Air travel in India is set for some passenger-friendly changes.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has introduced new guidelines aimed at making flight bookings more transparent and reducing extra costs for travellers.
One of the biggest changes is that at least 60% of seats on every flight must be available without an additional seat-selection charge.
The new rules also focus on families travelling together, passenger rights, pets and the transportation of items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
60% Seats Must Be Available Without Extra Charges
Under the new guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines will have to keep at least 60% of seats on a flight available without additional charges.
This is intended to give passengers more choice without forcing them to pay extra simply to select a seat.
The move is part of the government’s effort to make airline pricing more transparent and passenger-friendly.
Passengers on the Same PNR Should Be Seated Together
Another major change could make family travel easier.
When passengers are travelling under the same PNR, airlines will have to make efforts to seat them together, preferably in adjacent seats.
This could be especially helpful for families travelling with children or groups travelling together.
Passengers may therefore have a better chance of sitting together without having to struggle to find seats separately.
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments Get Clearer Rules
The new guidelines also address the transportation of items such as sports equipment and musical instruments.
Airlines are expected to provide a clear and transparent process for carrying these items, provided all applicable safety and operational requirements are followed.
This should make it easier for passengers to understand what they can carry and what conditions apply before reaching the airport.
Airlines Must Have Clear Rules for Pets
Pet owners will also see more clarity.
Airlines have been asked to establish a clear and transparent policy for carrying pets.
Passengers will therefore be able to check the applicable requirements before booking or travelling with their pets.
The actual conditions will still depend on airline policies and safety requirements.
Passenger Rights Must Be Clearly Displayed
The new guidelines also put greater emphasis on passenger rights.
Airlines must follow the applicable passenger-rights rules in situations involving:
Flight delays
Cancellations
Denied boarding
Airlines will also have to clearly display passenger-rights information on their websites, mobile apps, booking platforms and airport counters.
The information should also be made available in local languages so that more passengers can understand their rights.
Why Are These Changes Important?
India has become the third-largest domestic air travel market in the world, with airports handling more than half a million passengers every day.
As more people choose air travel, the government is focusing on making the passenger experience smoother and more transparent.
The government has also introduced initiatives such as UDAN passenger cafes, Flybrary free-book facilities and free Wi-Fi at airports to improve passenger convenience.
The latest guidelines are part of the wider effort to reduce passenger complaints, improve transparency and maintain safety standards.
What Should Air Travellers Expect?
For passengers, the biggest benefits could be lower dependence on paid seat selection and better arrangements for people travelling together under the same PNR.
The clearer rules for pets, sports equipment and musical instruments could also make travel planning easier.
Overall, the government is trying to make air travel more transparent, convenient and passenger-friendly, while keeping safety and operational requirements in place.
