Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-11-26 13:02Core Viewpoint - The Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee has released a report highlighting issues related to seat locking practices by airlines, including widespread seat locking, excessive locking of premium seats, disguised fees for unlocking, and infringement on consumer rights [1][4]. Group 1: Survey Findings - The average seat locking rate among the 10 surveyed airlines is 38.7%, with rates ranging from 19.9% to 62.1% across different routes [2][4]. - Spring Airlines has the highest locking rate at over 60% for the Nanjing-Lanzhou route, while Juneyao Airlines has the lowest at under 20% [2][4]. - The survey included major airlines such as China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines, focusing on their booking apps to assess seat locking practices [2][4]. Group 2: Identified Issues - The report identifies four main issues: the prevalence of seat locking, excessive locking of desirable seats, disguised fees for unlocking, and lack of transparency in information provided to consumers [4][5]. - Premium seats are predominantly locked, limiting consumer choice to less desirable options, which infringes on consumer rights [4][5]. - Airlines are increasingly charging for seat selection, which can significantly increase travel costs, especially for families seeking adjacent seating [6][8]. Group 3: Recommendations and Actions - The Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee has urged airlines to conduct self-inspections and rectify unfair terms in their agreements regarding seat locking [6][7]. - Airlines are recommended to ensure a reasonable distribution of free seat options and to eliminate disguised fees associated with seat selection [6][7]. - Continuous monitoring of airlines' compliance with these recommendations will be conducted by the Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee [8].