The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new regulations to make air travel more affordable and accessible for passengers. These regulations, announced on April 23, 2024, allow for the unbundling of certain services from the main ticket price, giving passengers the option to pay only for the services they require.
According to the DGCA, the cost included in airfares often covers various services that not all passengers utilize. Based on feedback and the potential to reduce the basic fare, the DGCA has decided that several services will now be offered separately rather than being included in the ticket price. This change is expected to make the basic fare more economical and give consumers the flexibility to choose services based on their individual needs.
The services that can now be unbundled and chosen optionally include baggage fees, seat selection, in-flight meals, and priority boarding. These services will be provided on an ‘opt-in’ basis, ensuring that customers are not automatically charged for them but can select them if needed.
The DGCA has emphasized the importance of transparency in these charges, stipulating that the costs for these unbundled services should be fixed and not fluctuate with the base fare. This regulation aims to eliminate confusion and ensure that passengers only opt-in for services they genuinely wish to use, thereby potentially lowering the overall cost of travel.
These regulatory changes by the DGCA are likely to have a significant impact on global travel and tourism by making air travel more accessible and customizable. By reducing the cost of basic air travel, more people may be encouraged to fly, increasing overall travel and boosting tourism economies. Additionally, the flexibility in service selection could lead to higher passenger satisfaction and a more tailored travel experience.
In addition to these cost-related changes, the DGCA has also addressed the seating of young children. Airlines are now required to ensure that children up to 12 years old are seated with at least one parent or guardian without extra charges. This rule aims to address the concerns raised by numerous complaints about families being seated separately, enhancing the travel experience for families.
