Latest! High-Speed Trains Roll Out a New Seating Option
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Recently, buzz on social media has escalated as passengers discovered a new seating option on China's 12306 ticketing platform: the "Premium First Class". This revelation topped the trending topics on Weibo.
According to 12306 customer service, the "Premium First Class" was introduced to enhance service quality on specific trains. The pricing and services for these seats lie between the existing Business Class and First Class, aiming to offer a superior travel experience at a more accessible price point.
The "Premium First Class" benefits from some Business Class services, such as exclusive boarding channels, check-in services, and onboard amenities including beverages, food, towels, and blankets. However, it does not include the personalized station entry guidance and mid-journey meal services exclusive to Business Class.
Passengers can check the availability of "Premium First Class" tickets through the ticket purchasing interface or by consulting the "Posted Prices" section under the "My" menu.
Which trains offer "Premium First Class"? Customer service notes that not all models provide this class. Currently, it is available only on the Fuxinghao and Zhihuihao train series. Passengers interested in this option can search based on their departure and destination points to find applicable trains.
According to Xinhua Finance, bloggers have noted that the "Premium First Class" has already been integrated into the 12306 system and installed in the lead cars of the upgraded Fuxinghao series. The actual seats closely resemble those depicted in earlier patent images, featuring independently arranged seats with private windows per row.
As per a China Railways WeChat announcement from last March, the seating options on high-speed trains typically include Business Class, Special Class, First Class, and Second Class.
Services Provided in Business and First Class:
Business Class:
Business Class passengers enjoy exclusive real-name verification and security check lanes at stations, with dedicated staff guiding them to the waiting area. Pre-departure services include personalized station exit guidance booked an hour before arrival. The seats, fewer in number and more spacious, are arranged in a 2+1 or 1+1 layout with electrically adjustable backrests and leg rests. A reading light adds brightness if needed, and storage boxes beside the seats offer complimentary disposable slippers, eye masks, and blankets.
First Class:
First Class seats are generally arranged in a 2+2 configuration, offering more space than Second Class. The seats are equipped with armrest-integrated adjustment controls for backrest inclination, footrests, and retractable small tables. Additionally, certain high-speed trains provide complimentary beverages and snacks to First Class passengers, with meals served during lunch and dinner times.
From the descriptions above, it's clear that Business and First Class services differ significantly. The newly introduced "Premium First Class" strategically positions itself between these two, receiving positive feedback from netizens. Some appreciate the exclusive access during peak travel periods, while others feel the services are not markedly different from standard First Class. Moreover, some suggest that instead of adding new classes, increasing the number of quiet carriages might enhance the travel experience more effectively.
Source: 观察者网
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