The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has directed airlines to allocate minimum 60% of seats for selection on flights free of charge. Today they issued rules through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to strengthen passenger transparency, convenience and uniformity.
60% of Free for Selection Seats to Allocated
This move is also to reduce hidden costs associated with seat allocation, during the booking and checking process. There has been a change in guidelines where passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) can be seated together. This measure was put in place to ensure that families and groups can sit together without any additional charges.
The Ministry also added that the carriage of sports equipment musical instruments is to be used in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner. The airlines have also been instructed to give clear and transparent policies for pets in carriages. This area has historically been inconsistent across carriers and has often led to confusion and unexpected charges for passengers.
More Transparency for Passenger Rights on Flights
There has also been a strict adherence to the passenger rights framework, in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding has also been directed by the government. Airlines are now required to display passengers rights on its websites, booking platforms, mobile apps and even airport counters. Communication has to always be clear and ensure the passenger entitlements are in regional languages to provide wider accessibility and awareness.
These new changes in guidelines are the reflection of the government’s broader effort to enhance transparency and to streamline airlines practices to help rapidly grow in the aviation market. With air travel demand rising in India, the reforms are aimed at ensuring a smoother and fairer experience for passengers. As well as reducing and upholding safety across the aviation industry in India.
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