Centre caps seat selection charges; mandates more free seats for air passengers

New Delhi: In a major relief for domestic air travellers, the Centre has issued new guidelines to reduce the burden of additional charges levied for seat selection on flights. The move is aimed at improving passenger convenience and ensuring greater transparency in airline services.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to strictly implement the revised norms. Under the new rules, passengers booked under a single PNR (Passenger Name Record) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, without being forced to pay extra charges.

This change is expected to particularly benefit families and groups travelling together, who were earlier often required to pay additional fees to sit together. Officials said that ensuring such seating arrangements will now be a priority for airlines.

In a significant shift, the government has also increased the proportion of free seats available on flights. While earlier only around 20% of seats were offered without extra charges, airlines will now be required to provide up to 60% of seats free of cost, thereby reducing the financial burden on passengers.

The guidelines also address issues related to carrying sports equipment and musical instruments, directing airlines to adopt safer and more transparent handling procedures.

Further, the government has emphasised strict compliance with passenger rights in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines have been instructed to clearly display passenger rights information on their websites, mobile applications, and airport counters.

To improve accessibility, carriers must also communicate policies and passenger rights not just in English but in regional languages as well.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said the reforms are aimed at making air travel more passenger-friendly. “Ensuring that 60% of seats are free and enabling families to sit together are key steps toward transparency and better service,” he said.

The move is expected to curb arbitrary seat selection charges often imposed under the guise of web check-in, offering significant relief to common flyers.