选择权岂能被“锁住”！江苏省消保委：航司盈利创新不应损害消费者权益

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions around "paid seat selection" in the airline industry have raised concerns about consumer rights and the legality of such practices, with experts suggesting that these practices may violate consumer protection laws [1][2][4]. Group 1: Lack of Transparency - Airlines have not publicly disclosed the standards for their "seat locking" rules, including the basis for calculating the locking ratio, dynamic adjustment mechanisms, and specific fees or points required for seat selection [2][3]. - This lack of transparency infringes on consumers' right to know the true conditions of the services they purchase, as stipulated by the Consumer Rights Protection Law [2]. Group 2: Increased Locking Proportions - Reports indicate that the proportion of locked seats has increased significantly, particularly on popular routes, with a shift from locking only special seats to including more desirable seats in the economy class [2][3]. - This practice limits consumers' choices, as airlines are reserving premium seats for paid selection while offering only less desirable options for free [2]. Group 3: Questionable Justification for Fees - The rationale behind charging for seat selection is under scrutiny, as consumers traditionally expect that the purchase of a ticket includes the right to a seat [3][4]. - The pricing of seat selection within the same class varies without a clear basis, suggesting that the fee structure is more about maximizing profits rather than reflecting service costs [3]. Group 4: Consumer Rights Violations - The practice of charging for seat selection is seen as a violation of consumers' rights to know and choose, contradicting the airlines' responsibilities as public service providers [4]. - Recommendations include airlines adhering to safety protocols for special seats, standardizing their operational practices, and increasing transparency regarding seat locking rules and fees [4].