Major Relief for Air Passengers: 60% of Seat Selection Now Free!

New Delhi: The Central Government has provided significant relief to air passengers. The government has issued an order stating that airlines can no longer levy any additional charges (Seat Selection Fees) for at least 60 percent of the seats on a flight. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued other directives to further enhance passenger convenience.

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Airlines Were Charging Varying Fees Based on Seat Location

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the Central Government, has taken this decision in the interest of passengers; it forms an integral part of the government’s ‘Passenger-Centric’ regulatory framework. Currently, airlines charge varying fees depending on the specific location of a seat within the aircraft. Passengers are often required to pay extra for premium seats—specifically window seats, aisle seats, or seats offering additional legroom for greater comfort. As of now, the number of seats available without these additional charges is extremely limited; such free seats are typically found only in the middle rows or in the rear section of the aircraft.

Central Government Takes Cognizance of Frequent Passenger Dissatisfaction

Many passengers had been consistently expressing their outrage on social media regarding the additional fees they were compelled to pay for seat selection during air travel. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has duly taken note of this passenger dissatisfaction. Consequently, strict instructions have now been issued to airlines. Specifically, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to ensure—whenever feasible—that passengers booking tickets under a single PNR (Passenger Name Record) are allotted seats adjacent to one another. Frequently, families or groups traveling together are assigned disparate seats, leading to disputes and verbal altercations as they attempt to request seat swaps from other passengers on board. With the introduction of these new government regulations, this particular inconvenience faced by passengers is now likely to be resolved. What specific directives has the government issued to airlines?

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To safeguard the rights of air passengers, the regulatory body has now taken stringent measures. Airlines are now mandated to openly disclose the specific rights passengers possess in situations involving flight delays, sudden cancellations, or denied boarding. Directives have been issued to prominently display this information on the airlines’ websites, mobile apps, ticket booking platforms, and at their counters located within airports. This ensures that passengers receive immediate information regarding their rights during times of distress, thereby helping to mitigate any inconvenience they may face.

Directives to articulate airline policies in simple, easy-to-understand language for passengers

Airlines are now required to adhere to clear and transparent regulations regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets during air travel. Previously, passengers often endured significant inconvenience due to the exorbitant fees charged for transporting such items, as well as inconsistent regulations. Taking cognizance of these complaints, directives have been issued to formulate and present these policies in simple, accessible language—while strictly adhering to safety regulations. Notably, airlines have also been instructed to make this information available in regional languages ​​to ensure that passengers fully comprehend their rights.