SA(SH:601021) Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-11-27 10:24Core Viewpoint - The Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee has raised concerns regarding the practice of "seat locking" by ten major airlines, highlighting issues of transparency and fairness in the selection of seats during the ticket purchasing process [1][2]. Group 1: Issues Identified - The investigation revealed four main problems with seat locking, including excessive locking of premium seats, disguised fees for unlocking seats, and a lack of transparency in the information provided to consumers [1]. - The average seat locking rate among the ten airlines surveyed was found to be 38.7%, with rates ranging from 19.9% to 62.1% for economy class [1]. Group 2: Reasons for Seat Locking - Airlines lock seats for several reasons, including the need for paid selection or mileage redemption, service assurance, and balancing passenger load [2][4]. - Some airlines do not clearly indicate whether locked seats are unavailable due to airline restrictions or prior selection by other passengers, leading to confusion among consumers [2]. Group 3: Historical Context and Compliance - The practice of charging for seat selection began around 2014, following trends set by international airlines, with many domestic airlines now implementing similar fee structures [5][6]. - Current practices of seat selection fees and baggage fees have been reported to relevant civil aviation authorities and are considered compliant with regulations, reflecting a shift towards diversified service offerings in the airline industry [6]. Group 4: Consumer Recommendations - Consumers suggest that airlines should clearly present seat selection options and associated costs at the time of booking to enhance transparency and consumer choice [7]. - Industry experts recommend that at least half of the seats should remain available for free selection, particularly those that are window or aisle seats, to meet basic passenger needs [7].