DGCA Introduces Changes in Airline Services: What Passengers Need to Know

Representational image. (File photo)

In a move to provide seamless air travel to all the flyers on board, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made some changes in the Air Transport Circular (ATC).

The authorities have asked the airline to ensure that children under 12 years must be given seats next to at least one of the parents, in case they share the same PNR.

Here’s What DCGA Says

While sharing the details about the revised norms, the aviation regulators have released an official statement, saying, “Airlines shall ensure that children up to the age of 12 years is allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are traveling on the same PNR and a record of the same shall be maintained.”

Reason Behind Move

The move has been taken by the DCGA after witnessing the various instances wherein children below the age of 12 years were not seated along with their parent/guardian. “The existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 has been suitably modified to incorporate the following provision to alleviate any such situation in the future”, the official statement added.

Revised ATC-01 of 2024

The DGCA has also shared the revised Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, which said “Unbundle of Services and fees by scheduled airlines” as per which, some services like zero baggage, preferential seating, meals/ Snack/ Drink charges, charges for carriage of musical instruments have been allowed. Such unbundled services are provided on “opt-in” basis by Airlines and are not mandatory in nature.”

In addition, the statement says, “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.”

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