The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a major change for passengers flying within India. Under the new DGCA free seat selection rule, airlines must allow at least 60% of seats on every domestic flight to be chosen without any extra charge. This rule comes into effect on April 20, following the circular issued on March 20.
Free Seat Limit Increased Sharply
As per the new regulation, airlines must make at least 60% of seats on every flight available without any extra charge. Currently, only around 20% of seats are offered for free, while most others require passengers to pay a fee.
This change follows concerns raised by the civil aviation ministry on March 18. The ministry had asked the DGCA to ensure fair access to seat selection, as passengers were being charged high fees.
Clear and Transparent Booking Information
Airlines are now required to maintain a transparent DGCA seat allocation policy. This means they must clearly show which seats are free, along with any applicable conditions, on their websites and booking platforms. The goal is to make it easier for passengers to understand their options and avoid hidden charges.
Families Should Be Seated Together
The new rules also focus on passenger convenience. Travelers booked under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) should be seated close to each other wherever possible. In most cases, this means assigning adjacent seats in the same row.
Airlines Oppose the Decision
The move has faced strong opposition from airlines. Major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have raised concerns.
Through the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), they argued that increasing the free seat quota would reduce their additional revenue. Airlines warned that this could eventually lead to higher ticket prices.
At present, seat selection charges range between Rs 200 and Rs 2,100. The price depends on factors like seat location, extra legroom, and proximity to the front rows.
Other Charges Must Also Be Disclosed
The DGCA has also expanded its focus beyond seat selection. Airlines are now required to clearly display charges for optional services. These include carrying sports equipment or musical instruments. They must also inform passengers about liability conditions in case such items are damaged. The goal is to remove confusion and ensure passengers know all costs upfront.
Benefits for Passengers
Passengers will now have more freedom to choose seats without extra fees and a better chance for families to sit together. While there is a possibility that airlines may adjust fares to offset revenue losses, the move is widely seen as a step toward more transparent and passenger-friendly aviation practices.
The full impact of the DGCA free seat selection rule will be visible once it is implemented on April 20, 2026.
FAQs
Will the 60% free seat selection rule apply to all airlines in India?
Yes, the rule applies to all domestic airlines operating within India, including full-service and low-cost carriers. It is mandatory under the DGCA circular effective from April 20, 2026.
Does the rule cover international flights?
No, the DGCA free seat selection rule currently applies only to domestic flights within India. International flights may have separate seat selection policies.
Are premium or business class seats included in the 60% free allocation?
Yes, the 60% quota includes all classes of service on domestic flights. Airlines must ensure a fair proportion of seats are available for free across economy, premium economy, and business classes where applicable.
Can airlines still charge for preferred seats within the free 60%?
No, the rule specifies that at least 60% of seats must be selectable without extra charges. Airlines cannot levy additional fees for seats within this quota, such as middle or window seats included in the 60%.
How will the rule affect airline loyalty programs?
Passengers can still earn and redeem frequent flyer points as per each airline’s program. The DGCA rule does not interfere with loyalty program benefits, but free seat selection is separate from perks like priority seating for elite members.
Are online travel agencies (OTAs) required to show the 60% free seats?
Yes, the DGCA directive applies to all booking platforms, including airline websites and third-party OTAs. Free seats must be clearly marked, along with any conditions, to ensure transparency.
| Disclaimer: Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source, please contact us. In case, owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
[faqly_accordion id=”113″]
