Relief for flyers, government mandates 60% seats on flights be free of charge

Air travel rules are set for a shake-up as the government cracks down on hidden charges and pushes airlines to prioritise passengers. What changes for your next flight and what airlines must now do.

In Short

• New seat selection rules aimed at ensuring fair access for passengers
• Airlines also asked to ensure passengers on same PNR seated together
• Airlines directed to publish clear, transparent policies on carrying pets

Air travellers in India will soon get relief from extra charges, as the government has directed airlines to remove additional fees for seat selection. The move does not reduce the ticket fare itself, but ensures that at least 60 per cent of seats on any domestic flight can be chosen free of cost, ending the practice of paying extra for preferred seats after booking or during web check-in.

60% SEATS TO BE FREE FOR SELECTION

In a major directive, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines not to levy additional charges on at least 60 per cent of seats on any domestic flight.

The order, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is aimed at ensuring “fair access” and reducing hidden costs that passengers often face after booking tickets or during web check-in.

Until now, only around 20 per cent of seats were available free of cost, with airlines charging for the majority of preferred seats.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen passenger facilitation. “60 per cent seats free of charge, assured seating together for families, and clear, transparent norms for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments and pets,” he said in a post.

FAMILIES TO BE SEATED TOGETHER

The ministry has also directed airlines to ensure that passengers travelling on the same PNR are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.

This step is expected to benefit families and groups who were often forced to pay extra to secure seats next to each other.

CLEAR RULES FOR BAGGAGE, PETS AND SERVICES

Airlines will now have to introduce transparent and passenger-friendly policies for additional services.

The DGCA has been tasked with ensuring smooth carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments, subject to safety and operational norms.

Carriage of pets, which has often led to confusion among travellers, will also require clear and publicly available guidelines from airlines.

STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF PASSENGER RIGHTS

The government has pushed for stronger compliance with passenger rights, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.

Airlines have been asked to prominently display these rights across websites, mobile apps, booking platforms and airport counters.

Passengers must also be informed about their entitlements in regional languages to improve accessibility and awareness.

MOVE COMES AMID RISING COMPLAINTS

The directions come against the backdrop of growing concerns over airlines charging high fees for various services, including seat selection.

Officials said the measures are aimed at bringing transparency and uniformity in airline practices, while reducing the burden of additional costs on travellers.

FOCUS ON A FAST-GROWING AVIATION MARKET

India’s domestic aviation sector has expanded rapidly, emerging as the third-largest market globally, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily.

Against this backdrop, the ministry has reiterated that “passenger facilitation remains the highest priority”, pointing to initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food and free Wi-Fi at airports.

The latest move is expected to make flying more consumer-friendly as the sector continues to grow.

- Ends