Big Boost for Flyers: DGCA Mandates Free Seat Allocation, Family Seating, and Pet Policies
New Delhi, March 18, 2026:Â In a major push for passenger rights and convenience, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a sweeping set of directives to airlines aimed at making air travel more transparent and passenger-friendly. The new rules, announced on Wednesday, mandate everything from complimentary seat allocations to clearer policies for carrying pets and musical instruments.
With India now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and airports handling over five lakh passengers daily, the Ministry, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has moved to standardize practices and reduce passenger grievances.
Here are the key changes that flyers, including those from Pune, can expect:
1. Guaranteed Free Seats and Family Seating
In a move to ensure fair access, the DGCA has directed that a minimum of 60% of seats on any flight must be allocated free of charge. This means airlines cannot charge a fee for a significant portion of their inventory. Furthermore, in a win for families, passengers travelling on the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. This puts an end to the common frustration of families being split up and charged extra to sit together.
2. Easier Travel for Musicians, Athletes, and Pet Owners
Airlines are now required to facilitate the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to safety regulations. Additionally, carriers must publish clear, transparent policies for the carriage of pets, removing ambiguity for pet parents.
3. Empowering Passengers with Information
The Ministry is placing a strong emphasis on awareness. Airlines must ensure strict adherence to the passenger rights framework, especially during instances of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. To empower travellers, these rights must be displayed prominently across airline websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and at airport counters. Crucially, this information must also be communicated in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterated its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, ensuring transparency, and upholding the highest safety standards across the aviation ecosystem. These new guidelines are expected to significantly reduce common travel headaches and make flying a more seamless experience for everyone.
