In a major relief for air travelers, India’s aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new rule that will change how airlines charge for seat selection.
Change 1: 60% Seats Must Be Free
Starting April 20, 2026, airlines must:
- Offer at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge
- These seats can be selected without paying any extra fee
Earlier, only about 20% seats were free, meaning most passengers had to pay for preferred seats.
Change 2: Relief from Seat Selection Charges
This move directly targets the growing issue of extra charges for seat selection, which had become a major complaint among flyers.
- Airlines often charged ₹200 to ₹1,500 for seat selection
- Now, a majority of seats must be accessible without additional cost
The aim is to make ticket pricing more transparent and fair.
Change 3: Families Must Be Seated Together
DGCA has also directed airlines to:
- Seat passengers on the same booking (PNR) together
- Preferably provide adjacent seats in the same row
This addresses a common issue where families had to pay extra just to sit together.
Change 4: More Transparency in Charges
Airlines are now required to:
- Clearly display all optional charges (seat, baggage, etc.)
- Ensure passengers understand what they are paying for
This is part of a broader push to reduce hidden fees in air travel.
Change 5: Airlines Not Happy
Airlines have raised concerns about this rule:
- Seat selection fees are a key revenue source
- They warn this could lead to higher ticket prices to offset losses
So while seat selection may become cheaper, base fares could rise slightly.
What This Means for You
- You’ll likely not need to pay extra for most seats
- Families and groups can sit together without additional cost
- But ticket prices may become slightly higher overall
Bigger Picture: End of Hidden Airline Fees?
This move signals a clear shift toward:
- Passenger-first policies
- Reducing “unbundled” charges
- Making air travel more transparent and predictable
