Adam, please move if there's a more appropriate thread already.

I'm seeing reports on social media today that AC has started charging for seat selection during check-in. In one case, this anecdotally happened to someone travelling on a standard fare. Initially I dismissed this as user error, but the AC website now says, under "When you check in: To change your assigned seat, choose from the remaining seats. A fee may apply depending on the seat you have selected and the fare you purchased".

If true, my non-status family members traveling on standard fares will want to know there's no benefit to waiting until OLCI if this is the case. Can anyone on FT confirm if this is indeed a new policy?