New Delhi: In a move aimed at improving passenger convenience and transparency, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to allocate at least 60 percent of seats on every flight free of charge.
The directive, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, seeks to ensure fair access and uniform practices across all carriers.
A key highlight of the new guidelines is that passengers booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. This step is expected to benefit families, especially those travelling with children, who are often compelled to pay extra fees to sit together.
The Ministry has also instructed airlines to adopt clear and passenger-friendly policies regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. These measures aim to remove ambiguity and make travel more convenient for passengers carrying special items.
Additionally, airlines have been asked to strictly follow the passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and baggage loss. To improve awareness, carriers must prominently display passenger rights on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters.
The guidelines also stress the importance of clear communication. Airlines are required to inform passengers about their entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility.
Overall, the government’s initiative is designed to enhance transparency, reduce hidden charges, and create a more passenger-friendly air travel experience across the country.
