1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the issues that airline passengers face when they are unable to use the seats they requested, particularly when they are downgraded from business class to economy class. It highlights the frustrations of passengers and the lack of proper compensation from airlines.

2. Vocabulary

Korean Word Romanization English Meaning Contextual Example
좌석 joseok seat The passenger’s ticket had the message “REQUESTED SEAT UNAVAILABLE” printed on it.
있다 itda to be, to exist There have been similar situations occurring at domestic airlines as well.
비즈니스석 bijeunisseok business class He had booked a business class ticket, but was downgraded to economy class.
이코노미석 ikonomeiseok economy class He had to reluctantly sit in the economy class for a 5-hour flight.
초과 choga excess, more than The passenger had to wait over 10 days without receiving any compensation.

3. The main text in both Korean and English
항공사들의 좌석 운영과 보상 방식이 적절하지 않다는 승객들의 불만이 제기되고 있다.
Passengers have been voicing their complaints that airlines’ seat management and compensation methods are not appropriate.

최근 외항사는 물론 국내 항공사에서도 유사한 상황이 벌어지며 고객 불만이 커지고 있다.
Similar situations have been occurring at both international and domestic airlines, leading to increasing customer dissatisfaction.

그의 항공권에는 ‘REQUESTED SEAT UNAVAILABLE'(좌석 이용 불가)이라는 문구가 찍혀 있었다.
His airline ticket had the message “REQUESTED SEAT UNAVAILABLE” printed on it.

그는 대체 항공편은 3일 뒤에나 가능하다는 설명에 울며 겨자 먹기로 이코노미석에 앉아 5시간을 비행했다.
He had to reluctantly sit in the economy class for a 5-hour flight, as the airline explained that the alternative flight was only available 3 days later.

문제는 국내에 취항하지 않은 외항사의 경우 보상을 요구할 방법이나 하소연할 방법을 찾기 힘들다는 데 있다.
The problem is that for international airlines that do not operate domestic flights, it is difficult for passengers to find ways to demand compensation or voice their complaints.

이 승객은 보상에 대해 기다리라는 말만 듣고 비행기를 타고 돌아왔으나 열흘이 넘도록 통보받지 못했다.
The passenger was only told to wait for compensation, but he returned on the flight without receiving any notification even after more than 10 days.

4. Reading comprehension questions

  1. What are the main issues with airlines’ seat management and compensation methods that passengers are complaining about?
  2. What happened to the passenger in the article when he was unable to use the seat he had requested?
  3. Why is it difficult for passengers to demand compensation from international airlines that do not operate domestic flights?
  4. How long did the passenger have to wait without receiving any notification about his compensation?
  5. What are some of the similar situations that have been occurring at both international and domestic airlines?

5. Cultural and historical notes
This article highlights the ongoing issues that airline passengers face when they are unable to use the seats they have booked and paid for. It reflects the need for airlines to improve their seat management and compensation practices to better serve their customers and address their concerns.

Leave a Reply