New Rules: DGCA Mandates Airlines to Seat Children with Parents

Flying with young children can be stressful, and ensuring they’re seated with a parent or guardian is a major concern. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, has taken a step towards smoother air travel for families with a new rule.

Given this, the DGCA has issued a new mandate to all Indian airlines regarding the seating arrangements for children under 12 years old. This directive, requires airlines to allocate seats to children travelling with their families with immediate effect.

Mandatory Seat Allocation for Children

1. Children under 12 must be seated with a parent/guardian: Airlines operating in India are now mandated to ensure children up to 12 years old are allocated a seat alongside at least one parent or guardian travelling on the same reservation (PNR). This regulation aims to prioritize passenger comfort and address past incidents where children were separated from their guardians during flights.

2. Record-keeping for transparency: The DGCA has also directed airlines to maintain records of these seat assignments. This transparency measure will ensure airlines comply with the new rule.

3. No extra charges for child seating: As long as the child is on the same PNR as the parent/guardian, airlines cannot levy additional charges for seating them together.

Also Read: Flight Delays: Almost 5 Lakhs Passengers Affected in January 2024, Reveals DGCA Data

Addressing Past Incidents

The issuance of this directive comes in the wake of several reported incidents where children under 12 were denied seats alongside their parents on flights. In response to these concerns, DGCA has taken proactive measures to ensure a smoother travel experience for families.

Important Points to Remember

Opt-in services and additional fees: Airlines can offer optional services like preferential seating or additional baggage allowance for a fee under the “Opt-In” program. However, these services are entirely voluntary.

Free seat selection and auto-allocation: If parents haven’t chosen seats during online check-in, the airline’s auto-allocation system must still assign seats that keep children with their guardians.

Child seat policy remains unchanged: Airlines can have their policies regarding mandatory child safety seats, so be sure to check with your chosen airline beforehand.

Compliance and Passenger Rights

While DGCA continuously endeavours to implement rules that prioritize passenger convenience, it acknowledges that compliance with these regulations by airlines has sometimes been lacking. To address this issue, the circular reaffirms the rights of passengers and mandates strict adherence to the prescribed guidelines.

Efforts for Passenger Welfare

The DGCA’s new regulation reflects their commitment to improving passenger experience. This move follows a series of initiatives by the aviation regulator aimed at ensuring a more convenient and hassle-free air travel experience for all.

Traveling with children soon? Rest assured, knowing that airlines must now prioritize seating children with their parents will make your next family trip a smoother journey.