In a groundbreaking move that could transform air travel in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed sweeping changes to ticket refund norms that promise to give passengers unprecedented flexibility and protection.
Key Changes That Will Revolutionize Air Travel
The draft regulations, currently open for public consultation, introduce several passenger-friendly measures that address long-standing grievances of Indian flyers.
48-Hour Free Cancellation Window
The most significant proposal allows passengers to cancel tickets without any charges within 48 hours of booking, provided the journey is at least 96 hours (4 days) away. This grace period gives travelers much-needed breathing room to change plans without financial penalty.
Introducing the 'Look-In' Option
Another innovative feature is the 'look-in' option that would enable passengers to check seat availability on alternative flights before canceling their current booking. This eliminates the guesswork and risk involved in changing travel plans.
Standardized Refund Processing
The DGCA has mandated that airlines must process refunds within 7 days for credit card payments and 15 days for other payment methods. This addresses the common complaint of delayed refunds that can take weeks or even months.
What This Means for Indian Passengers
These proposed changes represent a significant shift toward consumer protection in Indian aviation. The new norms would apply to all airlines operating in India, creating a level playing field and standardized passenger rights across the industry.
The draft comes after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including airlines, consumer groups, and passenger associations. The aviation regulator has given interested parties 30 days to provide feedback before finalizing the rules.
If implemented, these changes could set a new benchmark for passenger rights in Indian aviation, making air travel more flexible and consumer-friendly than ever before.
