Chinese Airlines Face Scrutiny Over Hidden Extra Fees: Seat Selection Charges Criticized by Travelers and Government

Published on December 16, 2025

In China, a growing controversy over hidden fees in the airline industry has led to a crackdown by government watchdogs. Extra charges for seat selection have become a significant point of contention, with passengers and consumer rights organizations voicing their concerns. The issue has prompted investigations into whether these additional fees violate consumers’ rights, with many passengers feeling misled by what they perceive as unnecessary charges.

As China continues to be one of the world’s largest aviation markets, airlines are struggling to balance the need for profitability with providing value to their passengers. With China’s “big three” airlines—Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern—all facing slim profit margins, these airlines have introduced extra charges like seat selection fees to boost their bottom lines. However, this has led to growing backlash, especially from travelers who feel that these charges are unfair, particularly when it comes to basic services like choosing a seat.

The Growing Backlash: Why China’s Seat Selection Fees Are Making Waves Among Consumers

In recent years, seat selection fees have become a common feature of air travel globally, with many airlines introducing charges for passengers to choose their seats in advance. This trend has made its way to China, where airlines have increasingly charged extra for preferred seats such as window or aisle seats or spots near exit rows with more legroom. While these fees have been part of the airline industry in the West for some time, they are now stirring heated debates in China.

A recent investigation by the Jiangsu Provincial Consumers Association revealed that one-third of economy class seats on flights with China’s major state-owned airlines were unavailable for free selection during online check-in. The remaining seats are often located in less desirable positions, such as in the middle of rows or toward the back of the aircraft. This has led to a growing perception that these charges disproportionately affect travelers who may already be paying high prices for their flights.

How Seat Selection Fees are Impacting Travelers and Their Experience in China

For many travelers, the extra fees associated with selecting a seat represent an unwelcome added expense. Jason Zheng, an analyst at Airwefly, a Shanghai-based aviation consultancy, explained that Chinese airlines have faced increasing competition from budget airlines and other travel options like high-speed rail, which have driven down ticket prices. As a result, airlines have resorted to these additional charges to increase their revenues. However, for many passengers, these charges undermine the value they expect from their ticket purchase.

In the aftermath of the government’s investigation, China’s consumer rights groups have demanded that airlines improve transparency around seat selection and extra fees. Travelers argue that when they purchase a ticket, they should have the ability to select their seat freely, especially when they have already paid for a flight that should include basic services like this.

Government Response: China’s Consumer Watchdog Steps In to Address Unfair Airline Practices

CCTV, the national broadcaster, has aired programs criticizing airlines for imposing these extra charges, further fuelling public outrage. The Jiangsu Consumer Protection Agency has made it clear that it intends to follow up on its investigation, demanding that airlines adjust their booking systems to allow more seats to be freely available during the check-in process. The agency is also urging airlines to amend their ticketing and service agreements to make sure consumers are not being taken advantage of by hidden costs.

The consumer rights group stated that charging for basic seat selection is a violation of consumer rights and that any seat that is not premium or subject to special restrictions should be made available for free selection, especially for passengers who have paid standard fares.

Airlines Defend Extra Fees: Are They Necessary for Profitability?

Despite the growing backlash, airlines in China are pushing back, defending the seat selection fees as necessary for maintaining profitability. With competition intensifying and operating costs rising, many airline representatives argue that these fees help cover the costs of providing high-quality services, such as ensuring that passengers can reserve their preferred seating in advance.

Jason Zheng, from Airwefly, pointed out that budget airlines often charge for basic services to keep ticket prices low, and this model may be necessary for full-service carriers as well. He also noted that generational travel is contributing to the demand for larger, more flexible seats for families traveling together. However, he stressed that clear pricing transparency and options for all passengers are essential.

The Future of Airline Pricing in China: A Call for Balance Between Profitability and Consumer Rights

As China’s aviation market continues to grow and evolve, airlines are facing increasing pressure to find a balance between profitability and customer satisfaction. With foreign competition and domestic budget carriers pushing ticket prices lower, Chinese airlines are being forced to find new revenue streams. Seat selection fees are just one of many ways airlines are attempting to boost profits, but the public outcry suggests that travelers are not willing to accept these additional charges without greater transparency and fairness.

In response, airlines may need to adopt clearer policies for extra charges, including seat selection fees, and possibly offer more comprehensive service options for travelers who prefer more flexibility in their travel experience. The coming months may see changes to China’s airline policies as airlines, government agencies, and consumer groups work to address these concerns and ensure a more equitable travel experience for all passengers.

Conclusion: Will Seat Selection Fees Continue to Haunt Chinese Airlines?

The debate over seat selection fees is just one of many challenges China’s airline industry faces as it adapts to changing consumer expectations and competition from low-cost carriers. While airlines may need to find ways to generate additional revenue, passengers continue to demand fair treatment and transparency in pricing. With China’s consumer watchdog stepping in and increasing pressure on airlines to improve their practices, the future of seat selection fees in China’s aviation sector remains uncertain.

For travelers, the message is clear: understanding the true cost of their flight, including any hidden charges, is essential before booking a ticket. As the aviation industry in China evolves, both airlines and consumers will need to adapt to new regulations and practices to ensure a balance between profitability and fair treatment in the sky.