Big relief for flyers: 60% free seats, families to sit together; know more about new airline rules

Airlines will now offer at least 60% of seats on any flight without a selection charge, after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued passenger-friendly directives to address a key concern among air travellers. (Representative Image)

Passengers travelling on the same PNR — usually family members or groups — will need to be seated together, “preferably on adjacent seats,” under the new directions aimed at improving passenger convenience. (Representative Image)

Airlines have been asked to make available “minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access” and ensure that “passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably on adjacent seats.” (Representative Image)

How airlines will operationalise the new rule remains unclear, especially in cases where a large number of seats are pre-booked, which could impact the ability to seat passengers on the same PNR together.

The issue of passengers in groups being seated separately if they do not pay extra for seat selection has been a concern globally, and not just in India. (Representative Image)

Then US President Joe Biden had on February 5, 2023, said on X, “Some airlines charge extra to pick your seat, including for parents who want to sit next to their child on a plane. Congress should pass the Junk Fee Protection Act so we can crack down on these fees and give hard-working Americans just a little bit more breathing room.” (Representative Image)

In April 2024, the DGCA had mandated that airlines ensure young children are seated with at least one parent or guardian without extra charge if travelling on the same PNR. (Representative image)

Following complaints, the DGCA had earlier directed: “Airlines shall ensure that children upto the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are travelling on the same PNR and a record of the same shall be maintained.”

The regulator has now also directed that “carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments (should) be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets.” (Representative Image)

The DGCA has called for “strict adherence to passenger rights framework. prominent display of passenger rights and clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages,” while the aviation ministry said it “remains committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety.” (Representative Image)