Bengaluru: In a major step towards enhancing passenger comfort, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a new directive requiring airlines to seat passengers travelling under the same PNR together whenever possible.
For years, Indian travellers booking tickets under a single PNR have faced uncertainty about being seated apart unless they paid additional fees. The new rule aims to eliminate this concern by making group seating a standard expectation rather than a paid convenience.
Under the revised guidelines, airlines must ensure that families, friends, and colleagues travelling on the same booking are assigned adjacent seats, unless passengers voluntarily choose otherwise. The move is expected to significantly reduce last-minute stress at boarding gates and improve the overall travel experience.
Why This Rule Matters
With India’s aviation sector expanding rapidly—handling over five lakh passengers daily—the need for more passenger-friendly policies has become increasingly important. The new directive reflects the government’s intent to align service standards with the growing demand and expectations of travellers.
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines
1. Increased Availability of Free Seats
Airlines are now required to keep at least 60% of seats free from seat selection charges, allowing passengers to choose seats without additional costs.
2. Mandatory Group Seating
Passengers under the same PNR must be seated together wherever feasible, ensuring families and groups are not split across the aircraft.
3. Clear Baggage Policies
Airlines must provide transparent and easy-to-understand guidelines for special baggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.
4. Stronger Passenger Rights
The ministry has reinforced strict compliance with passenger rights in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, ensuring better communication and compensation mechanisms.
A Passenger-Centric Shift
The introduction of mandatory group seating is seen as a major improvement in making air travel more humane and convenient. By addressing one of the most common concerns among travellers, the government is taking a step toward improving trust and satisfaction in the aviation sector.
As India continues to grow as one of the world’s fastest-expanding aviation markets, such reforms are expected to play a crucial role in shaping a smoother, more passenger-friendly travel experience.