Indian Government Wants Airlines’ Pet Policies, Cheaper Seat Reservations

India’s government has announced several reforms for the aviation sector, all designed to make passengers’ journeys that much easier – and cheaper – to book.

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation’s new passenger-first reforms include an order to ensure that 60% of seats on flights are available to select free of charge. Currently, only 20% of seats are reserved for free seat selection.

The ministry said on Wednesday that it has made these orders to “ensure fair access.”

Other directives issued through aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) include orders that airlines

Seat passengers traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) together.

Facilitate the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments “in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner.” 

Develop and publish “clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets.”

In 2021, the DGCA had issued a circular that allowed