60% seats on flights to be allocated ‘free of charge’ from April 20 after DGCA's directive| India News
**Airline Seat Choice Rules Change DGCA Directs Free Selection on Most Seats**
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a significant directive reshaping how passengers select seats on flights across India. Effective April 20, airlines must ensure at least 60% of seats on any flight are offered for selection free of charge. This directive, thoroughly verified by Omni 360 News and confirmed by multiple reliable sources, clarifies a crucial point: it pertains to the *fee for seat selection*, not that 60% of tickets themselves are free.
For years, airlines, especially budget carriers, have charged extra for preferred seat choice. This practice is part of an “unbundling of services” model, which allows airlines to offer lower base fares. They then supplement revenue through add-ons like baggage, meals, and specific seat assignments.
The new DGCA mandate aims for greater transparency and enhanced choice for air travelers. While airlines can still charge for premium seats, such as those in emergency exit rows or offering extra legroom, a substantial majority of standard seats must now be available for selection without an additional fee. This important change impacts major carriers operating in India, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.
This policy empowers passengers, particularly those on tighter budgets, to avoid hidden costs when planning their journeys. Travelers can now choose a seat from a significant portion of the aircraft without incurring an extra expense, making air travel more accessible and predictable. For airlines, this means a necessary adjustment to their ancillary revenue strategies, potentially shifting focus to other chargeable services.
The DGCA’s intervention underscores its ongoing role in protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair practices within the competitive aviation sector. Passengers are encouraged to review airline policies carefully as April 20 approaches to understand the full implications for their travel plans.
Key Takeaways
* From April 20, 2024, the DGCA mandates airlines to offer at least 60% of seats for *free selection*.
* This policy waives the *seat selection fee* for these specific seats, not the cost of the flight ticket itself.
* Airlines retain the ability to charge for premium or preferred seating options.
* The directive significantly boosts passenger choice and promotes transparency in air travel pricing.
