In a major passenger-friendly move, the Central government has directed airlines to make at least 60 percent of seats on every flight available for selection free of charge.
The new guidelines, issued through the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, aim to improve transparency, reduce hidden costs and ensure fair access to seating options for air travellers.
The decision is expected to benefit passengers who were earlier required to pay additional charges for preferred seats such as aisle and window options. In many cases, flyers reportedly paid anywhere between ₹300 and ₹3,000 extra simply to choose a seat.
60% Seats Must Be Available Without Extra Charges
Under the new directions, airlines must reserve a minimum of 60 percent of seats on every flight for complimentary seat selection.
This means passengers will have a wider choice of free seating options during booking or check-in.
The move is intended to reduce the financial burden on passengers and prevent airlines from converting basic seating preferences into excessive add-on charges.
Families and Group Travellers to Benefit
A key part of the new guidelines focuses on passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record.
Airlines have been directed to ensure that passengers booked under a single reservation are seated together, preferably on adjacent seats.
This provision is expected to help families, senior citizens, parents travelling with children and group travellers.
In recent years, many passengers complained that family members were assigned separate rows or random middle seats despite booking tickets together. This often forced them to pay additional fees just to sit together.
Clearer Rules for Sports Gear and Musical Instruments
The government has also asked airlines to adopt transparent and passenger-friendly rules for carrying sports equipment and musical instruments.
Athletes, artists and professional musicians have often faced difficulty at airport check-in counters due to inconsistent airline policies and unexpected baggage charges.
The revised framework aims to bring greater clarity to these procedures and ensure specialised equipment is handled safely under uniform operational guidelines.
Pet Travel Policies Must Be Transparent
Passengers travelling with pets are also expected to benefit from the updated rules.
The ministry has asked airlines to create clear, transparent and publicly available policies for pet carriage.
This will help travellers understand eligibility rules, weight limits, documentation requirements and airline-specific procedures before planning their journey.
Passenger Rights Must Be Shown in Regional Languages
To improve awareness, airlines have also been directed to display consumer protection rights and passenger entitlement circulars in clear regional languages.
These details must be made available across official airline websites, booking portals, mobile applications and automated self-check-in kiosks at airports.
The move is aimed at ensuring that passengers do not miss important rights and compensation information simply because it is available only in English.
Stronger Rules for Delays, Cancellations and Overbooking
The government has also emphasized strict compliance with passenger rights in cases involving delays, cancellations and denied boarding due to overbooking.
Airlines have been told to provide affected passengers with quick on-ground assistance, mandatory refreshments or hotel support where applicable, and clear alternative routing information.
This is expected to improve accountability during travel disruptions and reduce confusion at airports.
DGCA Enforcement Will Be Key
Aviation experts believe the success of the new rules will depend on strong enforcement by the DGCA.
While the guidelines are designed to protect passengers from excessive charges and unfair seating practices, airlines will need to implement them properly across booking systems, check-in counters and customer support channels.
By requiring 60 percent of seats to remain free from selection charges, the government is seeking to balance airline revenue practices with public convenience.
Why Transparent Policies Matter for Travellers and Businesses
The aviation sector depends on trust, clarity and fair service standards. Hidden fees and inconsistent rules can affect passenger confidence, especially for families, professionals and frequent flyers.
For entrepreneurs and companies operating across global markets, travel rules and aviation transparency are also important for mobility and planning. Businesses exploring business setup in dubai often consider travel connectivity, regulatory clarity and ease of movement as key factors when expanding internationally.
Shunyatax Global Insight
At Shunyatax Global, we believe transparent regulations help both consumers and businesses make better decisions. The government’s move on free seat selection is a reminder that fair access, clear policies and strong enforcement are essential in service-driven sectors.
For more updates on aviation, business, taxation, compliance and global market developments, visit Shunyatax.in and stay connected with Shunyatax Global..