China's 12306 platform introduces in-train seat change feature

12306, a Chinese train ticket purchase platform, has introduced an "in-train seat change" feature on select routes.

According to 12306 customer service, this option allows passengers to purchase connecting tickets and change seats within the same train when direct tickets are sold out, without the need to disembark.

This is essentially like buying two segments of a journey, except that both segments are on the same train, so there's no need to switch to another one, a 12306  customer service representative explained.

The in-train seat change is a type of connecting ticket, sold in segments. Previously, passengers needed to check each segment separately, but now the 12306 system can prioritize and suggest such options. Users can purchase tickets for the same train in separate segments and simply change seats onboard when reaching the connecting station.

Customer service also noted that this new feature was recently introduced on the platform. Since it involves segmented ticket sales, the total price for both segments is generally higher than purchasing a direct ticket for the entire journey.

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