India mandates free seat allocation, tighter passenger rights to curb hidden airline fees
The measures come amid a rise in complaints related to ancillary fees, particularly for seat selection, which have increased the overall cost of flying beyond initial ticket prices
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced new rules requiring airlines to offer more free services and improve transparency, as authorities respond to rising passenger complaints over hidden charges in the country's fast-growing domestic aviation market.
Under the new guidelines, airlines must implement the following measures:
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Free seat allocation: At least 60% of seats on every flight must be offered free of charge to ensure fair access for all passengers.
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Group seating: Travellers booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) should be seated together, with a preference for adjacent seats.
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Special cargo policies: Airlines are required to ensure clear and transparent policies for the carriage of musical instruments, sports equipment, and pets.
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Adherence to passenger rights: There must be strict adherence to existing passenger rights in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
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Increased transparency: Passenger rights and entitlements must be clearly displayed across all airline websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and at airport counters.
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Language accessibility: Information regarding passenger entitlements should also be communicated in regional languages to improve awareness.
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The measures come amid a rise in complaints related to ancillary fees, particularly for seat selection, which have increased the overall cost of flying beyond initial ticket prices.
India is now the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, handling more than 500,000 passengers daily, according to government estimates. Authorities said the new rules are intended to make air travel more predictable and fair for passengers, says the Times of India.
The guidelines are expected to benefit travellers by reducing additional costs and improving clarity on services and entitlements, particularly for those requiring group seating.
