Overview
MCC 3308 is the brand-specific merchant category code assigned to China Southern Airlines. All card transactions processed directly by China Southern Airlines for flight bookings, ancillary services, upgrades, and in-flight purchases are classified under this code. Acquirers and payment processors use MCC 3308 to route China Southern Airlines transactions through airline-specific interchange categories and to apply travel-related fraud screening rules.
Transaction Profile
Mid to high value, advance purchase dominant, predominantly CNP for online booking, card-present at airport counters and in-flight, ancillary charges (baggage, seat selection, upgrades), multi-currency
Card Network Notes
Visa and Mastercard assign brand-specific MCCs to major airlines for interchange optimisation and rewards programme targeting. Airline transactions are eligible for travel-specific interchange categories. MCC 3308 is within the airline range (3000–3308), assigned to China Southern Airlines.
Risk & Compliance
Airlines are classified as medium risk due to the advance-purchase nature of ticket sales and the exposure to flight cancellations, schedule changes, and service disputes. Chargebacks can spike during operational disruptions. Acquirers must monitor for excessive refund volumes and ensure compliance with IATA settlement rules where applicable.