热点追踪丨选了“最低票价”反而多花钱？

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the deceptive practices of online travel platforms that advertise "lowest prices" but often lead to higher final costs due to hidden fees and bundled services, misleading consumers and complicating their purchasing decisions [1][2]. Group 1: Pricing Strategies - Some platforms use "price inducement" strategies to attract users, displaying a low initial price that later increases due to additional fees, such as a 61 yuan delay package, resulting in a final payment of 869 yuan instead of the expected lower price [1]. - Consumers may find that a seemingly higher-priced option, when stripped of hidden fees, can actually be cheaper, as demonstrated by a comparison where a 709 yuan ticket resulted in a final cost of 819 yuan, 50 yuan less than the "lowest price" option [1]. Group 2: Consumer Rights and Regulatory Issues - The practice of bundling services without clear consent has been criticized, with previous regulations like the E-commerce Law of 2019 aiming to protect consumer rights by requiring explicit consent for bundled services [3][4]. - Despite regulatory efforts, new forms of hidden pricing traps have emerged, complicating consumer protection and making it difficult for consumers to assert their rights due to high costs and low returns on pursuing claims [4]. Group 3: Recommendations for Platforms and Regulators - Platforms are urged to abandon short-sighted profit strategies based on consumer deception and instead focus on transparent pricing and quality service to build consumer trust [6]. - Regulatory bodies should refine standards for identifying and addressing new deceptive practices, enforce penalties on frequently complained platforms, and provide consumers with rights such as a seven-day return policy for bundled products [6].