10家航司“锁座”被约谈，破解“规则暗箱”是关键

Core Viewpoint - The recent investigation by Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee highlights significant issues in the airline seat-locking service market, including excessive locking of quality seats, opaque unlocking mechanisms, lack of transparency, and unfair contractual terms [1][2][3] Group 1: Issues Identified - The investigation identified four main problems: widespread seat locking, disguised fees for unlocking, lack of transparency, and unfair contract terms [1] - The average seat locking rate during ticket purchase is 38.7%, with some airlines reaching as high as 62.1%, leading to increased costs for passengers [1][2] Group 2: Reasonable Locking Practices - Reasonable seat locking can create a win-win situation for airlines and passengers, such as charging extra for more spacious areas on long-haul flights [2] - Airlines can enhance service differentiation and maintain member loyalty through reserved quality seats, while also generating additional revenue from low-cost carriers [1][2] Group 3: Consumer Experience and Transparency - Excessive seat locking negatively impacts passenger experience, potentially lowering repurchase rates and harming the airline's reputation [2][3] - Airlines must ensure clear and transparent communication regarding seat distribution, locking rules, and fee structures to avoid disputes and enhance consumer trust [3] Group 4: Market Behavior and Consumer Rights - While airlines have the freedom to choose their pricing strategies, they must adhere to principles of transparency and fairness, ensuring that any fees do not infringe on consumer rights [3] - The balance between free and paid seating should prioritize providing basic comfort to all passengers, rather than converting essential seat selection into a paid service [3]