The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a mandate requiring airlines to allocate seats for children up to the age of 12 to ensure they are seated with at least one parent or guardian during flights.
This directive comes as part of the revision to the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024 titled “Unbundle of Services and Fees by Scheduled Airlines,” allowing certain optional services while emphasising passenger convenience and safety. Under the revised circular, airlines are permitted to offer optional services such as Zero Baggage, Preferential seating, Meals/Snacks/Drink charges, and charges for carrying Musical Instruments. However, these services are provided at the discretion of passengers and are not obligatory. The decision to mandate seat allocation for children with parents or guardians stems from multiple instances reported to the DGCA where children under 12 years of age were not seated alongside their parents or guardians during flights. To address this concern, the DGCA has incorporated a provision in the revised circular to ensure that airlines allocate seats for children up to 12 years old with at least one parent or guardian traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).
Furthermore, the DGCA emphasises the importance of maintaining a record of this arrangement to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for families. Airlines are instructed to adhere to this requirement to mitigate any potential disruptions and ensure the safety and well-being of young passengers. This move by the DGCA aligns with efforts to enhance passenger experience and safety standards within the aviation sector. It reflects a proactive approach to address consumer concerns and uphold regulatory standards to promote fairness and transparency in airline operations. In a related development, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh previously expressed concerns regarding airlines charging passengers separately for seat selection during web check-in. He highlighted the importance of offering free mandatory web check-in and cautioned against misleading practices that could potentially disadvantage consumers. As the aviation industry evolves, regulatory interventions like the DGCA’s mandate play a crucial role in safeguarding passenger rights and fostering a conducive environment for air travel in India.
