Centre plans to plug surge in air fares during peak seasons, calamities

Civil Aviation Ministry has decided to limit the surge pricing that air companies charge during peak travel times or in times of calamities, both natural and man-made.

Aviation secretary R N Choubey told TOI that the government is currently examining ways to put "limited restrictions on domestic fares that can be charged under some circumstances".

Even though he declined to elaborate on the 'circumstances', he said that the motive is to provide relief to domestic air travellers.

It’s usual for airlines to hike fares during peak demand seasons, like festivals and holidays, but they have also started to adopt these policies in case some areas are cut off due to man-made problems or natural calamities. The recent case of Chennai floods and increased airfares to and from Chennai is an example of such practices.

Other than asking the airlines to keep the surge prices in check, some other "consumer-friendly" moves are also in the works.

"Airlines allow domestic flyers to take up to 15kg of check-in baggage without any extra charge, beyond which they charge for excess baggage. Now people don't exactly weight their bags and we are working on a system where one or two extra kg (beyond the 15-kg limit) will invite a lower than usual charge," Choubey added.

If the luggage weighs more than what’s permitted, airlines usually charge about Rs 300 per extra kg, while also offering 'packages' so that passengers can pre-buy excess baggage at slightly lower rates. Talking of the maximum weight allowed for cabin bags, laptop bags or ladies purse, bags weighing up to 7kg are allowed inside the aircraft.

"We are examining whether within this weight limit we need to restrict passengers to one bag or we could be flexible with that like allowing a grandparent to take a stuffed toy along with his cabin bag and laptop/purse within the limit of 7kg," Choubey further added.

It would take around two weeks for these passenger-friendly initiatives to be made public, after which public comments will be invited on the same so that the final call can be taken.

However, there is another issue that needs immediate action from the ministry. Over the last two years, domestic airlines have been constantly increasing the cancellation charges on air travel, something which has been under 'study' for many months now.

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