From Oct 20, These Foreigners Can Enjoy Seat Upgrade Service

Starting October 20, China State Railway Group (China Railway) will launch an upgraded version of its “Railway Easy Travel” loyalty program, offering greater rewards for frequent travelers aged 14 to 28.

The program will also introduce a new seat upgrade feature that allows members to redeem points for seat upgrades, further expanding the use of loyalty points beyond train ticket redemptions.

According to the Passenger Transport Department of China Railway, the optimization targets frequent travelers aged 14 to 28 who hold valid identification, including mainland resident ID cards, residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents, travel permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents to and from the mainland, or foreign permanent residence ID cards.

Under the current policy, regular loyalty members earn five times the ticket price in points after each journey, while senior members aged 60 and above receive 15 times the ticket price—three times the rate for regular members.

Beginning October 20, young members aged 14 to 28 will earn ten times the ticket price in points—double the regular rate. For example, a standard member spending 1,000 yuan on train tickets earns 5,000 points (worth 50 yuan), while a young member will earn 10,000 points (worth 100 yuan). However, the double points offer will not apply to tickets purchased under student discount fares.

Currently, loyalty points can be used by the member or an authorized transferee to redeem train tickets, with 100 points equivalent to 1 yuan. Redeemed tickets can be rescheduled once, with a partial deduction of points as a rescheduling fee. Refunds and destination changes are not permitted.

Starting October 20, loyalty members will also be able to use their points to upgrade seats on trains. Members can redeem seat upgrades for any unused segment of their original ticket. During the journey, passengers can request an upgrade by scanning the “Railway Easy Travel” QR code on the armrest or by contacting train staff directly. Train attendants will process seat upgrades based on availability.

Tickets obtained through point-based seat upgrades cannot be refunded or rescheduled. In cases where force majeure or railway-related issues prevent the upgraded ticket from being used, the unused segment’s points will be refunded to the member’s account.

Source: OneTubeDaily