Govt Mandates Airlines To Offer 60% Seats Free, Ensures Families Sit Together

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to make at least 60 per cent of the total seats on each and every flight to be made available without any seat selection charges. The directive, announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has said that this amendment comes with the aim of reducing the hidden costs and improving transparency in air travel. The new rules come at a time when rising concerns over airlines charging extra fees for basic services, such as seat selection, are being raised. These hidden and extra services become an inconvenience for the passengers.

What The New Guidelines Say

Under the new norms, airlines must ensure that 60 per cent of their seats on any flight are offered entirely free of cost for selection. This is expected to make ticket pricing more transparent while ensuring passengers are not compelled to pay any additional charges for their standard or preferred seating.

In addition, airlines have also been instructed to seat passengers under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) in adjacent seats. This is to ensure that groups, families including children are seated together during flights and are not separated.

Focus On Passenger Convenience

The aim is to make air travel more affordable and passenger-centric. The guidelines also call for a clear communication of passenger rights, including policies related to delays, cancellations and denied boarding. Now, airlines will also have to display passenger rights across their booking platforms and at airports, including in various regional languages, to improve awareness and accessibility.

Why This Matters

The aviation sector in India has grown at a rapid pace, but the customer convenience has not grown by consistent standards. By mandating free seat allocation, the government plans to move ahead with more reforms and developments in the future to ensure a hassle-free flying experience.