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Govt Mandates 60% Free Seat Allocation, Family Seating on Flights

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued fresh directives requiring airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of seats on any flight free of charge. It mandates that passengers on the same booking must be seated together and calls for transparent policies on carrying pets and sports equipment. The rules also enforce strict adherence to passenger rights during delays or cancellations, with clear communication in regional languages. These measures aim to enhance transparency, reduce grievances, and prioritize passenger experience in India's rapidly growing aviation market.

Key Points: Govt to Airlines: Allocate 60% Seats Free, Ensure Passenger Rights

  • 60% seats free on flights
  • Families seated together
  • Transparent pet & sports gear policies
  • Strict rights for delays & cancellations
2 min read

Allocate 60 pc seats on any flight free of charge, ensure passenger rights: Govt to airlines

New DGCA rules mandate free seat allocation, family seating, transparent pet & sports gear policies, and strict passenger rights adherence for airlines.

"Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. - Official Statement"

New Delhi, March 18

In a bid to further enhance ease of air travel, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Wednesday that minimum 60 per cent of seats on any flight must be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access.

In fresh directions issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to further strengthen passenger convenience, transparency and uniformity of practices across airlines, the ministry said that passengers travelling on the same PNR should be seated together on a flight -- preferably in adjacent seats.

"Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets," said the ministry.

Other ministry directions include strict adherence to passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding; prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters; and clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness.

India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with air travel becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme. Indian airports today handle over five lakh passengers daily, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector.

"Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has undertaken several passenger-centric initiatives to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books and provision of free Wi-Fi at airports," said the official statement.

The Ministry said it remains committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative on paper, but will the airlines actually follow it? We've seen so many rules for passenger rights, but when a flight gets delayed, good luck getting any compensation. The key is enforcement. DGCA needs to have a strong monitoring system.
A
Aditya G
The part about clear policies for pets and sports equipment is much needed. Last time I travelled with my cricket kit, it was a nightmare with hidden charges and confusion. Transparency is key. Also, displaying rights in regional languages is a thoughtful step for wider reach.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the intent to protect passengers, I'm a bit concerned. If 60% of seats must be free, won't airlines just increase the base fare for the remaining 40% to make up the revenue? The final cost to the passenger might not change. The economics need to be looked at.
K
Karthik V
UDAN scheme has truly democratized air travel in India. Connecting smaller cities is a game-changer. Initiatives like free Wi-Fi and Yatri Cafes for affordable food show the government is thinking about the common man's comfort, not just the elite flyer. Bharat is progressing! ✈️
M
Meera T
Seating families together should be a basic courtesy, not a paid privilege. I recently had to pay extra to sit with my young child. It felt like exploitation. This directive, if implemented properly, will restore some dignity to air travel. Hope it happens soon.

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