Buying a ticket alone doesn’t guarantee boarding; a boarding pass is also required. However, during online check-in, obtaining a boarding pass often involves an additional fee for seat selection, leading to concerns among air travelers. The matter was brought to Lok Sabha, with the aviation ministry.
“Whether it is legal to charge extra amount during online check-in after purchase of ticket and if so, the details thereof,” was the question asked in Lok Sabha on 21 December 2023.
What is the solution for zero seat allocation charges
A person who has fully paid for an airline ticket, including all charges and taxes, should receive a boarding pass without any additional fees, as emphasized in a Lok Sabha inquiry. Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gen (Dr.) V.K Singh, presented a solution for those who wish to avoid paying for preferred seats or seat allocation charges. Passengers who opt not to choose a preferred seat will be assigned a seat for free through the auto-assigned seat mode, and the boarding pass with the assigned seat will be emailed to them a few hours before the flight departure. This allows individuals to bypass additional charges, such as the up to Rs 1,000 fee for preferred seats on domestic flights, as mentioned on the Air India website. Choosing the ‘auto-assigned’ seat selection during web check-in is a way to save on these costs.
How to use the auto-assigned seat option in airlines
According to details provided on the IndiGo airline’s website, passengers can use the auto-assigned seat option by accessing it online through the airline’s app or website. IndiGo Airlines states that the boarding pass, inclusive of the auto-assigned seat(s), will be delivered via email 12-6 hours before the designated flight departure.
If an individual on IndiGo Airlines chooses the auto-assigned seat option, the boarding pass will display the “XSAT” abbreviation under the ‘Services’ tab. IndiGo Airlines clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that “XSAT” stands for the ‘auto seat allocation’ feature.
Other airlines, like SpiceJet, also offer the auto-assigned seat option. According to SpiceJet’s communication on X (formerly Twitter), once passengers opt for auto check-in, their seat will be automatically assigned without any charges. The boarding pass will then be sent to the registered email ID within 12 hours of the scheduled departure.
Are charges for preferential seat allocation justified?
“When you desire a specific seat, the process differs. The question raised in Lok Sabha was whether the Government is aware that some Airlines charge an extra amount for seat allocation during online check-in, specifically for preferential seats in aircraft.”
“In response, Minister Singh explained that certain services, including preferential seat selection, are unbundled by airlines to make the base fare of the airplane ticket more affordable. These services are charged separately on an opt-in basis, as part of the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Minister Singh stated, ‘In view of the fact that unbundling of services and charges thereto has the potential to make basic fare more affordable and provides the consumer an option of paying for the services which he/she wishes to avail, the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) has been issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding the unbundling of services and fees by scheduled airlines. Some of the services, including preferential seating also, have thus been unbundled, and they are charged separately on an opt-in basis.”