机票“锁座”变相收费 10家航司被约谈

Core Viewpoint - The Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee has released a report highlighting issues related to seat locking practices by airlines, including widespread locking behavior, excessive locking of premium seats, disguised fees for unlocking, and infringement on consumer rights [1][4]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - The average seat locking rate among the 10 surveyed airlines is 38.7%, with rates ranging from 19.9% to 62.1% [3][4]. - Spring Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines have particularly high locking rates, exceeding 60% and 50% respectively, while Juneyao Airlines has a relatively low rate of under 20% [3][4]. - The investigation focused on the locking ratio, locking range, redemption methods, and customer service explanations [3]. Group 2: Identified Issues - Widespread seat locking practices are prevalent, with premium seats being excessively locked, limiting consumer choices to less desirable seats [4][5]. - The unlocking mechanism often requires payment or points redemption, which disadvantages non-members or infrequent travelers, effectively increasing travel costs [4][5]. - There is a lack of transparency in information provided to consumers, with unclear seat selection rules and inadequate customer service responses [4][5]. Group 3: Recommendations and Actions - The Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee has urged airlines to conduct self-examinations and rectify unfair terms in their agreements regarding seat locking [1][6]. - Airlines are recommended to ensure a reasonable and balanced distribution of free seat options, limiting paid options to only those necessary for special circumstances [7]. - Continuous monitoring of airlines' compliance with these recommendations will be conducted, with potential follow-up measures if necessary [8].