In a pivotal move aimed at enhancing the comfort and safety of young flyers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation watchdog in India, has issued a directive to all airlines operating within the country. The mandate requires carriers to ensure that children up to 12 years of age are seated next to at least one parent or guardian when they travel. This initiative emerges in response to numerous reports where children were separated from their parents during flights, causing distress to families and raising concerns about child safety and welfare in air travel.
The new DGCA rule states, “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.” Announced on April 23, the rule revision is part of the broader Air Transport Circular that addresses the ‘unbundling of services and fees by scheduled airlines.’
Historically, airlines have been permitted to offer a variety of unbundled services, which passengers can opt for according to their preferences. Such services include preferential seating, additional baggage allowance, meal or snack options, and even the carriage of oversized items like musical instruments. These special services are provided on an “opt-in” basis and are not mandatory for travelers.
Ensuring further convenience, the DGCA has recognized the practice where passengers who forgo the selection of specific seats during web check-in are automatically assigned available seats by the airlines before departure. This system has been instrumental in streamlining the boarding process and maximizing operational efficiency.
India’s civil aviation sector is one of the most rapidly expanding markets globally, boasting a sustained increase in domestic air traffic. With the burgeoning number of travelers, particularly families, this regulatory step by the DGCA stands as a proactive measure to prioritize the safety and comfort of minors in the aviation ecosystem.
The revision reflects a growing sensitivity towards family needs in travel, recognizing that the proximity of children to their parents or guardians is paramount for a stress-free travel experience. It also addresses the logistical challenge posed by families being scattered across different seats, which can lead to operational issues during flights, such as difficulties in assisting children or managing their needs without impeding other passengers’ comfort.
Moreover, the directive resonates with international standards and expectations, where regulators and airlines globally emphasize the importance of family-friendly policies. Traveling can be a stressful experience for young children, and being seated with a familiar adult can significantly reduce anxiety and ensure their well-being throughout the journey.
This modification to the Air Transport Circular also sheds light on the increasing trend of airlines differentiating their services to offer customized experiences to passengers. By distinguishing between essential and optional services, airlines are able to cater to diverse customer demands while allowing for price flexibility. However, such diversification must not overlook the fundamental need for family cohesiveness, especially when it involves the care and safety of young travelers.
The airline industry, while supportive of measures that improve the passenger experience, must now adapt to this specific need by integrating the requirement into their seating algorithms and check-in procedures to guarantee compliance with the DGCA’s directive.
In closing, the Indian civil aviation authority has taken a definitive step in safeguarding the interests of its youngest flyers and their families. By mandating the seating arrangement that keeps children alongside their guardians, the DGCA upholds the commitment to make air travel more inclusive, empathetic, and accommodating to the needs of all passengers, particularly those who require additional care and attention.
