Aviation ministry proposes to do away with fee on air tickets cancelled within 24 hours of booking
The draft passenger charter also suggests that airlines cannot levy cancellation charges that total more than the basic fare plus fuel surcharge.
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The government has proposed to remove the cancellation fee if flight tickets are cancelled within 24 hours of booking, reported The Economic Times on Tuesday. However, if a passenger books a ticket four days before the flight, he will not be eligible for the cancellation fee waiver, according to the “Passenger Charter of Rights” released by the Ministry of Aviation.
The draft also proposes that airlines cannot levy cancellation charges that total more than the basic fare plus fuel surcharge. The ministry has put the draft out for public consultation for 30 days and plans to notify the final version within two months, The Hindu reported.
#PassengerCharter proposals - No cancellation fee on air tickets cancelled within 24 hours of booking, provided the cancellation is done more than 4 days before the flight departure date.
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 22, 2018
The ministry has also proposed that airlines not levy any additional charge for correcting the name on a ticket if the error is pointed out within 24 hours of booking it and provided that correction is not required for more than three characters.
A compensation of Rs 20,000 will be given to passengers in the event of a flight being delayed by more than 12 hours and passengers missing their onward flights. For baggage loss, passengers will be paid Rs 3,000 per kg. In case a flight is cancelled and passengers are not notified before 24 hours of the scheduled departure, the airlines must refund the full value of the ticket.
#PassengerCharter proposals - minimum compensation for lost baggage to be Rs 3000 per kg. For delayed and damaged baggage, minimum Rs 1000 per kg.
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 22, 2018
“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation could look into matters where the airlines are not in agreement with the passenger on the compensation issue,” said Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Aviation, according to Business Standard.
Interests of our passengers are at the core of our heart. Today we’ve unveiled 1st ever ‘Passenger Charter of Rights’ draft, defining & augmenting your rights, entitlements & compensation during air travel. Modi Govt is committed to your delightful & hassle-free travel. Always.
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) May 22, 2018