机票退改签收费将推“阶梯费率” 民航局废止“特价票一律不得退改签”

Core Viewpoint - The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a notice to improve the ticket refund and change fee system, advocating for a "tiered fee rate" for ticket refunds and changes, rather than a blanket prohibition on discounted tickets being refundable or changeable [1][2]. Group 1: Ticket Refund and Change Fee System - The CAAC requires airlines to set reasonable refund and change fee standards, with the refund fee not exceeding the actual sales price of the ticket [1][4]. - The "tiered fee rate" will be based on different ticket price levels and timeframes, establishing a reasonable gradient for fees [1][4]. - Airlines must strictly adhere to clear pricing regulations, ensuring that actual domestic flight fare types, levels, and applicable refund/change fee standards are published prominently on their official channels [2][4]. Group 2: Management of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) - Airlines are mandated to unify and standardize refund and change policies across direct and distribution channels, ensuring consistent fee standards [4]. - OTAs and sales agents are prohibited from charging additional fees beyond the established refund and change fee standards [4]. - The CAAC will impose strict penalties on OTAs and sales agents that violate these fee standards [4]. Group 3: Consumer Rights and Protections - The notice stipulates that certain situations, such as incorrect ticket purchases or illness, will allow for fee waivers, emphasizing a reasonable and accommodating approach to consumer errors [4]. - The CAAC will report violations of pricing regulations, such as price fraud or monopolistic practices, to relevant authorities to protect consumer rights [4][6]. - Research indicates that the current refund and change fee practices are arbitrary, with significant discrepancies in fees across different airlines and platforms [5][6].