India Mandates 60% Free Seat Selection on Flights

India's aviation regulator has mandated that airlines reserve at least 60 percent of seats on every flight for free selection, aiming to eliminate extra charges for preferred seating and enhance passenger convenience. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, applies to all domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers and takes effect immediately.

The new rules address long-standing complaints about airlines charging additional fees for seat selection after initial ticket purchase or during online check-in. Under the guidelines, passengers can now choose from a substantial portion of available seats without incurring extra costs, promoting fairness in booking practices. Officials from the ministry stated that the measure seeks to ensure transparency and uniformity across the industry, reducing the financial burden on travelers.

In addition to free seat allocation, airlines must prioritize seating families and groups together. Passengers traveling under the same Passenger Name Record, or PNR, will be assigned adjacent seats whenever possible, benefiting those who previously paid premiums to avoid...