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Govt Suspends 60% Free Seat Rule for Flights After Airline Pushback

The government has suspended its directive requiring airlines to offer 60% of seats free of charge for selection, which was scheduled for April 20. The decision followed representations from airline bodies highlighting operational and commercial concerns, including impacts on fare structures. Currently, only 20% of seats on a flight can be selected without an additional fee, with charges ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100. The original rule was introduced to address passenger complaints about high ancillary charges.

Key Points: Govt Suspends 60% Free Seat Selection Rule for Airlines

  • Rule suspended after airline representations
  • Was set to take effect April 20
  • Airlines charge Rs 200-2100 for seat selection
  • Aimed to address passenger complaints
  • Current rule allows 20% free seats
2 min read

Govt suspends order mandating 60 pc free seat selection on flights

Government puts 60% free seat selection mandate on hold after airlines cite operational and fare concerns. Current 20% free seat rule remains.

"The provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders - Civil Aviation Ministry"

New Delhi, April 3

The government has suspended its earlier direction to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on any flight free of additional charge, which was set to come into effect from April 20.

The Civil Aviation Ministry, in a communication to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said the matter had been reviewed following representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, which flagged operational and commercial implications of the provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime.

The government noted that in view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders.

At present, 20 per cent of seats on a flight can be booked free of charge, while the remaining seats are subject to a fee.

Airlines currently charge between Rs 200 and Rs 2,100 for seat selection, depending on factors such as front-row positioning and extra legroom.

The original direction announced by the Civil Aviation Ministry on March 18 was aimed at addressing rising passenger complaints over high charges for services including seat selection.

The ministry had issued fresh guidelines through the DGCA mandating that passengers travelling on the same PNR be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, among other passenger-friendly measures. The rollback comes even as India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with Indian airports handling over five lakh passengers daily.

The ministry said it remains committed to passenger facilitation, transparency and upholding safety standards across the aviation ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I understand the airlines' point about operational impact, but Rs. 2100 just to select a seat? That's more than some ticket prices on budget airlines! The 60% rule might have been too drastic, but a middle ground is needed. The current 20% is a joke for families.
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Aditya G
Good move to suspend and review. Policy should be made after proper consultation, not in a hurry. The aviation sector is growing and needs stable regulations. Knee-jerk reactions help no one. Let's hope the final decision is balanced.
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Priya S
The rule about seating families together is the most important part! I travel with my young kids and it's a nightmare when we get split up. Airlines should at least implement that properly without extra charges. That's basic customer service.
K
Karthik V
Typical. Big corporations win, common aam aadmi loses. They talk about passenger facilitation, but when it comes to actually regulating unfair charges, they back down. The DGCA needs to show some spine.
M
Michael C
From a business perspective, this makes sense. Airlines operate on thin margins, especially in India. If you force 60% free seats, they'll just increase base fares to compensate. Ultimately, the passenger pays one way or another. Transparency in what you're paying for is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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