Govt Orders Airlines: 60% Seats Must Be Free, Families to Sit Together

In a significant step to improve air travel experience and curb excessive ancillary charges, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued fresh directions through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) compelling airlines to adopt more transparent and passenger-centric practices.

The new guidelines, aimed at ensuring fair access, family convenience, and greater accountability, mark a proactive response to longstanding passenger grievances over seat selection fees, fragmented seating for groups, and unclear policies on special baggage.

Key provisions include:

• Airlines must allocate a minimum of 60% of seats on any flight free of charge. This measure seeks to guarantee equitable access to seating without passengers facing inflated prices for basic preferences, promoting fairness in an increasingly competitive market where seat selection has become a major revenue source for carriers.
• Passengers traveling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) — such as families, groups, or companions — are to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. This builds on earlier rules (like those for children under 12) and extends protection to all co-travelers on the same booking, reducing the distress of separation during flights.
• The carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments must be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly way, while adhering to safety and operational norms. Airlines are also required to publish clear, transparent policies for carrying pets, addressing a common area of confusion and complaints.
• Strict compliance with the existing passenger rights framework is emphasized, especially in scenarios involving delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines must uphold compensation, rebooking, and refund obligations without evasion.
• Passenger rights information must be prominently displayed across all platforms, including airline websites, mobile applications, booking portals, and airport counters, to ensure easy visibility.
• Entitlements and rights must be communicated in regional languages to boost accessibility and awareness among diverse passengers, making the information more inclusive.

The Ministry stated that these directions reflect its ongoing commitment to elevating the passenger experience, fostering transparency, minimizing grievances, and maintaining top-tier safety standards throughout India’s aviation ecosystem.

Industry observers note that the reforms address rising concerns over “unbundled” services, where airlines charge separately for essentials like preferred seating. The 60% free-seat mandate could significantly reduce such fees for the majority of travelers, while family seating rules align with global trends (similar to U.S. bans on family seating charges) and respond to frequent complaints.

The guidelines apply to all airlines operating in India, including domestic and international carriers on domestic routes. Enforcement will fall under DGCA oversight, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these updates via airline channels and the DGCA website. The Ministry reiterated that these steps aim to make air travel more affordable, convenient, and reliable for millions of flyers across the country.

This announcement comes amid India’s booming aviation sector, with record passenger numbers and expanding connectivity. By prioritizing consumer interests, the government seeks to balance industry growth with enhanced user satisfaction and trust.