In a significant move aimed at improving passenger experience, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued new directives to airlines, including a mandate that at least 60% of seats on every flight must be made available free of charge during booking or check-in.
The ministry said the decision is intended to ensure fair access to seat selection and reduce additional costs for travellers.
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60% Seats to Be Offered Without Extra Charges
Under the new rule, airlines must ensure that a majority of seats—at least 60%—are available to passengers without any additional fee.
Until now, many airlines charged extra for preferred seats such as window, aisle, or front-row options. Typically, only a limited number of seats were available for free selection.
With this directive, the government aims to standardise practices and reduce discrepancies across airlines.
Passengers on Same Booking to Be Seated Together
In another key change, airlines have been instructed to prioritise seating passengers together if they are booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).
According to the ministry, adjacent seating should be “preferred” in such cases, especially for families and groups travelling together.
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This move is expected to address frequent complaints from passengers who were previously separated despite booking tickets under a single reservation.
Focus on Transparency and Passenger Convenience
The new guidelines go beyond seat allocation and introduce broader measures to improve transparency and passenger awareness.
Airlines are now required to clearly display passenger rights across all platforms, including websites, mobile apps, booking portals, and airport counters.
Additionally, information about passenger entitlements must be made available in regional languages to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
Clear Policies for Baggage, Pets and Special Items
The government has also directed airlines to adopt clearer and more passenger-friendly policies regarding the transport of special items.
This includes sports equipment and musical instruments, which must be handled transparently and in accordance with safety norms.
Airlines are also required to publish clear guidelines for carrying pets, an area that has often caused confusion among travellers.
Importantly, the ministry has emphasised strict compliance with existing passenger rights, particularly in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Airlines must ensure that passengers are properly informed of their rights and compensated as per regulations where applicable.
