Its early days yet for unbundling of services by domestic airlines, which allows them to charge for services like preferential seats and airport lounges, but it holds the promise of lower fares for passengers in the future. However, two days after some airlines implemented unbundling measures, the ministry of civil aviation swung into action and asked airlines to bring clarity for consumers on services offered and charged for . CNBC-TV18’s Sunanda Jayaseelan reports.
It was low-cost carrier Indigo's move to charge for all seats that set alarm bells ringing in the civil aviation ministry. While a flier will not be charged extra for a seat if no seat selection is made, those who want to sit together will have to shell out Rs 100 extra even for a middle seat. And while the ministry has sought to rectify this anomaly, those are not the only charges passengers will have to pay extra under as a part of such unbundled services.
Indigo charges Rs 500 for seats with more leg room, Rs 200 for window/aisle seats, and Rs 100 for middle seats.
Further, the airline on its website, says it will charge an additional Rs 1500 for every unaccompanied minor, Rs 1000 per infant, Rs 250 for every kg of excess baggage, Rs 4000 for 10 kilogram (kg) of prepaid baggage which is a service airlines use to allow customers to pay in advance for excess bags and Rs 2000 for bulk baggage which can be purchased over and above the minimum allowed.
20/05/13 CNBC-TV18/moneycontrol.com
