“加价选座”不应成为“行业潜规则”

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of airlines "locking seats" is a controversial practice that appears to segment service levels but is essentially a method to increase revenue at the expense of passenger rights [1][4]. Group 1: Revenue Generation Tactics - Airlines are locking seats in the economy class, particularly those near the front or by emergency exits, requiring passengers to either redeem miles or pay fees to unlock these seats, which has become a significant pain point in the industry [1][4]. - One airline categorizes locked seats into three tiers: preferred seats (2000 points), first-choice seats (1600 points), and standard seats (1000 points), with additional fees of 400 yuan, 320 yuan, and 200 yuan respectively for unlocking these seats [1][4]. Group 2: Consumer Rights Violations - The practice of charging for seat selection infringes on multiple consumer rights, including the right to be informed about the true nature of the services purchased, as airlines do not clearly indicate which seats require additional fees or the basis for these fees [1][5]. - According to the Consumer Rights Protection Law, consumers have the right to choose products or services freely, and the airlines' practice of linking seat selection to additional fees restricts this freedom [2][5]. Group 3: Fair Trading Principles - The airlines' pricing strategy lacks a basis in actual service provided, as the economy class service remains the same regardless of seat selection, thus violating the principle of fair trading [2][5]. - The shift from a "first-come, first-served" model to a "pay-to-select" model exploits the airlines' market position, turning a previously free service into a revenue-generating mechanism, which increases the financial burden on consumers [2][5]. Group 4: Regulatory Concerns - The "pay-for-seat" practice may also violate pricing laws that require clear pricing and prohibit additional charges beyond the listed price [3][6]. - There is a call for coordinated action from relevant parties to compel airlines to enhance service levels and restore passenger rights, with a push for regulations to prevent the normalization of such practices in the industry [3][6].