机票锁座将被规范

Core Viewpoint - The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is guiding the China Air Transport Association to establish a group standard for flight seat reservation rules, aiming to address consumer complaints regarding airlines' seat locking practices and to better meet diverse passenger needs [2][12]. Group 1: Seat Locking Practices - A recent survey by the Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee revealed that the average seat locking ratio for ten major airlines in the economy class is 38.7%, with some routes exceeding 60% [5][6]. - Airlines justify seat locking as a means to reserve seats for special passengers and maintain flight load balance, but many consumers find this practice contradictory, as preferred seats are often locked while less desirable seats remain available [6][7]. - The locked seats are concentrated in desirable locations, such as front rows and exit rows, while the free seats are typically in less favorable areas [6][7]. Group 2: Revenue Generation - Airlines are increasingly relying on auxiliary revenue streams, such as seat selection fees, to offset rising operational costs and losses incurred during the pandemic [10][12]. - The global auxiliary revenue for airlines is projected to reach $148.4 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 15% of total industry revenue, highlighting the importance of this revenue source [3][11]. - Domestic airlines in China have been slow to develop auxiliary revenue compared to international counterparts, with reported figures significantly lower than global averages [12]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - The CAAC's initiative to create standardized seat reservation rules is seen as a response to consumer complaints and aims to establish a more equitable market environment [12][13]. - Experts suggest that a reasonable proportion of free seats should be maintained to ensure fair access for all passengers, with recommendations for airlines to keep over 50% of seats available for free selection [14][15].