Paid-for seats are available in long-distance international routes among many major airlines. In China, seat selection fees usually exist with low-cost airlines, with Spring Airlines being the first to implement² the seat selection charges.

 

Since last year, domestic airlines have started to charge for in-flight seat selections. China Eastern Airlines began to push for seat charges in January this year with the price of 500 yuan (about $80 USD) per seat. The airline has seen an increase in monthly sales since May.

 

The paid seats on most domestic airlines' fights are currently the first-row seats of the Economy class and seats near emergency exits. Some speculated that in the future more seating areas might be included in the optional paid category, such as seats between the second and tenth rows of the Economy class, as well as window seats.

 

If a passenger sitting by the emergency exit does not comply with the relevant provisions and safety requirements, the airline has the right to move the passenger to another seat. This rule applies even to passengers who paid for the seats, which shows the service is to be improved, according to Jfdaily.com.

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