Mumbai: Times are changing, so is air travel. The year 2013 has been an eventful one for the aviation sector.
First came the news of the entry of a new player in the domestic scene – Air Asia India. Then, the Jet-Etihad deal was finalised. Even as the industry and consumers were evaluating the likely impact of the changes in the sector, the unbundling of air fares came as another surprise for air travellers.
Introduced at a time when the summer travel season is at its peak, travellers have not got a respite from soaring air fares. Though low cost carriers in many countries charge for, among other things, checked-in baggage, meals and even a preferred seat, internationally air fares are significantly lower than in India.
The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently allowed airlines in India to start charging separately for services such as preferred seats, extra leg-room and meals, known as unbundling of fares.
17/05/13 Nivedita Ganguly/Business Line
