Often, while booking flight tickets, airlines charge arbitrary fees for choosing the seat of their choice. Many times it happens that despite booking on the same ticket (PNR), family members are forced to sit on different seats. But, this will not happen now. The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday has implemented many new and strict rules to remove all these problems of the passengers. These new guidelines issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are going to make air travel more transparent, accountable and convenient than ever before.
Control on arbitrariness in the name of web check-in
In the new rules issued by the ministry, the biggest relief has been given regarding the allocation of seats. Now airlines will have to offer at least 60 percent seats on any flight to passengers without any extra charges (absolutely free). This simply means that now you will not have to empty your pocket unnecessarily to choose a normal seat in the flight. This step of the government will ensure that every passenger gets a fair and equal opportunity to choose a seat and the arbitrariness in the name of web check-in can be curbed.
If you book on the same PNR, now your family will not get separated.
Sitting apart from children or elders in the family during air travel has been a common and stressful problem. Taking cognizance of this problem, it has been made clear in the new rules that if more than one passenger is booked on the same PNR, then the airlines will have to make arrangements to seat them together. Priority will be given to ensure that all such passengers are allotted adjacent seats only. This will eliminate the worries of the passengers during the journey and they will be able to enjoy the journey peacefully with their family members.
Airlines held accountable for flight delays
Often, passengers have to face huge financial and mental inconvenience when flights get delayed or suddenly cancelled. The government has now given instructions to strictly follow the framework of passenger rights. In case of denied boarding, flight delay or cancellation, airlines will have to strictly follow the rules. Also, it has been made mandatory to display these rules prominently on the airline’s website, mobile app, booking platform and airport counters to make passengers aware of their rights. Clear information about these rights will also be given in regional languages so that passengers of every category can easily understand their rights.
Make a clear policy for pets
The Ministry has also clarified the situation regarding the luggage of passengers. The process of carrying heavy sports equipment or musical instruments will now be made more transparent and passenger-friendly. However, this will be completely subject to the rules related to aircraft safety and operation. Apart from this, airlines will now have to come up with clear and transparent policies for passengers who want to travel with their pets, so that there is no scope for any kind of confusion or dispute during the journey.
Launch of Udan Yatri Café
Apart from this, to increase the convenience of passengers at the airport, the government has started another new initiative, which is named Udan Yatri Café. The aim of the Civil Aviation Ministry is to ensure that air travelers can get food and drinks at affordable rates. In these cafes, tea and water are available for just Rs 10, while light snacks are available for around Rs 20.
With this step, an effort is being made to make air travel more easy and affordable for the common people. At present, these cafes have been started at many airports in the country and there are plans to expand them to more places in the future. Their number will be increased especially in crowded areas, so that more and more passengers can benefit from it.