NEW DELHI: Fliers will soon have a reason to smile as the government on
Saturday proposed a cap on ticket cancellation charges, increased compensation for being denied boarding and introduced a steep cut in excess baggage fees levied by airlines.
"The measures are being proposed as there have been complaints from passengers that issues are not getting resolved within a reasonable time," said civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, at a press conference here.
Suggesting a slew of passenger-centric measures, the civil aviation ministry said airlines will have to refund all statutory taxes in case of flight cancellations.
In case of flight cancellations announced within 24 hours of departure, the compensation amount has been enhanced to up to Rs 10,000. In addition, refunds will also be applicable on all fares, including promotional and special rates.
"It shall also be the prerogative of the passenger to decide whether to get a cash refund or hold the amount in credit."
Minister Raju also said airlines must ensure that refunds on cancelled tickets were made within 15 days, even if the bookings were made through agents or online portals.
Aviation regulator DGCA has proposed that "under no circumstances the cancellation charges be more than the basic fare" and carriers cannot levy additional charge to process the refund.
In case of checked-in baggage, the airlines will charge Rs 100 per kilogram for baggage weight in excess of 15 kg, and up to 20 kg. Currently, Rs 300 is levied on every kilogram of baggage beyond the 15-kg limit.
Only Air India allows free baggage of up to 23 kg.
With regard to denied boarding, mainly due to overbooking, the government has proposed compensation of up to Rs 20,000 subject to certain conditions.
Besides, the ministry has proposed measures to help passengers with reduced mobility.
إرسال تعليق