As the festive season approaches, millions of travelers seek to journey home to be with loved ones, and with the challenges of securing confirmed train tickets, flights become an appealing option.
However, the cost of air travel often presents a significant hurdle, with airlines imposing additional charges under the guise of convenience.
In response to these concerns and questions surrounding the airline industry’s pricing strategies, the government has organized a stakeholder meeting in a bid to address these “unfair trade practices.”
Understanding the “Free Web Check-In” Game
When booking a flight ticket, the prices can fluctuate unpredictably.
This variability often prompts travelers to book in advance to secure a favorable rate, only to find that the final ticket price is considerably higher than initially quoted.
Airlines, in the name of convenience, encourage passengers to opt for free web check-in.
However, during this process, passengers are often charged extra fees for selecting their preferred seats.
Unpacking the Airlines’ Extra Charges
Airlines do not stop at the seat selection charges; they further add additional fees in the name of insurance.
The decision to purchase insurance for the journey is entirely up to the passenger.
However, some passengers who decline insurance are met with warnings that the airline won’t be liable for any unforeseen incidents during the trip.
Government’s Response and Upcoming Meeting on November 8
The government has taken note of these practices and recognized the need to address the arbitrary fees levied by airlines.
The National Consumer Helpline has received over 10,000 complaints related to these airline actions.
In response, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has scheduled a meeting for November 8, which will bring together all stakeholders in the aviation and UDAN sectors.
Complaints regarding these practices tend to peak during the festive season.
Rohit Singh, the Consumer Affairs Secretary, has emphasized that web check-in should be offered to passengers free of charge.
Should airlines choose to impose such a fee, they must transparently inform their passengers about the additional cost.
Relief for air travelers during the festive season may be on the horizon as the government addresses these concerns.
