Indigo, SpiceJet web-check-in row: Not just freebies stopped, now this big threat rises too for flyers

IndiGo and SpiceJet have started charging passengers for web check-in facility for all seats in the aircraft and thereby, they have done away with the previous option of not making passengers pay for at least some seats in the aircraft. Earlier, charges were levied on mostly front row and some middle row seats, but now all seats have been tagged as chargeable, according to a DNA report. However, money loss is not the only problem passengers will be facing as a consequence of this move. There are even bigger problems being foreseen. The move has driven worries that this will ensure long queues at airports, something that will really create massive problems for all authorities concerned.  
 
This new perceived threat forced the civil aviation ministry on Monday to intervene following reports on Indigo and SpiceJet’s move to charge all passenger seats for web-check-in. It will be reviewing the development to see whether it falls within the legalities of unbundled pricing policy for the airlines.

Also read: IndiGo faces backlash over free web check-in fiasco, rushes to clarify, but there is a catch
 
The MoCA statement said, “MoCA has noted that airlines are now charging for web check-ins for all seats. We are reviewing these fees to see whether they fall within the unbundled pricing framework.”
 
The ministry has sought explanation from the carriers in this regard, as it is concerned that if the airlines starts charging for all seats, then queues at airports will be very long, especially at major airports like the ones in Mumbai and Delhi, said the DNA report citing sources.

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Notably, an unbundled pricing provides the fliers with the option to pay for the services they choose to avail and not others. The airlines are allowed to charge separately for preferential seating, meal/snacks/drink charges (except water), charge for using airline lounges, check-in baggage charges, sports and musical equipment, fee for special declaration of valuable baggage, the ministry officials reportedly said. 
 
In wake of the MoCA's reaction, Indigo clarified that the airline has not changed its web check-in policy and the customers will not compulsorily have to pay for the seats.