Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding "mileage redemption for seat selection" and "paid seat selection" has resurfaced as several domestic airlines require passengers to pay additional fees or use mileage points to unlock certain seats, leading to public outcry and discussions about transparency and consumer rights [1][4][5]. Group 1: Airline Practices - Many domestic airlines have implemented a system where certain seats are locked and require additional payment or mileage redemption to select [1][4]. - Passengers have reported that a significant number of seats are locked, with some requiring over 200 yuan to unlock, while others are only available for free close to the flight departure time if not selected [2][3]. - The pricing for seat selection varies by seat type and flight duration, with some premium seats costing up to 1000 yuan for long-haul flights [3]. Group 2: Consumer Reactions - Passengers express frustration over the additional fees for seat selection after already paying for tickets, with concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the proportion of locked seats [4][5]. - Some passengers have noted that they were unable to select seats next to their companions due to the locked seat policy, raising concerns about family travel [4]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives - The China Consumer Association has criticized the practice of paid seat selection, arguing that it infringes on consumer rights and should not become a standard industry practice [5][6]. - Legal experts suggest that airlines may be engaging in price manipulation, as consumers are often unaware of the locked seat policies until after purchasing tickets, which could violate consumer protection laws [6][7]. - The application of format clauses by airlines may also be scrutinized, as they could unfairly limit consumer rights and responsibilities [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing trend of airlines charging for seat selection, which is perceived as a violation of consumer rights and a shift from safety considerations to revenue generation [3][4][11]. Group 1: Airline Practices - Many domestic airlines have implemented paid seat selection services, requiring passengers to pay extra or use mileage points for preferred seating [3][7]. - Airlines like China Southern and Air China have specific rules regarding seat locking, with some seats reserved for special services or requiring mileage for selection [4][8]. - The practice of locking seats, especially in the front rows, has shifted from safety concerns to a means of generating additional revenue [9][12]. Group 2: Consumer Rights and Legal Implications - Experts argue that paid seat selection infringes on consumer rights, particularly the right to know and choose, and may violate consumer protection laws [11][12]. - Historical precedents exist where airlines faced penalties for charging extra for seat selection, indicating a legal framework against such practices [10][11]. - There is a call for airlines to be transparent about seat locking policies and to ensure that a significant portion of seats remain available for free selection [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The practice of paid seat selection by airlines has become a common revenue-generating strategy, raising concerns about consumer rights and transparency in the industry [2][3][8]. Group 1: Paid Seat Selection Practices - Many domestic airlines have implemented paid seat selection services, requiring passengers to pay extra or use mileage points to select certain seats [2][5]. - Airlines like China Southern and Air China have specific rules regarding seat locking, with some seats only available for purchase or mileage redemption [5][6]. - The proportion of locked seats varies by airline and flight, with no standardized regulations governing this practice [3][6]. Group 2: Consumer Rights and Legal Concerns - Experts argue that paid seat selection may violate consumer rights, particularly the right to know and choose freely, and could be seen as a breach of contract [3][8][9]. - The lack of transparency regarding seat availability and the rationale behind seat locking has been criticized, with calls for clearer communication from airlines [8][9]. - Historical precedents exist where airlines faced penalties for similar practices, indicating ongoing regulatory scrutiny in this area [7][8]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The shift towards paid seat selection is viewed as a move away from initial safety considerations to a focus on additional revenue, potentially harming airline reputations [6][9]. - Industry analysts suggest that this trend could lead to a deterioration of consumer trust and loyalty, as passengers feel their rights are being undermined [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction regarding limited seat selection options when checking in online for flights, attributed to airlines' introduction of "mileage redemption seat selection" and "paid seat selection" services [1] Group 1: Consumer Rights and Fair Trade - Airlines previously reserved seats for specific groups (e.g., elderly, mothers with infants) for safety reasons, which is deemed necessary [1] - If seats are locked solely to encourage consumers to pay extra, it may infringe on consumers' rights to fair trade and informed choice [1] - The pricing structure for seat selection should be transparent, with clear rules and standards for any fees charged [1] Group 2: Industry Practices and Market Dynamics - The practice of charging for basic services without enhancing the service quality raises concerns about fairness in the airline industry [1] - Similar issues are observed in other industries, such as video platforms and home appliance repair, where concentrated market structures lead to consumer exploitation [1] - Regulatory bodies are urged to establish clear guidelines on what fees can and cannot be charged by companies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The practice of "paid seat selection" by airlines has become a controversial industry norm, raising legal and ethical concerns regarding consumer rights and fair pricing [1][5][10]. Group 1: Paid Seat Selection Practices - Airlines are increasingly charging for seat selection, with only a small percentage of seats available for free. For example, on a flight with 300 seats, only 14 were free, while the rest required payment ranging from 35 to 140 yuan [3][5]. - The introduction of paid seat selection was initially marketed as a convenience but has evolved into a profit-driven model, undermining the original intent of providing fair access to seating [5][7]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - Legal experts argue that the "locking" of seats for paid selection violates multiple laws, including the Public Aviation Transport Passenger Service Management Regulations, the Consumer Rights Protection Law, and the Pricing Law [5][8]. - Despite past penalties, such as the one imposed on China United Airlines in 2016 for similar practices, enforcement against airlines engaging in paid seat selection has been minimal [7][10]. Group 3: Consumer Impact and Industry Response - The current practices not only infringe on consumer rights but also create a negative perception of airlines, as passengers find themselves unable to sit together or choose preferred seats without additional fees [10]. - There is a call for regulatory bodies to intervene and investigate these practices to protect consumer rights and improve the overall service quality in the aviation industry [10].

Core Viewpoint - The practice of "paid seat selection" by airlines has become a controversial industry norm, with increasing instances of "locking" seats that require additional fees or points for selection, despite having already sold tickets based on seat class [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The average daily ticket booking volume for domestic flights during the upcoming National Day holiday has increased by over 25% compared to the same period last year [1]. - The number of airlines implementing "seat locking" has grown, with a notable increase in the proportion of locked seats [1]. - For example, on a flight from Osaka Kansai to Beijing Capital, only 116 out of approximately 300 seats were available for selection, with only 14 of those being free [1]. Group 2: Consumer Rights and Legal Issues - The practice of locking a large number of seats infringes on passengers' rights to know and choose, as it effectively monetizes their autonomy in seat selection [2][4]. - Legal experts have indicated that the widespread "paid seat selection" practices may violate multiple laws, including regulations on public air transport services, consumer rights protection, and pricing laws [4]. - Consumers are encouraged to assert their rights and can potentially initiate public interest lawsuits against airlines for these practices [4]. Group 3: Public Sentiment and Reactions - Discussions on social media regarding the necessity of purchasing a seat after buying a ticket have garnered over ten million views, indicating widespread dissatisfaction [2]. - Many travelers express frustration over the inability to select preferred seats, which can disrupt family seating arrangements and overall travel experience [4].