Web check-in fee by some airlines under govt lens
NEW DELHI: The Union civil aviation ministry is reviewing a new policy ostensibly followed by Indigo and Spicejet under which the airlines charge passengers a fee for completing their check-in formalities on the web, according to a statement issued by the airlines on social media on Monday.
“We are reviewing these fees to see whether they fall within the unbundled pricing framework,” the ministry tweeted through its official id, indicating that it had taken note of reports that the two airlines were now charging for web check-in for all seats.
Unbundled pricing allows flyers to choose and pay for services they avail of, instead of having to pay a larger amount for services that may not be availed.
Indigo tweeted through its official account on Sunday that “all seats will be chargeable” in its new online check-in policy.
However, check-ins at airports would not be charged, it said, while responding to tweets from passengers who questioned the low-cost airline’s move to levy a fee for web check-ins.
In a series of responses to several queries, Indigo said the seat fee policy had been revised effective November 14.
“Please be advised that our seat fee policy has been revised, all seats will be available for preallocation at a nominal charge. We look forward to your understanding in this regard,” Indigo tweeted from its official handle.
Jumping in, the Indian Railways took to social media and said in reference to Indigo’s tweets: “Why pay a premium for web check-ins on flights, when you can just take a train.”
Spicejet confirmed that it too was levying the charges while it responded to a complaint on Twitter.
“Spice jet is making fool of flyers by not allowing web check in without, paying extra . They don’t even allow web check in without selection of seats. Ministry is requested to look into this complaint of arbitrary working (sic),” said Twitter user CP Khandelwal.
Replying to Khandelwal’s tweet, the airline said: “As of now, necessary charges are applicable if you wish to pre-book your preferred seat in advance. However, we have noted your feedback and shall share it with our team”.
Jet, Vistara and Airasia said that they do not charge for web check-in.
Web check-ins allow passengers verify their presence on a flight and also enable them to chose seats.
These seats were initially available free of cost, but some airlines then started charging for certain priority seats, and now most airlines charge for any seat selection made through the Internet.
This was primarily because airlines are looking at ways to increasing their revenues from ancillary services due to spiralling operating costs.
In the September quarter, India’s three listed carriers -Indigo, Spicejet and Jet Airways -- were in the red.
On Monday, Indigo released a statement clarifying its web check-in policy in which it said there was no change in the airline’s web check-in practice.
“Indigo confirms that there is no change in the airline’s web check-in practice. Keeping in mind consumer preferences and market demand, Indigo makes dynamic decisions about pricing for advance seat selection. This segmentation helps us to serve different customer segments as per their requirements... passengers who would prefer to have extra legroom seats or would like to be seated together on a flight can make advance reservations and minimise any inconvenience of their preferred seats being not available when they arrive at the airport for check-in,” said Indigo.