In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience and transparency, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines across India to ensure that at least 60% of seats on every flight are available without additional seat selection charges.
The decision, announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in March 2026, is being widely seen as a major relief for air travelers who have long complained about hidden fees and extra charges during ticket booking. The rule is part of broader efforts to strengthen passenger rights and improve the overall travel experience in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.
What the New DGCA Rule Says
Under the new directive, airlines must comply with several passenger-friendly measures:
- Minimum 60% of seats must be free of seat selection charges
- Passengers on the same booking (PNR) should be seated together
- Airlines must provide clearer communication on passenger rights
- Greater transparency in baggage and service policies
These measures aim to address frequent complaints from travelers about being forced to pay extra to sit with family members or secure basic seat preferences.
Why the Government Introduced This Rule
Seat selection fees have become a major source of revenue for airlines in recent years. However, passengers often reported that only a small number of seats were available for free, pushing them toward paid options.
A survey cited in aviation discussions found that many travelers had to pay additional charges ranging from ₹200 to ₹2,000 to choose seats, sometimes significantly increasing the total cost of travel.
The government’s intervention is intended to:
- Reduce hidden travel costs
- Improve fairness in ticket pricing
- Ensure families and groups can sit together
- Enhance consumer protection in aviation
Relief for Families and Group Travelers
One of the most important aspects of the new policy is the requirement that passengers traveling under the same booking reference be seated together whenever possible.
This change directly addresses a common issue where families were separated unless they paid extra fees. The new regulation ensures that children and parents, as well as group travelers, can sit in adjacent seats without additional charges.
Airlines Raise Concerns Over Revenue Impact
While passengers have largely welcomed the move, several airlines have expressed concerns about its financial implications.
Major carriers such as:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- SpiceJet
have warned that the new rule could lead to higher ticket prices in the future. They argue that seat selection charges form an important part of airline revenue, and removing them may force companies to adjust fares to maintain profitability.
Will Flight Tickets Become Cheaper?
Experts say the new rule does not automatically mean cheaper tickets.
Instead, it mainly ensures:
- More transparent pricing
- Reduced add-on charges
- Improved passenger experience
Airlines may adjust other fees or base fares to offset the loss of seat selection income, meaning overall ticket prices could remain similar or increase slightly.
A Step Toward Stronger Passenger Rights
The DGCA’s latest directive reflects a broader trend toward strengthening consumer protection in India’s aviation industry. With India now among the world’s largest aviation markets, regulators are focusing more on passenger comfort, fairness, and service quality.
Industry observers believe the rule could set a new standard for airline operations and improve trust between airlines and travelers.
