There is good news for air travelers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has introduced new rules to make flying more convenient for passengers. These rules aim to make air travel more affordable, transparent, and accessible to everyone.
The government says that over 500,000 people travel by air every day in India, so improving passenger facilities has become very important.
Free Seat Selection for Most Passengers
Earlier, airlines used to charge extra for selecting almost every seat, including middle seats. But now, under the new rules, at least 60% of seats on every flight must be free.
This means passengers will not have to pay extra for seat selection in most cases, which can help reduce the overall cost of travel.
Families Will Be Seated Together
Many passengers faced problems when family members, even with the same ticket or PNR, were given separate seats. They had to pay extra to sit together.
Under the new rule, airlines must ensure that passengers with the same booking are seated together or next to each other. This will bring big relief to families and group travelers.
No More Hidden or Unfair Charges
The government has told airlines to make all their charges clear and transparent.
Airlines must clearly explain rules for carrying items like sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. They must also properly follow passenger rights in cases of flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Passenger Rights Must Be Clearly Displayed
Airlines will now have to display passenger rights clearly on their websites, mobile apps, ticket booking platforms, and airport counters.
This information will also be available in regional languages so that more people can understand it easily.
Government Efforts to Improve Air Travel
The government is also working to improve air travel in other ways. Through the UDAN scheme, smaller cities are being connected with flights.
Other facilities include affordable food at airports through UDAN Yatri Café, free Wi-Fi, and services like Flybrary.
