In a major relief for air travelers across India, the central government has announced that airlines will no longer be allowed to charge seat selection fees on at least 60% of seats on every flight. The move is aimed at making air travel more affordable and transparent, especially for budget-conscious passengers who often end up paying extra just to choose a basic seat.
The decision comes from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which has been reviewing complaints from passengers about rising ancillary charges levied by airlines. Over the past few years, airlines have increasingly relied on add-on fees—including seat selection, baggage, and meals—to boost revenue, often making the final ticket cost significantly higher than the base fare.
Under the new directive, a majority of seats—up to 60%—must be offered free of cost for selection at the time of booking. This includes standard seats that do not provide additional legroom or premium positioning. Airlines will still be allowed to charge for preferred seats such as those with extra legroom, front-row access, or emergency exit rows.
Officials believe this move will particularly benefit economy class passengers, many of whom are first-time flyers or frequent budget travelers. For families traveling together, this also increases the likelihood of getting seats without paying additional fees, a common concern among passengers.
The policy is also expected to bring greater transparency in airfare pricing. By reducing hidden costs, passengers will have a clearer understanding of what they are paying for, aligning with the government’s broader push for fair practices in the aviation sector.
Airlines, however, may need to adjust their pricing strategies to compensate for the loss of ancillary revenue. Industry experts suggest that while base fares could see a slight increase, the overall impact on passengers is likely to remain positive, as the burden of multiple add-on charges will reduce.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by consumer rights groups and frequent flyers alike, who have long argued that basic seat selection should not come at an additional cost. With this step, the government has taken a significant stride toward making air travel more passenger-friendly and accessible in India.
