Relief for flyers: No Cancellation-charges within 24 hrs of booking
Bringing cheer to passengers, the aviation ministry has proposed lifting of airlines' cancellation charges if tickets are cancelled within 24 hours of booking. However, this will only be applicable if the journey is at least 96 hours later. It has also suggested various types of compensation if flights are delayed. These and other recommendations find mention in the draft Air Passenger Charter released today.
If a flight is cancelled
If a passenger cancels their booking within a day, charges will be waived, the charter proposes. Moreover, in no condition can the total cancellation charge be more than the base fare plus fuel surcharge, including agents' fees. Airlines must inform passengers about flight cancellations before two weeks of the scheduled departure. Otherwise, passengers will be entitled to alternate tickets or a refund, whichever they choose.
If a flight is delayed
In case of delays, if a flight is late by more than four hours, the airline will have to offer a full refund to passengers, the charter suggests. If a flyer misses their connecting flight due to delays, they would get Rs. 5,000 as compensation. For delays of 4-12 hours, the compensation would be Rs. 10,000, and Rs. 20,000 for more than 12 hours.
Wi-Fi usage on board flights
According to the recommendations, flights will be authorized to provide Wi-Fi services from the moment the plane takes off. This facility will be available within two months of airlines obtaining relevant licenses. Mobile services will be allowed only at heights above 3,000m. The AirSewa mobile and web apps will also be revamped to make bookings, cancellations and other options easier.
Draft charter likely to be finalized in a month
The draft also suggests additional provisions for passengers with special needs, and withdrawing Aadhaar as a mandatory document for 'DigiYatra' identification. The charter, which has been released for public consultation, will be finalized within a month, Aviation Secretary RN Choubey said.
