DGCA’s New Rule: Airlines to Allocate Seats for Children with Parents

In a significant move aimed at enhancing child safety and passenger convenience, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new mandate for airlines regarding the seating of children.

Effective immediately, airlines are now required to allocate seats for children aged up to 12 years alongside at least one of their parents or guardians who are traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).

This directive, announced by the DGCA, emphasizes the crucial importance of ensuring children’s well-being during air travel. By facilitating seating arrangements that keep families together, the regulation addresses a common concern among parents: the potential separation of young children from their caregivers during flights.

Such separation can lead to heightened anxiety and stress for both children and parents, making the travel experience less comfortable and secure. Furthermore, the DGCA has mandated that airlines maintain records of these seat assignments, introducing a transparency measure to ensure compliance with the new rule.

Importantly, the regulation acknowledges that unbundled services, including seat selection, are typically offered by airlines on an “opt-in” basis and are not mandatory. Additionally, the DGCA has specified a provision for auto seat assignment for passengers who have not selected seats during web check-in before the scheduled departure.

This proactive approach by the DGCA aligns with its overarching responsibility for regulating air transport services and ensuring adherence to civil aviation standards. By collaborating with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the DGCA reinforces India’s commitment to upholding global aviation best practices.