Air travel in India is about to get a bit easier for passengers. Starting April 20, airlines must offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight at no cost, changing how travellers select seats.
This rule is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, based on guidance from the Civil Aviation Ministry. Until now, most airlines have let passengers pick only a few seats for free, and often charged between ₹500 and over ₹2,000 to choose a seat. That is about to change significantly.
With the new rules, airlines must clearly show which seats are free when you book and be transparent about how seats are assigned. The goal is simple: passengers shouldn’t have to pay extra to avoid hassle. This change aims to make booking fairer and easier, especially for families and groups traveling together.
Another key part of the rule is about passengers booked under the same PNR. Airlines are asked to seat them together whenever they can. This might seem simple, but many travelers have been frustrated when families or groups get split up unless they pay extra. This change could really help families, especially those with kids.
The rule also requires airlines to be clearer about all optional fees. Whether for sports gear, musical instruments, or other extras, all charges must be shown upfront. No more surprises at the payment page.
Unsurprisingly, airlines haven’t been happy with the change. Big carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet worry that removing seat selection fees for most seats could hurt their income. They say this loss might lead to higher ticket prices, which could cost passengers in another way.
From a traveller’s point of view, this change brings quick relief. It lowers the pressure to pay extra just for basic comfort and makes booking feel fairer. Whether airlines will raise fares because of this remains unclear, but for now, passengers can look forward to a smoother, clearer seat-selection process.
As air travel gets busier and more complicated with extra fees, this change is a step toward making things simpler. It won’t get rid of all extra charges, but it does make one part of the trip feel less like a transaction and more focused on passengers.