The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new travel guidelines requiring airlines to ensure that children under 12 years old are seated with at least one parent or guardian on flights. This regulation was prompted by incidents where children in large groups were not seated alongside their parents or guardians during travel.
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Book FlightsIn a statement issued on Tuesday, the DGCA stated, “Airlines must ensure that children up to 12 years old are assigned seats with at least one parent or guardian who is traveling on the same booking reference, and a record of this arrangement must be maintained.”
Additionally, the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, also issued by DGCA, allows scheduled airlines to charge extra fees for services such as zero baggage, preferred seating, meals, snacks, beverages, and transporting musical instruments. Passengers can choose to pay for these services if they wish.
The policy of separating group travellers who do not pay for seat selection has been a source of frustration for passengers. This new regulation will enable children traveling with their parents in large groups to be seated with at least one parent, addressing the issue of additional payments for parents.
