(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)
In a significant relief for travelers, the government has instructed airline companies to guarantee that at least 60 percent of seats on every flight are unoccupied. This decision follows numerous complaints from passengers about hidden fees like charges for selecting seats and accusations of airlines taking advantage of customers. The clampdown on seat fees is part of a series of passenger-friendly regulations introduced by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. Currently, the pricing of seats on an aircraft depends on their location. Seats by the window and aisle usually cost more, as do those offering extra legroom. Very few seats on a plane do not incur additional fees, typically located in the middle section and at the rear. Customers often voice their frustrations on social media about the extra charges for selecting their seats and criticize the operators. The ministry's action is expected to tackle this issue.
Additionally, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ministry has instructed airlines to seat passengers who are traveling under the same booking reference number together, ideally in seats next to each other. This has been a persistent issue for families and groups traveling together. Groups prefer to sit next to each other, leading to requests for others to move to different seats, which sometimes results in conflicts before takeoff.
The regulatory body has also highlighted the importance of safeguarding passenger rights in instances of delays, cancellations, and boarding denials, urging airlines to make these rights visible on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and at airport counters. Airlines are required to establish straightforward and transparent policies concerning the transport of sports gear, musical instruments, and pets. This initiative aims to respond to frequent passenger complaints about inconsistent regulations and excessive fees. According to the regulator, these policies should comply with safety and operational standards while being conveyed in an easily understandable way for passengers. Airlines have also been asked to share information about passenger rights in local languages to enhance access. India is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with Indian airports accommodating over 500,000 passengers every day. The Civil Aviation Ministry has stated that improving passenger support remains its top priority. The ministry has also introduced UDAN Cafes to offer affordable meals at airports, Flybrary for free access to books, and free WiFi.
