Airlines to Offer 60% Free Seats Starting April 20

DGCA Mandates 60% Free Seat Selection on Flights from April 20​

New Rule Aims to Improve Passenger Access and Transparency​

New Delhi, March 29 Airlines in India will be required to offer at least 60 percent of seats on every flight free of charge starting April 20, following new directives issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The move comes after the Ministry of Civil Aviation, on March 18, directed the regulator to ensure fair access to seat selection for passengers. In response, the DGCA issued an amended Air Transport Circular on March 20, which will take effect 30 days from its issuance date.

Mandatory Free Seat Allocation Expanded Significantly​

Under the revised rules, airlines must ensure that a minimum of 60 percent of seats on any flight are available for selection without additional charges. At present, only about 20 percent of seats are offered free, with the majority requiring payment.

Airlines typically charge between Rs 200 and Rs 2,100 for seat selection, depending on factors such as seat location, including front rows and extra legroom.

Transparency in Seat Selection and Ancillary Charges​

The DGCA has instructed airlines to maintain clear and transparent seat allocation policies. Carriers must prominently display the availability of free seats and outline any applicable conditions on their booking platforms.

In addition, airlines are required to disclose all charges related to optional services, such as carrying sports equipment or musical instruments, along with liability conditions in case of damage, in a clear and unambiguous manner.

Guidelines for Group and Family Seating​

The regulator has also emphasized that passengers traveling under the same Passenger Name Record should, as far as practicable, be seated close to each other. This generally means assigning adjacent seats within the same row where possible.

Airlines Raise Concerns Over Revenue Impact​

Airlines are preparing to implement the new directive, although the decision has drawn strong opposition from major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet.

In a letter dated March 20, the Federation of Indian Airlines urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to reconsider the decision, warning that the mandate could impact revenues and potentially lead to higher airfares.

Context: Rising Concerns Over Airline Fees​

The directive comes amid growing concerns over high charges levied by airlines for various services, particularly seat selection. Indian airports currently handle over five lakh passengers daily, making such policies significant for a large number of travelers.