Summarize

Simplifying... Inshort

The DGCA has introduced a new rule that requires airlines to seat children up to 12 years old next to at least one parent or guardian, without charging extra fees for seat selection.
This change, made to the Air Transport Circular, comes after reports of children being seated separately from their parents.
The DGCA also clarified that unbundled services, such as preferential seating or meal charges, are optional and not mandatory.

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DGCA had earlier received several complaints from parents

Parents won't be charged extra to sit with kids: DGCA

By Riya Baibhawi

Apr 24, 2024

03:34 pm

What's the story

In a major relief for families traveling together, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented a new policy regarding seating arrangements for children on flights. In its latest update, the aviation authority has stated that parents will not be charged extra to sit next to their child, provided the child is under 12 years old. This change came after several passengers complained of being separated from their children unless they paid an additional fee.

Rule enforcement

DGCA's new rule mandates airlines to allocate seats for children

The DGCA's new rule mandates airlines to allocate seats for children aged up to 12 years next to at least one of their parents or guardians. This applies when they are traveling under the same PNR (booking reference number). Airlines are now prohibited from charging extra fees for seat selection in these cases and must maintain a record of such instances. The policy was introduced following several reports of children under 12 not being seated with their parents or guardians.

Circular modification

DGCA modifies existing Air Transport Circular 

The DGCA has modified the existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 to incorporate changes aimed at preventing such situations in the future. The aviation authority has also updated the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, titled "Unbundle of Services and Fees by scheduled airlines". As per the circular, some services like Zero Baggage, Preferential seating, Meals/Snack/Drink charges, charges for carriage of musical Instruments, etc. have been allowed, as reported by Firstpost.

Not mandatory

Unbundled services aren't mandatory: DGCA

In its latest notice, the DGCA also clarified that such unbundled services are not mandatory. "Such unbundled services are provided on "opt-in" basis by airlines and are not mandatory in nature," the release by the DGCA stated. It also notified the passengers that there is also a provision for auto seat assignment to the passengers who have not selected any seat for web check-in before scheduled departure.