IndiaTravel
Flight delays/cancellations, hotel bookings, travel insurance
25 questions
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Air Travel Rights
(6)My flight was delayed 6 hours. What compensation can I claim?
In India, passengers are not entitled to statutory compensation for flight delays under current law, but may claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred due to the delay.
My luggage was lost by the airline. What are my rights?
Under Indian law and international treaties, you can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh for lost luggage on domestic flights and up to ₹22,500 (SDR 1,131) for international flights, subject to airline liability limits and timely reporting.
Can I be denied boarding a flight for being differently abled?
No, you cannot be denied boarding a flight in India solely because you are differently abled — airlines must provide reasonable accommodation under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and DGCA regulations.
An airline overbooked and denied me boarding. What are my rights?
If an airline overbooks and denies you boarding in India, you are entitled to compensation of ₹20,000 for domestic flights and ₹40,000 for international flights, plus care (meals, calls, accommodation) and rebooking or refund — as per the Civil Aviation Requirements.
Can airlines charge for seat selection?
Yes, airlines in India can charge for seat selection, as it is considered an optional ancillary service not covered by the base fare.
Can airline refuse to carry me due to health condition?
Yes, an airline in India can refuse to carry you due to a health condition if it poses a safety risk or violates medical fitness requirements under aviation regulations.
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Railway Issues
(7)I was harassed on a train. What complaint mechanism exists?
You can file a written complaint with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) or local police under the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act (if a minor), and also use the 'Sakhi' helpline or IRCTC's online portal.
My train was cancelled. Am I entitled to a refund?
Yes, you are entitled to a full refund if your train was cancelled by Indian Railways, with no deduction for cancellation charges.
I missed my connecting train due to delay. Who compensates?
Indian Railways does not provide automatic compensation for missed connections due to delays, but you may claim a refund of the unused portion of your ticket under specific conditions.
The railway damaged my goods in transit. How do I claim?
You can file a claim with the railway administration within 6 months of delivery (or expected delivery) under the Indian Railways Act, 1989. Compensation is limited to the declared value or ₹100 per kg for undeclared goods.
I lost items on a train. What is the railway's liability?
Indian Railways is liable for loss or damage to booked luggage or parcels under the Indian Railways Act, 1989, but not for unbooked items carried by passengers. Liability is capped at ₹100 per kg for luggage and ₹500 per parcel unless higher value is declared and extra charges paid.
What are the penalties for travelling without ticket on trains?
Travelling without a valid ticket on Indian Railways is punishable with a fine of up to ₹1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months under the Indian Railways Act, 1989.
What is the compensation for death in a railway accident?
Compensation for death in a railway accident in India is governed by the Railways Act, 1989, with a minimum statutory compensation of ₹10 lakh for victims killed in train accidents, and higher amounts possible under common law or court awards.
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Road Transport
(3)I was injured in a bus accident. Can I claim from the bus company?
Yes, you can claim compensation from the bus company under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as they are liable for injuries caused by their vehicle's negligence or defect.
What are the penalties for overloading a commercial vehicle?
Overloading a commercial vehicle in India attracts fines up to ₹20,000 for the first offence and ₹40,000 for subsequent offences, along with possible imprisonment up to 3 months and impounding of the vehicle.
My taxi driver took a longer route and overcharged. What remedy?
You can file a complaint with the State Transport Authority or consumer forum for refund and compensation; overcharging without justification is unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act.
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Passport & Visa
(4)My passport application was rejected. Can I appeal?
Yes, you can appeal a passport application rejection in India by filing a written representation to the Regional Passport Officer within 30 days, and if unsatisfied, approach the appellate authority — the Passport Officer (Appeals) — within 30 days of the first decision.
Can the government impound my passport?
Yes, the Indian government can impound your passport under specific legal grounds such as court orders, criminal investigations, or threats to national security.
My visa was revoked while I was abroad. What are my options?
If your Indian visa was revoked while abroad, you may reapply for a new visa after addressing the grounds of revocation; no statutory right to appeal exists, but you can request reconsideration from the issuing authority.
My child was born abroad. How do I get Indian passport?
A child born abroad to Indian citizen parents is eligible for an Indian passport if at least one parent is an Indian citizen; apply online via the Passport Seva portal and submit required documents including birth certificate and parents’ Indian passports.
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Travel Fraud
(2)A travel agent absconded with my money. What can I do?
You can file a police complaint for cheating and criminal breach of trust, lodge a consumer complaint for deficiency in service, and approach the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) for mediation.
Can immigration deny me entry back to India if I'm a citizen?
No, Indian immigration cannot deny entry to an Indian citizen returning to India — citizenship guarantees the right to enter and reside in India.
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Consumer Protection
(3)What documents are needed for international travel from India?
For international travel from India, you need a valid Indian passport, a visa for the destination country (if required), and sometimes additional documents like return tickets, proof of accommodation, or vaccination certificates.
A ride-hailing app charged surge pricing unfairly. Any regulation?
Surge pricing by ride-hailing apps in India is not directly prohibited, but it must comply with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Competition Act, 2002 — especially regarding unfair trade practices and abuse of dominant position.
An auto-rickshaw refused to take me. Is this an offence?
Yes, refusing to carry a passenger without reasonable cause is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and can attract a fine of up to ₹500.