Govt Mandates 60% Free Seats On Flights; Co-Travellers To Be Seated Together
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on March 18, directing the DGCA to ensure that at least sixty percent of seats across all domestic flights are allocated free-of-cost for passengers. This directive aims to curb rising seat selection fees and strengthen passenger rights by guaranteeing fair access without additional charges from airlines currently levying extra costs per flight segment.
Key Points
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1The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) via DGCA mandates that at least 60% of seats on domestic flights be allocated free of charge.
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2Airlines are prohibited from levying additional seat selection fees for the mandatory portion, which includes window and aisle positions often previously charged extra.
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3Passengers traveling together under a single PNR number will now have their tickets automatically assigned to sit adjacent or near each other on board.
Developments
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed Indian Airlines to make at least 60% of seats available without seat selection fees while ensuring passengers on the same booking reference are seated together. Additionally, airlines must clearly define baggage rules and passenger rights regarding delays or cancellations across their platforms and counters in compliance with safety regulations for special items like sports equipment and pets.
The DGCA issued new directives requiring Indian Airlines allocate at least 60% free seats per flight to curb seat selection costs while mandating that passengers booked under the same PNR be seated together 'preferably' adjacent for families and friends, alongside clearer policies on sports equipment transport.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that airlines allocate at least 60% free seats on every flight to ensure fair access and seat passengers with the same PNR together. Additionally, operators must adopt transparent policies for pets and sports equipment while strictly adhering to passenger rights frameworks regarding delays or cancellations across all touchpoints including websites in regional languages.