The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued new guidelines for airlines, requiring them to allocate seats to children under 12 years of age alongside their parents or guardians during flights.
Background: The decision to implement this step comes after several incidents and discussions surrounding the safety and comfort of young passengers during air travel. These guidelines aim to ensure the well-being and security of children while flying.
Key Points of the New Guidelines:
- Mandatory Seat Allocation: Airlines are now mandated to allocate seats to children under the age of 12 alongside their parents or guardians during flight journeys. This measure aims to enhance the safety and supervision of young passengers throughout the duration of the flight.
- No Additional Charges for Seat Selection: To ensure seamless travel experiences for families, airlines are prohibited from charging additional fees for seat selection if children and their parents are traveling on the same PNR (Passenger Name Record). This regulation aims to prevent any financial burden on families while ensuring their convenience during flight bookings.
- Record Keeping: In addition to implementing the new guidelines, DGCA has instructed airlines to maintain records of this information. This step is crucial for tracking compliance with the regulations and ensuring that airlines adhere to the prescribed guidelines consistently.
Updates to Air Transport Circulars
The DGCA has amended the Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 and the Air Transport Circular (ATC) -01 of 2024 titled “Unbundling of Services and Fees by Scheduled Airlines” to incorporate these changes. These updates reflect the regulatory authority’s commitment to adapting to evolving travel requirements and enhancing passenger safety standards.
Option for Pre-Seat Selection
According to the information provided in the 2024 Air Transport Circular, airlines have been granted permission to charge extra fees for certain services, such as zero baggage, preferential seating, meal options, and handling of musical instruments. However, passengers can opt for pre-seat selection by paying an additional charge.
Pre-Seat Selection Option
To utilize the pre-seat selection option, passengers are required to pay an extra charge. This option is designed for travelers who prefer not to pre-book their seats and remain uncertain about their seating arrangements until the day of the flight. Consequently, groups or families traveling together can be seated separately based on their preferences.
The issuance of these new guidelines by DGCA represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and comfort of children during air travel. By ensuring that children under 12 are seated alongside their parents or guardians, airlines can contribute to a more secure and pleasant flying experience for families. Additionally, the provision for pre-seat selection offers passengers greater flexibility and convenience in managing their travel preferences.