India

Can airlines charge for seat selection?

Permitted
Seat selection fee
DGCA Rule 15
Governing rule
₹0–₹2,000+
Typical fee range
Pre-check-in
When charged
The Short Answer

Yes, airlines in India can charge for seat selection, as it is considered an optional ancillary service not covered by the base fare.

What the Law Says

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates airline pricing and ancillary services in India. Seat selection is treated as a voluntary, value-added service — not part of the essential air transport service.

Under Rule 15 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 (as amended), and DGCA’s 'Guidelines on Fare Display and Ancillary Services' (2021), airlines are permitted to charge separately for optional services like preferred seating, extra legroom, priority boarding, and baggage allowances.

The DGCA mandates full transparency: all fees — including seat selection charges — must be clearly disclosed before ticket purchase. Airlines cannot impose such charges automatically or hide them in bundled fares without explicit passenger consent.

Importantly, the base fare must cover only the core service — safe transportation between airports. Everything else, including seat assignment, is optional and may be monetized.

Statutory Text

No air transport undertaking shall collect any amount from a passenger for any service unless such service is voluntarily opted for by the passenger and the amount charged is clearly disclosed prior to payment.

— DGCA Guidelines on Fare Display and Ancillary Services, Clause 4.1 (2021)

What to Do

1

Check the airline’s website or app for seat selection fees *before* finalising your booking.

2

Review the fare summary screen carefully — look for separate line items like 'Preferred Seat', 'Extra Legroom', or 'Seat Reservation'.

3

Decline paid seat selection if you’re okay with auto-assignment (free standard seats are allocated at check-in or boarding).

4

If charged without consent or disclosure, file a complaint with the airline first, then escalate to DGCA via its online portal (https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/).

Sources

statuteDGCA Guidelines on Fare Display and Ancillary Services, Clause 4.1 (2021)statuteAircraft Rules, 1937, Rule 15

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.