'Seats on planes come at a price'

China's top airlines are reporting a surge in interest among passengers wanting to pay extra to reserve preferred seats on both domestic and international flights.

Hainan Airlines Co Ltd became the first major Chinese carrier to charge extra for seat selection on long-haul flights in May 2013, and the option has now become so popular with passengers, the country's other top airlines have followed suit.

Mao Yi, head of public relations at Shanghai-based low-budget carrier Spring Airlines Co, said: "It may be a new phenomenon for Chinese commercial airlines to charge extra for a particular seat - but it is common industry practice globally, especially on budget airlines."