2 Centimeters, $100 Fee: Shanghai Airport Incident Sparks Heated Debate Over Airline Policies

According to a video posted on Weibo, the woman was attempting to board a Spring Airlines flight when she was stopped by airline staff at the gate due to her luggage exceeding the size limit. The staff explained that the woman's luggage had exceeded the maximum allowed dimensions, and therefore she was required to pay the additional fee.

However, the woman was unwilling to pay the extra charge, arguing that 2 centimeters was only a small amount and that the airline was being unreasonable. "2 centimeters is just a little bit, why do I have to pay 700 yuan?" she was heard saying in the video. "Has Spring Airlines become so poor that it has to charge for such a small thing?"

The video showed the woman engaging in a heated argument with airline staff at the gate, refusing to back down and insisting that she would not pay the extra fee. Eventually, after some time, she relented and paid the full amount, allowing her to board the flight which departed on schedule.

The incident has sparked a lively debate on Weibo, with many netizens weighing in on the issue. Some users sympathized with the woman, agreeing that the extra charge was excessive and that the airline was being inflexible. "It's just 2 centimeters, can't they just let it go?" commented one user. "It's not like it's going to make a big difference in terms of weight or size."

Others, however, were more supportive of the airline, pointing out that the rules were in place for a reason and that the woman had knowingly exceeded the size limit. "If you can't follow the rules, then don't blame the airline," wrote one user. "It's not the airline's fault that you can't pack properly."

Some users also noted that the airline's policy was not unusual, and that other airlines had similar rules in place. "China Eastern Airlines has the same policy, it's not just Spring Airlines," commented one user. "If you don't want to pay the extra fee, then you should pack more carefully."

However, many users were critical of the airline's customer service, suggesting that the staff could have handled the situation more diplomatically. "The airline staff could have been more understanding and tried to find a solution that worked for both parties," wrote one user. "Instead, they just seemed to be following the rules without any flexibility or compassion."

The incident has also sparked a wider discussion about the pricing strategies of low-cost carriers like Spring Airlines. Some users pointed out that while the airline may be cheaper upfront, the additional fees for things like luggage and food could add up quickly. "The cheapest option often ends up being the most expensive in the end," wrote one user. "I'll never fly with Spring Airlines again, their service is terrible."

In conclusion, while the incident may seem minor, it has sparked a wider debate about airline policies, customer service, and pricing strategies. As one user noted, "It's not just about the 2 centimeters, it's about the principle."