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Airlines Must Now Offer 60% Free Seat Selection, Families Seated Together

India's civil aviation regulator has issued new mandates to improve the passenger experience. Airlines must now allocate at least 60% of seats on any flight free of charge, moving away from the common practice of charging for seat selection. The rules also ensure passengers on the same booking are seated together and require clear, transparent policies for carrying pets, sports equipment, and musical instruments. The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasizes these measures as part of its commitment to enhancing transparency and upholding passenger rights.

Key Points: DGCA Mandates 60% Free Seat Selection on Flights

  • 60% of seats must be free
  • Families on same PNR seated together
  • Transparent policies for pets & sports equipment
  • Stronger passenger rights enforcement
3 min read

Big relief for flyers, Airlines mandated to allocate 60% of seats free of cost

New DGCA rules require airlines to allocate 60% of seats free of charge, seat families together, and have clear policies for pets and sports gear.

"60% seats free of charge, assured seating together for families, and clear, transparent norms - Ram Mohan Naidu"

New Delhi, March 18

India's civil aviation regulator has mandated airlines to allocate a minimum 60 per cent of seats on any flight free of charge to ensure fair access to the flyers.

At present, airlines invariably charge extra to allocate seats of one's choice.

The civil aviation ministry, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), also mandated passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, 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.

The Ministry also suggested that Airlines bring out clear, transparent policies for the carriage of pets.

The ministry also asked airlines to strictly adhere to the passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.

The airlines are asked to prominently display passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters, besides clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, "Under the transformational leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has established itself as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. Supported by the UDAN scheme, air travel in India has evolved from being an elite privilege to an inclusive travel. Indian airports are now handling more than 5 lakh passengers every day. It has been my constant endeavor to further enhance the ease of flying in the country through passenger-centric initiatives at airports like the UDAN Yatri Cafe offering affordable food, Flybrary providing free access to books and free Wi-Fi at the terminals. To further strengthen passenger facilitation measures, we have issued important directions: 60% seats free of charge, assured seating together for families, and clear, transparent norms for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments & pets. Stronger enforcement and visibility of passenger rights, including during delays and cancellations."

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

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 and 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 the provision of free Wi-Fi at airports.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a frequent flyer for work, I appreciate the transparency push. The seat charges were getting out of hand. But I'm curious - will the "free" 60% be the middle seats only? The devil is in the details. Still, a step in the right direction.
P
Priyanka N
Great news for middle-class families! Travelling with kids was becoming so expensive with all the add-ons. The rule for seating families together is a huge relief. Also, displaying rights in regional languages is a very thoughtful and inclusive move. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, I worry about enforcement. Airlines are experts at finding new fees. What's to stop them from just increasing base ticket prices? The government must monitor this closely. The pet policy clarity is much needed though.
K
Karthik V
Finally! The seat selection fee was a pure money-making scheme. Paying ₹500-800 just to choose a seat felt like a scam. This, along with stronger rules for delays, will make flying less stressful. UDAN scheme has truly democratized the skies. ✈️
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Michael C
I travel to India often for business. The growth in aviation here is impressive. These passenger-friendly regulations, if implemented well, could set a global example. The focus on sports equipment and musical instruments is a niche but important touch.

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