Airline seating arrangements for children up to 12 years old must comply with the DGCA's mandate.

Post by: Kanchan Chandel

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, titled "Unbundle of Services and fees by scheduled airlines," allowing certain optional services like Zero Baggage, Preferential seating, Meals/Snacks/Drink charges, and fees for carrying Musical Instruments. These unbundled services are provided at passengers' discretion and are not mandatory.

The decision came after the DGCA observed several instances where children under 12 years old were not seated with their parents or guardians. The circular now mandates airlines to allocate seats for children up to 12 years old with at least one parent or guardian on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR), ensuring their safety and well-being during flights.

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In response to consumer concerns about airlines charging passengers separately for seat selection during web check-in, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh raised the issue on November 10. He argued that offering free mandatory web check-in and later charging for seat selection was deceptive and constituted an 'unfair trade practice' under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam clarified on November 30 that airlines were within their rights to charge for 'preferential seats' during the web check-in process under existing regulations.

The DGCA's initiative aims to enhance passenger experience and ensure that families with young children can travel comfortably and safely. By mandating seat allocation for children under 12 with their parents or guardians, the DGCA prioritizes passenger welfare and seeks to prevent instances of separation during flights, fostering a more seamless and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.

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