New Delhi: In a major relief for air travellers, the Union government has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are offered without any additional seat selection charges.
The move comes amid growing complaints from passengers about hidden costs, particularly fees for choosing seats such as window, aisle or those with extra legroom.
Crackdown on hidden charges
The new directive has been issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Currently, most airlines follow a dynamic pricing model for seat selection, where preferred seats—like those near windows or aisles—come at an extra cost. Only a limited number of seats, usually middle seats towards the rear, are available without additional charges.
With the revised norms, a significant portion of seats will now have to be made available free of cost, addressing long-standing concerns raised by passengers across social media platforms.
Families to be seated together
In another passenger-friendly measure, the DGCA has instructed airlines to ensure that passengers travelling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.
This directive aims to reduce inconvenience faced by families and group travellers, who often have to request co-passengers to swap seats—sometimes leading to uncomfortable situations or disputes before take-off.
Stronger passenger rights framework
The regulator has also emphasised the need for airlines to clearly communicate passenger rights in cases of delays, cancellations or denied boarding.
Airlines have been asked to prominently display these rights across:
- Official websites
- Mobile applications
- Booking platforms
- Airport counters
Additionally, the DGCA has instructed carriers to present this information in regional languages to improve accessibility for a wider range of passengers.
Clear policies for baggage and special items
To address frequent complaints about inconsistent rules and high charges, airlines must now adopt transparent policies for carrying:
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Pets
These policies should align with safety and operational requirements while being clearly communicated to passengers in a user-friendly manner.
A step towards better consumer protection
The latest measures reflect the government’s effort to enhance transparency and accountability in the aviation sector, while improving the overall passenger experience.
By capping seat selection charges and ensuring fair seating practices, the government aims to reduce friction between airlines and travellers and bring greater clarity to pricing structures.
Conclusion
The DGCA’s new guidelines mark a significant shift towards passenger-centric reforms in India’s aviation sector. With 60 per cent of seats now mandated to be free of selection charges and clearer rules on seating and services, fliers can expect a more transparent and hassle-free travel experience in the coming days.