Air Travel in India
Air travel in India has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to take to the skies to travel around the country or abroad. However, with this increase in air travel has come a need for greater consumer protections to ensure that passengers are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
The Air Passenger Rights Charter
The Air Passenger Rights Charter, which was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2019, sets out a number of rights that air passengers in India are entitled to. These include the right to be informed about flight delays, cancellations or diversions, the right to compensation for flight delays, and the right to refund in the event of a flight cancellation.
Compensation for Flight Delays
Under the Air Passenger Rights Charter, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a flight delay of more than two hours. The compensation amount varies depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight, but can be up to Rs. 20,000.
Denied Boarding and its Remedies
If a passenger is denied boarding due to overbooking or other reasons, they are entitled to compensation under the Air Passenger Rights Charter. The compensation amount varies depending on the circumstances, but can be up to Rs. 20,000.
Lost or Delayed Luggage
If a passenger’s luggage is lost or delayed, the airline is required to compensate them under the Air Passenger Rights Charter. The compensation amount varies depending on the circumstances, but can be up to Rs. 20,000.
Flight Cancelation and Refund Policy
If a flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers are entitled to a refund under the Air Passenger Rights Charter. The amount of the refund depends on the circumstances of the cancellation.
Overbooking by Airlines
Under the Air Passenger Rights Charter, airlines are required to compensate passengers if they are denied boarding due to overbooking. The compensation amount varies depending on the circumstances, but can be up to Rs. 20,000.
Safety and Security Measures
Airports and airlines in India are required to follow strict safety and security measures to ensure the safety of passengers. These measures include baggage screening, metal detectors, and body scanners.
Accessibility for Disabled Passengers
Airports and airlines in India are required to provide accessibility features for disabled passengers, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. Airlines are also required to provide special assistance to disabled passengers during flights.
Complaint and Redress Mechanism
If a passenger has a complaint about their flight or the service provided by an airline, they can submit a complaint to the airline directly or to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. If the complaint is not resolved to the passenger’s satisfaction, they can also file a complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or a consumer court.
Consumer Courts and their Jurisdiction
Consumer courts in India have jurisdiction over disputes between consumers and airlines. These courts can award compensation to consumers if they find that an airline has violated their rights.
Conclusion: Air Traveler Rights in India
Overall, air travelers in India are entitled to a number of rights and protections under the Air Passenger Rights Charter. These include compensation for flight delays, denied boarding, lost or delayed luggage, and flight cancellations. Additionally, airports and airlines in India are required to follow strict safety and security measures, provide accessibility features for disabled passengers, and offer a complaint and redress mechanism for passengers who have complaints.
