DGCA ASKS AIRLINES TO ENSURE CHILDREN UP TO AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE SEATED WITH THEIR PARENTS
New Delhi (23/04/2024): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday asked all airlines to ensure children up to the age of 12 years are seated with their parents. The DGCA has revised the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024, titled ‘Unbundle of Services and fees by scheduled airlines’, introducing several changes aimed at enhancing passenger experience and addressing concerns regarding seating arrangements, particularly for children. As per the revised circular, airlines are now permitted to offer unbundled services such as zero baggage, preferential seating, meals/snacks/drink charges, and charges for the carriage of musical instruments. These services will be provided on an "opt-in" basis, meaning passengers can choose whether or not to avail of them.
Also, there is a provision for auto seat assignment for passengers who have not selected any seat during web check-in before the scheduled departure. The decision to revise the circular comes in response to various instances brought to the notice of the DGCA, where children under the age of 12 were not seated alongside their parent or guardian during flights.
In a bid to prevent such occurrences in future and ensure the safety and well-being of young passengers, the DGCA has incorporated a new provision into the existing Air Transport Circular 01 of 2021.
