In a major win for frequent flyers and budget-conscious passengers, the Indian government has directed airlines to offer at least 60% of seats on domestic flights without any selection fees. The Civil Aviation Ministrys latest guidelines aim to curb hidden charges that often inflate ticket costs at checkout. Announced via the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the rules kick in immediately to promote fairer practices amid Indias booming aviation sector. Airlines must now ensure a majority of seats—60% or more—are available for free choice during online check-in or at airport counters, sparing passengers those pesky ₹500-₹2,000 extras for aisle or window spots.

Traveling with kids or a group? The new mandate requires airlines to seat passengers under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) together at no additional cost. This tackles a top complaint from families split across the cabin, making trips less stressful—especially on short-haul routes like Delhi-Bengaluru or Mumbai-Hyderabad.

The guidelines dont stop at seats. They standardize handling for oversized items like golf bags, musical instruments, and pets, with clear upfront policies to avoid gate disputes. For flight disruptions, airlines must prominently display compensation rules—full refunds or alternatives—on websites, apps, and kiosks, including in Hindi and regional languages.

With Indian airports handling over 500,000 passengers daily, experts say this could save travelers hundreds of crores annually. Its a smart move to build trust as air traffic doubles every five years, noted an aviation analyst. Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet will update their booking systems soon. Flyers, tip: Log in early during web check-in to grab your preferred free seat from the expanded pool.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.