — some airlines make exceptions with vet clearance, but don't assume yours will.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

You absolutely need a vet-issued health certificate. This isn't optional. Even if Spring Airlines doesn't explicitly ask for it, you'll be denied boarding without one.

Certificate requirements:

  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Must be dated within 10 days of your departure
  • Must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Get it as close to your travel date as possible

I always schedule my vet appointment 5-7 days before flying. That gives me a buffer in case anything comes up, and the certificate is still well within the validity window.

Booking Your Pet: 24 Hours Advance Notice Required

You cannot just show up at the airport with your pet. Spring Airlines limits the number of pets per flight, so you must pre-book at least 24 hours before departure.

Here's what to do:

  • Contact Spring Airlines directly (don't rely on the website booking system for pets)
  • Confirm your pet meets the weight and size requirements
  • Provide your pet's details: name, species, breed, age, weight
  • Pay the 999 CNY cabin pet fee
  • Get confirmation that your pet is booked on your flight

One thing I've learned: always get written confirmation. Screenshot it, email it to yourself, print it out. You don't want any surprises at check-in.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Options (For Larger Pets)

If your pet is too large for the cabin (like Nala), Spring Airlines does allow pets in cargo or checked baggage. This is a last-resort option — your pet travels separately from you — but it's available.

Cargo/checked baggage requirements:

  • Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided won't work)
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (older than cabin pets)
  • Must have ventilation on at least three sides
  • Must include an attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
  • Must have absorbent liner inside
  • Must display "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Temperature restrictions: Won't fly if tarmac temps exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F)

Honestly? I avoid cargo travel whenever possible. The stress on your pet is real. But if it's your only option, make sure you have the right crate and all the paperwork in order.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 4-6 weeks before: Check if your pet's breed is restricted. Contact Spring Airlines with your pet's details.
  • 2 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for the health certificate.
  • 10 days before: Get the health certificate issued (must be within 10 days of departure).
  • 7 days before: Confirm your pet's carrier meets Spring Airlines dimensions (55 × 40 × 20 cm, soft-sided, under 5 kg combined).
  • 5 days before: Add absorbent liner to the carrier. Test that your pet is comfortable in it.
  • 24+ hours before: Contact Spring Airlines to pre-book your pet. Provide confirmation number and pet details.
  • Day of flight: Arrive early. Bring health certificate, booking confirmation, and pet ID. Keep your pet calm and hydrated.

Important Things NOT to Do

Don't sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Your vet might suggest it, but Spring Airlines won't allow it. Keep your pet naturally calm through familiar toys, treats, and a comfortable carrier.

Don't assume your pet can fly if pregnant. Spring Airlines won't accept visibly pregnant animals. If you think your pet might be pregnant, get a vet check before booking.

Don't skip the health certificate. I cannot stress this enough. You will be denied boarding without it, no exceptions.

Cost Breakdown

The cabin pet fee is 999 CNY (one-way). That's your main cost. You'll also need to factor in the vet visit for the health certificate (typically 50-150 USD depending on your location) and a proper soft-sided carrier if you don't already have one (30-80 USD).

For a round-trip flight with a pet, budget around 2,000 CNY plus vet and carrier costs. It's not cheap, but it's worth it to keep your pet with you in the cabin.

Pro Tips from My Experience

Nala's first flight was chaotic because I didn't prepare properly. Here's what I've learned:

  • Practice carrier time: Let your pet spend time in the carrier at home for 2-3 weeks before flying. Make it a positive space with treats and toys.
  • Exercise before the flight: A tired pet is a calm pet. Take your dog for a long walk or hike the morning of your flight. For cats, play sessions help burn energy.
  • Bring familiar items: Pack a blanket or toy that smells like home. It's comforting during turbulence.
  • Skip food 2-3 hours before: Reduces the chance of motion sickness or accidents in the carrier.
  • Arrive extra early: Pet check-in takes longer. Give yourself at least 3 hours for domestic flights.
  • Keep documentation accessible: Have your health certificate, booking confirmation, and pet ID in a folder you can grab quickly.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Spring Airlines' pet policies — contact Spring Airlines directly for the most current information on service animals, specific route restrictions, or any policies that might have changed.

For more comprehensive guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

Data auto-verified from official sources. Last updated: January 2025. Spring Airlines policies may change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026