China Consumer Association opposes airlines’ charging seat-selection extra becoming an ‘industry practice’

China Consumer Association (CCA) on Monday addressed the growing public controversy over additional fees for seat selection in civil aviation. CCA stated that airlines' practice of charging extra for seat selection should not become an "industry practice," according to a statement seen on CCA's official website. The growing trend of charging additional fees for seat selection in the aviation industry has sparked a public backlash. The association stated that airlines are increasingly charging extra for preferred seats, such as those by the window, aisle, or in front rows, while citing it as a routine industry practice. "It is believed that seat selection fees were initially limited to budget airlines, this policy has now extended to mainstream carriers, leaving air passengers with few complimentary seat options," said CCA in the statement, noting that some consumers have reported only a handful of free seat options are available during check-in, unless they pay extra for seat selection. <br/>