Flyers need not pay the selection charge for 60 per cent of seats now on: Aviation ministry

New Delhi: The Ministry of Aviation has instructed airlines to make at least 60 per cent of seats on all domestic flights available for free selection. The new directive states that there shouldn’t be any seat selection charges. Currently, only a handful of seats are available for free selection during check-in. Now, at least 60 per cent of seats in an aircraft would be available for free selection without paying any additional charges. Besides, the DGCA’s directive also states that passengers who book tickets under the same PNR number should be seated together. Passengers often complain that relatives and friends are forced to sit apart because they are not allowed to sit in adjacent seats.

The centre has adopted the new measures to make air travel extremely easy and comfortable for the passengers.
Main instructions
•Free seat selection – At least 60 per cent of seats in all domestic flights should be available for free selection.
•Families to be seated together – Families and friends booked under the same PNR should be seated next to each other. They should be allotted adjacent seats on a preference basis.
•Companies should facilitate easier and simpler norms for carrying sports equipment and musical instruments.
•The authorities have urged the airline companies to publish clear policies for the carriage of pets on their websites.
•Airlines must display the rights and entitlements of the passengers across their websites and mobile apps, in English as well as in regional languages.

Passenger rights
The DGCA has instructed airlines to provide entitlements and refunds in case flights are delayed or cancelled. The companies are required to display these entitlements at all airport booking counters, as well as on their websites and apps.