Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of a draft standard for flight seat reservation rules by the China Air Transport Association, aimed at regulating seat reservation practices among airlines and enhancing passenger choice [1][2]. Group 1: Draft Standard Overview - The draft standard covers domestic, international, and regional flights, systematically regulating the types, scope, proportion, and information disclosure of economy class seat reservations [1]. - Airlines are required to categorize economy class seats into "free selectable seats" and "reserved seats" [1][3]. Group 2: Seat Reservation Regulations - The draft specifies that the release time for reserved seats must be clearly defined to prevent last-minute releases [1]. - Airlines must prominently inform passengers about the range of free and reserved seats, standards for points/mileage redemption, paid seat selection prices (for international and regional flights only), and the release time for reserved seats during online booking and check-in [1]. - Seat maps must use clear icons to distinguish between "free selectable," "member selectable," "online not selectable," and "already selected" categories to avoid ambiguity and misleading information [1]. Group 3: Seat Allocation Requirements - Operationally necessary reserved seats must be based on safety and service needs, including seats for safety personnel, emergency exit restrictions, and special passengers (e.g., wheelchair users, stretchers, unaccompanied minors) [3]. - Value-added service reserved seats are divided into entitlement-based reservations (points/mileage redemption) and paid reservations (limited to international and regional flights), with a clear stipulation that cash seat selection services are not permitted for domestic flights [3]. - The minimum proportion of free selectable seats must be at least 70% for domestic flights and no less than 65% for international and regional flights [3].