Centre Orders Airlines to Offer 60% Seats Free of Selection Charges, Boosting Passenger Rights

In a major relief for air travellers across India, the Centre has directed airlines to stop charging seat selection fees on at least 60% of seats on every flight. The new rule, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aims to make air travel more transparent, affordable, and passenger-friendly amid growing complaints over additional charges levied by airlines.

The directive marks a significant shift in India’s aviation policy, particularly in the way airlines handle ancillary services such as seat selection. Under the new norms, a minimum of 60% of seats on any flight must now be offered free of cost for selection, ensuring that passengers are not forced to pay extra simply to choose where they sit.

Relief for passengers amid rising travel costs

The move comes at a time when airfares and associated charges have been steadily rising due to factors such as increased fuel costs and operational expenses. In recent months, passengers have increasingly voiced concerns about airlines charging additional fees for basic services, including seat selection during web check-in.

Until now, airlines were largely free to monetise seat selection, with many charging for preferred seats such as window, aisle, or front-row positions. While the option to skip seat selection and receive an automatically assigned seat existed, many passengers felt pressured to pay extra to ensure comfort or to sit with family members.

The DGCA’s latest directive seeks to address this imbalance by guaranteeing fair access to seating without additional cost for a majority of passengers. The regulator has emphasised that the rule is intended to enhance consumer convenience and standardise practices across airlines.

Families and groups to benefit

One of the most important aspects of the new policy is its focus on families and group travellers. Airlines have now been instructed to ensure that passengers travelling on the same booking—identified through a Passenger Name Record (PNR)—are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.

This is expected to bring significant relief to families, especially those travelling with children, who often had to pay extra just to sit together. The DGCA has also clarified that children under the age of 12 must be seated with at least one parent or guardian without any additional charges.

The move directly addresses one of the most common grievances among flyers—being separated during flights unless additional fees are paid. By mandating group seating, the government aims to ensure a more comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

Push for transparency and accountability

Beyond seat selection, the Centre’s directive also calls for greater transparency in airline operations. Airlines have been asked to clearly display passenger rights across their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters.

Additionally, carriers must communicate these rights in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness among travellers across the country.

The DGCA has also urged airlines to adopt more passenger-friendly policies for carrying items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, subject to safety regulations. These measures are part of a broader push to improve the overall customer experience in the aviation sector.

Background: complaints over “unbundled” services

The issue of seat selection fees is not new in India. Over the years, airlines have increasingly adopted an “unbundled pricing” model, where the base fare is kept low while additional services are charged separately. This includes services like seat selection, meals, baggage, and priority boarding.

While this model allows passengers to customise their travel experience, it has also led to criticism that essential services are being monetised unfairly. Earlier regulations allowed airlines to charge for seat selection on a large number of seats, making it difficult for passengers to avoid these fees.

The latest directive effectively reverses this trend to some extent by ensuring that the majority of seats remain free to choose.

Part of broader passenger-friendly reforms

The new seat selection rule is part of a series of recent reforms introduced by the DGCA to strengthen passenger rights. Earlier this year, the aviation regulator also announced that passengers can cancel or modify tickets within 48 hours of booking without incurring additional charges, subject to certain conditions.

These steps indicate a growing focus on consumer protection in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market, where passenger volumes have surged in recent years.

Impact on airlines

While the move is expected to benefit passengers, it may have financial implications for airlines, many of which rely on ancillary revenues to maintain profitability. Seat selection fees have been a key source of additional income, particularly for low-cost carriers.

However, industry observers note that the directive still allows airlines to charge for a portion of seats—up to 40%—including premium or preferred seating options. This means carriers can continue to generate revenue from passengers willing to pay for added comfort or convenience.

A step towards fairer air travel

Overall, the Centre’s decision to mandate free seat selection on 60% of seats is being seen as a significant step towards making air travel more equitable and passenger-centric in India.

By addressing long-standing complaints and introducing clearer rules, the government aims to strike a balance between airline profitability and consumer rights. As the aviation sector continues to grow, such measures are likely to play a crucial role in shaping a more transparent and user-friendly travel ecosystem.

For millions of Indian flyers, the new rule promises a simpler booking experience—one where choosing a seat no longer comes with an extra price tag.