Air Travellers to Benefit as DGCA Limits Paid Seat Charges

India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has rolled out a new directive aimed at reducing extra charges for air travellers. Under the updated rule, airlines operating in India must ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are available without any seat selection fee. The regulation will take effect from April 20, marking a major shift in how airlines manage seat allocation during ticket bookings.

Currently, passengers often face additional charges when selecting preferred seats. Most airlines provide only a limited number of seats-roughly 20 per cent-free of cost, while the majority require payment. These seat selection fees can range from ₹200 to more than ₹2,000, depending on the seat category, such as front-row seats or those offering extra legroom.

The new DGCA directive also emphasises transparency in booking systems. Airlines must clearly inform passengers about which seats are free and which require additional payment. The information must be displayed prominently on booking websites and digital platforms to ensure travellers understand their options before completing a reservation.

Another key aspect of the guidelines focuses on passenger convenience. Airlines have been advised to try and seat travellers who share the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) together whenever possible.

However, major carriers including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have raised concerns, warning that limiting paid seat options could reduce revenue and may force airlines to adjust ticket prices to offset the impact.