DGCA has updated the Air Transport Circular to allow the use of extra services like Zero Baggage and Preferential seats. The circular also addresses issues with children under 12 not being seated with their parents or guardians. The circular also mandates airlines to maintain seat records for minors.
In updating the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, “Unbundle of Services and Fees by scheduled airlines,” the Department of General Carriers (DGCA) has permitted the use of several extra services. These include Zero Baggage, Preferential seats, Meals/Snacks/Drinks charges, and costs associated with carrying Musical Instruments. The passengers are under no obligation to use these unbundled services, and they are offered at their choice.
After seeing many incidents in which children under the age of twelve were not sitting with their parents or guardians, the DGCA initiated this action. In addition, the circular specifies that customers who haven’t chosen a seat during online check-in before their planned departure will have their seat assigned automatically.
In view of the various instances that came to the notice of DGCA wherein children below the age of 12 years were not seated along with their parent/guardian, the existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 has been suitably modified to incorporate the following provision with a view to alleviate any such situation in future: ‘Airlines shall ensure that children up to the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are traveling on the same PNR, and a record of the same shall be maintained,
DGCA
According to the DGCA, airlines are required to ensure that minors under the age of 12 who are flying on the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) as at least one parent or guardian have a seat, and they must keep a record of this arrangement.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh voiced worries about airlines charging customers extra for seat selection when they check in online on November 10 of last year. He emphasized that providing free required online check-in and then charging for seat selection was deceiving customers and violated the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 as an “unfair trade practice.”
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In response, Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said on November 30 that airlines were allowed by law to charge for “preferential seats” when customers check-in online.
