DGCA directs airlines to ensure that children up to age 12 get seats with at least one of their parents

In view of the various instances that came to the notice of DGCA wherein children below the age of 12 years were not seated along with their parent/guardian, the regulatory body has modified the existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021 to incorporate a provision with a view to alleviate any such situation in future.

“Airlines shall ensure that children up to the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are travelling on the same PNR and a record of the same shall be maintained,” Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Along with that, DGCA has also revised the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024 titled, "Unbundle of Services and fees by scheduled airlines" as per which, some services like zero baggage, preferential seating, means/snack/drink charges, charges for carriage of musical instruments, etc., have been allowed.

Such unbundled services are provided on an "opt-in" basis by airlines and are not mandatory in nature.

There is also a provision for auto seat assignment to the passengers who have not selected any seat for web check-in before scheduled departure.