Summary of the Hot Topic
Recently, a popular online discussion focused on an international flight ticket costing 15,217 yuan, for which only 432 yuan was refunded after cancellation (with over 97% in fees deducted). The airline failed to resolve the issue, so Ctrip stepped in to cover the loss. However, the problem of high ticket cancellation and reservation fees remains unresolved. Compared to high-speed trains, which charge a maximum of 20% in cancellation fees, airline policies seem unfair. People are wondering: Why are flight ticket cancellation and reservation fees so high? Can they be reduced?
I. The Difference in “Seat Logic” Between Flights and High-Speed Trains
The reason for the high fees is the irreplaceability of airplane seats:
- Airplane seats are one-time use: For a particular flight, there are only a few dozen to hundreds of seats available. If a ticket is cancelled and the airline fails to resell it before takeoff, that seat is lost, resulting in a direct financial loss for the airline (for example, if you bought a ticket for 15,000 yuan and it’s not sold, the airline misses out on that revenue).
- High-speed trains are more “flexible”: There are multiple departures on the same route throughout the day. If you cancel an morning ticket, the afternoon flight can still be sold; even if it’s the same train, empty seats can often be filled by other passengers (for example, someone buys a last-minute ticket). Since the loss is lower, the fees are also lower.
In simple terms, airplane seats are “non-refundable with little value after cancellation,” while high-speed train seats can still be sold, so airlines charge higher fees to compensate for this loss.
II. Airline’s “Excuses” for High Fees: More Than Just Seat Losses
Airlines charge higher fees not only to cover the cost of filling empty seats but also due to other hidden costs:
- Labor and system expenses: Handling cancellations involves customer service, financial operations, and system updates, especially for international flights, which require coordination with foreign airlines and agents, making the process more complex.
- The Flipside of Dynamic Pricing: Flight prices are dynamic—tickets are cheaper when purchased early and more expensive closer to departure. If you buy a discounted ticket (e.g., 70% off) and cancel it just before takeoff, the airline may not be able to resell it at the same low price (as prices tend to rise near departure time). To minimize losses, airlines often impose stricter cancellation and reservation rules (e.g., only allowing partial refunds plus fuel surcharges).
The international flight ticket mentioned in the hot topic was likely a discounted one, which is why only 432 yuan was refunded according to the airline’s policy.
III. Why Are Airlines So Aggressive with Fees? They Set the Rules, and Consumers Have No Say
Airlines can charge high fees because of the following factors:
- They Control the Rules: Cancellation and reservation rules are established by the airlines and are included in the ticket terms (many customers don’t read them carefully). You either accept the rules or choose not to book the flight—especially for popular or international routes, where there are limited options.
- Industry Conventions: Almost all airlines follow these practices, creating a de facto standard. If one airline reduces fees, others may not, leaving both parties at a disadvantage; if none reduce them, both benefit.
- International Routes Are More Complex: International flights involve agreements with multiple airlines and alliances, making rules even more stringent.
This is why the airline didn’t respond to the controversy; they believe they are acting within the legal and customary framework.
IV. Can Fees Be Reduced? It’s Difficult in the Short Term, but Two Factors Could Change the Situation
Reducing flight ticket cancellation and reservation fees requires action from multiple parties:
- Regulatory Intervention: If the Civil Aviation Administration imposes policies (e.g., limiting fee amounts to no more than 30% of the ticket price or requiring clear disclosure), airlines may be forced to adjust their policies.
- Market Competition: New or low-cost airlines offering more flexible cancellation and reservation options could force traditional airlines to lower their fees (consumers will choose the cheaper alternatives).
However, in the short term, airlines are still recovering from the pandemic and rely on these fees to cover losses, so fee reductions are unlikely.
V. What Can Consumers Do?
Here are some steps consumers can take:
- Read the Rules Before Booking: Always check the terms and conditions, especially for discounted or international tickets. Avoid buying tickets with non-refundable or heavily restricted cancellation policies unless your travel plans are fixed.
- Negotiate with Platforms: Platforms like Ctrip may offer compensation to retain customers.
- File Complaints: If you think the fees are unfair, contact customer service (e.g., 12315 or the Civil Aviation Administration’s hotline 12326).
In summary, high flight ticket cancellation and reservation fees are a result of industry practices and monopolistic rules. Changing this situation requires both regulatory intervention and market competition. Consumers can protect themselves by being informed and making smart choices when booking flights.