Core Viewpoint - The practice of "seat locking" by airlines, which requires passengers to pay extra fees or use mileage points to unlock preferred seating after purchasing tickets, has drawn widespread criticism from travelers and industry experts [1][5][13]. Group 1: Issues with Seat Locking - Airlines have been locking a significant number of seats, with reports indicating that only 40% of seats on certain flights are available for online selection, and only 14% of those are free [4][16]. - The majority of locked seats are in less desirable locations, forcing passengers to pay additional fees for better seating options [1][4]. - This practice is seen as a way for airlines to increase revenue at the expense of consumer rights, potentially violating various consumer protection laws [5][17]. Group 2: Historical Context and Regulatory Actions - The introduction of online seat selection began in 2009, initially providing convenience to passengers, but has since evolved into a revenue-generating scheme through paid seat selection [6][7]. - The practice of charging for seat selection was first noted in low-cost airlines abroad and has since become a common practice among domestic airlines in China [7][11]. - Regulatory bodies have previously penalized airlines for similar practices, with a notable case in 2016 where China United Airlines was fined for charging seat selection fees [9][10]. Group 3: Recent Developments and Consumer Protection - Recently, ten airlines were summoned for discussions regarding their seat locking practices, with a focus on protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair access to seating options [13][19]. - The Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee highlighted four main issues with the current seat locking practices, including excessive locking of quality seats and lack of transparency in pricing [16][18]. - Airlines are required to submit corrective action reports within 15 working days to address these issues, or they may face further regulatory measures [19].