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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently unveiled new regulations aimed at potentially reducing airfare prices for passengers. These regulations focus on unbundling certain services, which, if separated from the ticket cost, could make air travel more affordable.
According to a circular issued by the DGCA on April 23, 2024, the aim is to address the feedback received from passengers indicating that they may not always require all the services provided by airlines during their travels. By unbundling these services, passengers can choose to opt-in only for the ones they need, potentially reducing the overall cost of air travel.
The DGCA emphasized that these unbundled services must be provided on an "opt-in" basis, meaning passengers have to actively choose to include them in their booking, as opposed to being automatically included and having to opt-out if not required. This distinction ensures transparency and allows passengers to make informed decisions about the services they wish to avail themselves of.
The circular listed seven services that could be unbundled from the ticket price to potentially make airfares more affordable:
1. Preferential seating
2. Meal/snack/drink charges (except drinking water)
3. Charges for using airline lounges
4. Check-in baggage charges
5. Sports equipment charges
6. Musical instrument carriage
7. Fee for special declaration of valuable baggage
Furthermore, the DGCA emphasized that charges for these unbundled services should be fixed and transparent, ensuring passengers are aware of the costs upfront and can make informed decisions while booking their tickets.
In addition to addressing airfare affordability, the DGCA also issued regulations regarding the seating of young children on planes. Airlines are now required to ensure that children up to the age of 12 are seated with at least one of their parents or guardians on a flight without any additional charges for seat selection. This directive aims to address concerns raised by passengers about being seated separately from their young children.
While safety and operational reliability remain top priorities for airlines, the DGCA's move to unbundle certain services from ticket prices is guided by several principles to ensure fairness and transparency. These principles include clear descriptions of unbundled services, providing information on charges, offering services on an opt-in basis, and avoiding discrimination against passengers with disabilities.
Airlines are also required to announce any changes to charges or services at least 30 days in advance and display unbundled services and charges prominently on their websites. Additionally, they must ensure that their travel portals and agents accurately reflect these unbundled services and charges to passengers.
By implementing these regulations, the DGCA aims to empower passengers with more choice and transparency while making air travel more accessible and affordable for all.
