Gurpreet Singh :- In a significant relief for the air travellers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on the flights are allocated free of cost for selection. The development comes in a bid to curb extra charges on seat selection by the airlines.
Several airlines had been charging additional fees for preferred seat selection after ticket booking or during web check-in. The new directive aims to curb such practices and ensure “fair access” for passengers, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Passengers on same booking to sit together
The ministry has also instructed airlines to ensure that passengers travelling under the same PNR are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.
This move is expected to provide relief to families and groups, who often had to pay extra charges to secure seats next to each other.
Clear rules for baggage, pets and services
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been asked to issue further guidelines to improve overall passenger experience.
Airlines will be required to facilitate the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, while still adhering to safety norms.
