Passengers flying within India will soon have the option to select seats without extra charges, as airlines are mandated to provide at least 60% of seats for free starting April 20. This decision comes in response to concerns raised about high seat selection fees imposed by airlines. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new rules requiring a majority of seats on every flight to be available without any additional cost.
Under the updated regulations, airlines must ensure a transparent seat allocation process and clearly exhibit the availability of free seats and associated terms on their booking platforms. Passengers sharing the same booking or PNR will also be seated near each other whenever possible, preferably in adjacent seats. Currently, only about 20% of seats are offered free of charge, with passengers having to pay for selecting the remaining seats.
The fees for seat selection can vary from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100, depending on factors like seat location and additional legroom. This move is anticipated to benefit passengers, particularly families and groups traveling together. However, airlines have expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of this directive. In addition to seat allocation, the DGCA has instructed airlines to clearly disclose charges for optional services such as transporting sports equipment or musical instruments, along with the associated liability terms in case of damage.
DGCA Chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai recently mentioned that the regulator is striving to simplify regulations for airlines while safeguarding passenger rights. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce Aviation and Tourism Summit, Kidwai highlighted the regulator’s efforts to strike a balance between ensuring passenger rights and supporting the growth of airlines. He acknowledged the operational challenges faced by airlines in India, despite the country’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
