DGCA to airlines: Unbundle services on 'opt in' basis

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a circular to airlines to unbundle services on ‘opt in’ basis, a method that allows passengers to choose what services they would prefer. Also, seats on 'opt in' basis will not exceed 25 percent of total seats. Middle seats cannot be offered for preferential seating except for the seats in the first row and the emergency exit row, the DGCA has stated in the circular

"Charges for the unbundled services shall be a fixed amount and shall not vary with the base fare for a particular flight. Changes, if any, should be announced at least 30 days in advance by airlines," the DGCA has specified.

"Charges for the unbundled services shall be a fixed amount and shall not vary with the base fare for a particular sector/flight. Changes, if any, should be announced at least 30 days in advance by the airlines," the circular stated.

Two months ago, the aviation regulator has permitted airlines to charge for seats preferred by a passengers, excess baggage and airport lounge fees too.

However, airlines promptly starting charging for these services but the aviation ministry intervened and said put a ceiling on the number of seats to be offered.

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 had 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.

The airline on its website, said 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.

Indigo's competitor SpiceJet's also introduced combo package --- priority check in, complimentary meal, seat selection, early baggage delivery is Rs 500.

Full service carriers Jet Airways and Air India also reduced luggage allowance to 15 kilograms from the existing 20 kg. As other airlines move to replicate their competitors, aviation regulator is staying alert every step to protect consumer interest.

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