Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the draft standard for seat reservation rules by the China Air Transport Association aims to regulate the practice of seat locking by airlines, addressing consumer concerns regarding seat selection and enhancing transparency in the airline industry [1][2]. Group 1: Issues with Current Practices - Many passengers have reported that certain seats are locked during online booking, particularly desirable seats in the economy class, leading to limited free selection options [1][2]. - A report from the Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee highlighted four main issues: the prevalence of seat locking, excessive locking of quality seats, opaque unlocking mechanisms that effectively charge fees, and unfair contract terms that infringe on consumer rights [2][4]. Group 2: Proposed Standards and Regulations - The draft standard specifies that for domestic flights, free seat selection must be at least 70% of the total economy class seats for flights with 160 seats or fewer, and up to 80% for larger aircraft [2][3]. - The standard also mandates that airlines must clearly inform passengers about the types of reserved seats, the release timing of these seats, and the criteria for free and paid seat selection [4]. Group 3: Industry Perspectives - Industry experts believe that the draft standard will better protect passenger rights and improve the market mechanism within civil aviation services [3][4]. - The standard encourages airlines to enhance service quality while allowing for a certain proportion of paid seat selection, thus balancing consumer needs with airline operational requirements [3][4]. Group 4: Consumer Rights and Transparency - The draft emphasizes the importance of transparency in the airline industry, shifting from "black box" competition to clearer options for consumers [2][4]. - It is noted that the selection service is considered an ancillary service rather than a basic transportation service, reflecting the need for diverse and personalized offerings in air travel [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The China Air Transport Association has solicited opinions on the draft regulations for seat reservation rules in public air transport enterprises, aiming to guide airlines in reasonably setting their seat selection service products [1] Group 1: Regulations on Seat Reservation - The proposed rules specify requirements for free seat selection and reserved seats in economy class for airlines [1] - 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) [1] - Value-added reserved seats are categorized into rights-based reservations (points/miles redemption) and paid reservations (limited to international and regional flights) [1] Group 2: Free Seat Selection Requirements - The rules clarify that for domestic flights, value-added reserved seats are limited to rights-based reservations, and paid seat selection is not permitted [1] - Free rights-based reserved seats are available for passengers traveling with infants under two years old and children aged between two and twelve years [1] - The minimum proportion of free selectable seats for domestic flights is set at 70%, while for international and regional flights, it is set at no less than 65% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The China Air Transport Association has proposed a draft standard for public air transport companies regarding seat reservation rules, mandating a minimum percentage of free selectable seats for domestic and international flights [1] Group 1: Seat Reservation Rules - Airlines must categorize economy class seats into "free selectable seats" and "reserved seats" [1] - Operationally necessary reserved seats include those for safety personnel, emergency exit restrictions, and special passengers such as those requiring wheelchairs or unaccompanied minors [1] - Value-added reserved seats are divided into rights-based reservations (for points/miles redemption) and paid reservations (limited to international and regional flights) [1] Group 2: Free Selectable Seat Requirements - For domestic flights, the minimum percentage of free selectable seats must be 70% [1] - For international and regional flights, the minimum percentage of free selectable seats must be 65% [1] - Domestic flights are prohibited from offering cash seat selection services [1]