No More Costly Seat Selection: DGCA Sets New Rule!

In a major crackdown on seat charges collected by airline operators, the Union Civil Aviation ministry, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), directed them to ensure at least 60 per cent on any flight are free.

The DGCA’s direction follows complaints of hidden costs on seat selection. The passengers took it to the notice of authorities that the airlines are pricing seats basing on the location, like window and aisle, and also for extra legroom. This would leave only a very few seats on a plane without any extra charges — in the middle rows and at the back.

On social media, the passengers raised concern over the extra charges they are being forced to pay for seat selection.

India is the third largest domestic aviation market in the world the airports in the country together handle nearly 5 lakh passengers on a day-to-day basis. The DGCA also told the airlines to seat passengers with the same PNR together, in adjacent seats.

During group travelling, passengers would like to travel together and request others to shift to other seats so that they can sit near their friends. At times, the request could be turned down and might also lead to heated exchanges between passengers.

The aviation regulator also asked the airlines to follow clear and transparent policies for the carriage of sports equipment, pets and musical instruments. It also stressed the need to protect passenger rights in case of cancellations, delays and denial of boarding.

The airlines were asked to display passengers’ rights on their websites, mobile apps, booking platforms and airport counters. Airlines were also asked to communicate the rights of passengers in regional languages, to increase awareness among the customers. The Civil Aviation Ministry said it  would continuously give highest priority to providing all facilities  to the passengers and protecting their rights.