Amidst severe criticism from fliers following reports on Indigo and SpiceJet's move to charge all passenger seats on web-checking, the civil aviation ministry on Monday, intervened claiming that it is reviewing the development to see whether it falls within the legalities of unbundled pricing policy for the airlines. The ministry has sought explanation from the carriers in this regard. The ministry is concerned that if the airlines starts charging for all the seats, then queues at airports will be very long, especially at major airports in Mumbai and Delhi, souces said.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in a statement on Monday, said, " MoCA has noted that airlines are now charging for web check-in for all seats. We are reviewing these fees to see whether they fall within the unbundled pricing framework."
An unbundled pricing provides the fliers with the option to pay for the services they choose to avail and not others. The airlines are allowed to charge separately for preferential seating, meal/snacks/drink charges (except water), charge for using airline lounges, check-in baggage charges, sports and musical equipment, fee for special declaration of valuable baggage, the ministry officials said. The Indian carriers so far, have been charging fees for web check-ins of seats that are located in the front or windows and aisle up to certain rows. Certain middle seats and seats in the back rows were generally not charged.
Soon after the reaction from MoCA, Gurgaon-based Indigo was quick to clarify that the airline has not changed its web check-in policy and the customers will not compulsorily have to pay for the seats. The carrier added that there would be "some seats" that are available for free during "certain period of time" before departure. For example, one day before departure or on certain aircraft-type like the ATR. Indigo added that it is only following the global practice.
A Spiecjet spokesperson did not comment on the story. Ajay Singh promoted airline in reply to a flier had tweeted that all necessary charges are applicable if he/she wishes to pre-book seats in advance.
27/11/18 Shahkar Abidi/DNA
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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in a statement on Monday, said, " MoCA has noted that airlines are now charging for web check-in for all seats. We are reviewing these fees to see whether they fall within the unbundled pricing framework."
An unbundled pricing provides the fliers with the option to pay for the services they choose to avail and not others. The airlines are allowed to charge separately for preferential seating, meal/snacks/drink charges (except water), charge for using airline lounges, check-in baggage charges, sports and musical equipment, fee for special declaration of valuable baggage, the ministry officials said. The Indian carriers so far, have been charging fees for web check-ins of seats that are located in the front or windows and aisle up to certain rows. Certain middle seats and seats in the back rows were generally not charged.
Soon after the reaction from MoCA, Gurgaon-based Indigo was quick to clarify that the airline has not changed its web check-in policy and the customers will not compulsorily have to pay for the seats. The carrier added that there would be "some seats" that are available for free during "certain period of time" before departure. For example, one day before departure or on certain aircraft-type like the ATR. Indigo added that it is only following the global practice.
A Spiecjet spokesperson did not comment on the story. Ajay Singh promoted airline in reply to a flier had tweeted that all necessary charges are applicable if he/she wishes to pre-book seats in advance.
27/11/18 Shahkar Abidi/DNA
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