Will the 60% Free Seat Selection Rule Make Flights Cheaper or Costlier?
In March 2026, the DGCA proposed a rule requiring Indian airlines to let passengers choose at least 60% of seats on every domestic flight without any extra charge. It was supposed to take effect on 20 April 2026.
It didn't. The Ministry of Civil Aviation suspended the directive indefinitely on 2 April after IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa pushed back hard. The debate is now the most consequential pricing fight in Indian aviation right now.
How seat fees actually work today
Most domestic Indian airlines now charge for seat selection on top of the base fare:
| Seat type | Typical fee (per leg) |
|---|---|
| Front row / extra legroom | ₹400-1,500 |
| Window or aisle (preferred) | ₹200-700 |
| Standard middle / back | Usually ₹0-200 |
| Auto-assigned at check-in | Free |
For airlines, seat selection is now a meaningful revenue stream — reportedly 4-7% of ticket revenue. That's the number they're trying to protect.
What the 60% rule would actually do
If implemented, every flight would have to make at least 60% of its seats freely selectable — no fee, picked by the passenger during booking. Airlines could still charge for premium rows (front, exit row, extra legroom) within the remaining 40%.
The airline argument
"Base fares will rise to compensate for lost ancillary revenue." The Federation of Indian Airlines has argued this could push base fares up ₹200-500 per ticket on average to recover the lost ₹200-300 per ticket from seat fees.
Their secondary argument: seat fees are a form of price discrimination that lets price-sensitive flyers pay less by accepting auto-assignment. Force everyone to get seat choice for free, and the average fare goes up to compensate.
The consumer argument
"Seat selection is a basic service, not a luxury." Airlines globally charge for it because they can — not because there's a real cost to the airline. Forcing 60% to be free protects passengers from drip pricing where the advertised fare looks cheap but the final fare (with seat fee, baggage fee, payment fee) is 20-30% higher.
What's most likely to happen
Three plausible outcomes:
- Watered-down compromise — 30-40% free seats instead of 60%. Allows the rule to ship without major fare increases. Most likely.
- Quiet shelving — the suspension becomes indefinite. Possible if airline lobbying succeeds.
- Implementation as proposed — full 60% free, base fares rise ₹200-400. Possible if consumer voices win the politics.
The Ministry's "comprehensive examination" language usually means a 6-12 month freeze. Expect movement late 2026 or early 2027.
What this means for travellers right now
- Seat fees remain in effect on all major airlines as of May 2026
- Auto-assignment at check-in is still free — if you don't care about the specific seat, skip the fee
- Premium credit cards (Axis Magnus, HDFC Infinia) sometimes include free seat selection on partner airlines
- Frequent-flyer status (IndiGo 6E Prime, Air India Maharajah Club) waives seat fees
The bottom line
The 60% free seat rule is a genuinely consumer-friendly idea that's getting deferred for industry-financial reasons. Expect a compromise version eventually. For now, seat fees stay — budget for them in your fare comparison, or take auto-assignment to skip them entirely.
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Search live fares →Frequently asked questions
What is the 60% free seat selection rule?
A DGCA proposal requiring Indian airlines to let passengers select at least 60% of seats on every domestic flight without any extra charge.
Has the 60% seat selection rule taken effect?
No. It was suspended indefinitely on 2 April 2026 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation pending review.
Will this rule make flights cheaper or more expensive?
Airlines argue base fares would rise Rs 200-500 to offset lost seat fee revenue. Consumer advocates argue it would make total fare more transparent.
Why are airlines opposing the rule?
Seat selection fees are estimated to be 4-7% of ticket revenue. Airlines want to protect this income stream.
How do I avoid seat selection fees today?
Skip seat selection during booking and accept auto-assignment at check-in — it's free. Or use a premium credit card / frequent-flyer status that waives the fee.