The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA ) on Friday allowed airlines to unbundle certain services such as preferential seats, meals, use of airport lounges, check-in baggage, transport of sports and musical equipment, and make them chargeable. This step by the airlines regulator is expected to help carriers that are staring at huge losses because of covid-19. DGCA has also allowed airlines to offer zero baggage or no check-in fares for passengers without check-in baggage, which is lower than the usual ticket price. However, airlines seeking to unbundle their services will have to first inform the regulator about their product offering and prices before they are made available to the public. “The latest step by the DGCA could add 7-10% to the topline of airlines," he said.

Source: Mint February 26, 2021 18:40 UTC