Carriers halt seat selection through third-party platforms

Advanced seat selection and online check-in services through third-party platforms are expected to be halted by Chinese carriers in a bid to regulate services and stem revenue erosion.

Companies like aviation data providers VariFlight and State-owned Umetrip have already stopped offering such services for China Southern Airlines flights.

Air China, China Southern and Hainan Airlines earlier posted statements online about the specifications. Air China said in a statement that it is currently scrutinizing third-party platforms, and it reserves the right to take legal action if it detects any unauthorized services.