Core Viewpoint - The China Air Transport Association has released a draft standard for public consultation regarding the reservation of seats on flights, aiming to regulate the classification and information disclosure of economy class seats by airlines [1][2]. Group 1: Seat Classification and Regulations - Airlines are required to categorize economy class seats into "free selectable seats" and "reserved seats" [2]. - Reserved seats are further divided into operationally necessary reserved seats (for safety and service needs) and value-added reserved seats (including reward points/miles redemption and paid reservations for international and regional flights) [2]. - Domestic flights must ensure that at least 70% of economy class seats are free selectable, while international and regional flights must have a minimum of 65% [2]. Group 2: Information Disclosure and Transparency - Airlines must clearly inform passengers about the categories of free and reserved seats, redemption standards, paid selection prices (for international and regional flights), and the release time of reserved seats [2]. - A clear seat map must be provided to distinguish between "free selectable," "member selectable," "not selectable online," and "selected seats" to avoid ambiguity and misleading information [2]. Group 3: Consumer Complaints and Industry Response - Several airlines have faced scrutiny for locking certain desirable seats, leading to consumer complaints about unfair practices [3]. - The Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee has conducted investigations and engaged with multiple airlines regarding the locking of seats that should be part of standard services [3]. - Airlines such as 吉祥航空 and 四川航空 have acknowledged the issues and are undertaking internal evaluations and corrective actions in response to the consumer protection committee's findings [3].

Core Viewpoint - The China Air Transport Association has issued a draft for public consultation regarding the "Flight Seat Reservation Rules for Public Air Transport Enterprises," aiming to standardize seat reservation practices and enhance passenger rights in response to growing demand for personalized travel experiences [1][2]. Group 1: Overview of the New Rules - The new rules require that at least 70% of seats on domestic flights and 65% on international and regional flights be available for free selection by passengers [2]. - The draft aims to address discrepancies in seat selection services among airlines, ensuring a more uniform experience for travelers [1][2]. Group 2: Scope and Applicability - The rules apply to both domestic and international flights operated by public air transport enterprises within China, with foreign airlines encouraged to follow these guidelines [3]. Group 3: Seat Reservation Definitions - Free selectable seats are defined as those available for passengers to choose without additional charges [6]. - Reserved seats are those not open for selection due to safety, special passenger needs, or value-added services [8]. Group 4: General Principles - Safety is prioritized, with seat reservation and release practices needing to comply with safety regulations [18]. - The rules emphasize a passenger-centered approach, ensuring sufficient free seats and respecting diverse passenger needs [19]. Group 5: Seat Reservation Management - Airlines must establish a management system for seat reservations, detailing reasons, quantities, and rules for obtaining and releasing seats [5][21]. - For domestic flights, value-added reserved seats are limited to loyalty program members, and no paid seat selection is allowed [23]. Group 6: Release Rules - Domestic flights must release reserved seats for free selection no later than three hours before departure [27]. - For international flights, reserved seats should be released progressively starting 48 hours before departure, with specific rules for different seat categories [33]. Group 7: Information Disclosure - Airlines must clearly inform passengers about seat reservation options, including free and paid selections, and the rules governing these options [35]. - Seat maps must use clear icons to indicate different seat categories for both domestic and international flights [36][37].