Airlines Must Offer 60% Seats Free, Seat Families Together: Government Tightens Passenger Norms

In a significant push to enhance passenger convenience, the government has directed airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge. The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, comes amid growing concerns over rising ancillary charges, particularly those related to seat selection.

The move is part of a broader effort to standardise airline practices and ensure fair access for passengers, especially as domestic air travel continues to expand rapidly in India. The country is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily.

Families And Group Travellers to Benefit from Seating Rules

In addition to the free seat allocation mandate, airlines have been instructed to ensure that passengers travelling under the same PNR are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.

This directive addresses a long-standing concern among families and group travellers, who often face difficulties being seated together unless they pay additional fees. By enforcing this requirement, the government aims to reduce passenger inconvenience and improve overall travel experience.

Focus On Transparency and Passenger Rights

The DGCA has also emphasised the need for greater transparency and adherence to passenger rights. Airlines have been asked to clearly display passenger rights across all customer touchpoints, including websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters.

Additionally, carriers must ensure clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to improve accessibility and awareness.

The government has further directed airlines to adopt passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, subject to safety regulations. Strict compliance with norms related to delays, cancellations, and denied boarding has also been reiterated.

Part Of Broader Passenger-Centric Initiatives

The latest directive aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the air travel ecosystem. Initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafés offering affordable food, Flybrary services providing free access to books, and free Wi-Fi at airports reflect a broader focus on passenger comfort and accessibility.

Conclusion

The government’s directive marks a notable step towards balancing airline revenue models with passenger rights. By mandating free seat allocation and ensuring families can sit together, regulators are addressing key pain points in air travel. As the aviation sector continues to grow, such measures are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction and building trust among flyers.

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