Indian Railways had the best response to budget airlines in India charging for online check-ins

(Photo Source: pixabay.com)

• Amid the outcry against budget airlines in India charging for online check-ins, state-owned Indian Railways took to Twitter to remind travellers of the benefits taking trains over flights including its free web check-in and cheaper tariffs.
  
• It also highlighted that by using the railways, passengers can avoid “long queues” for baggage check-ins and reduce their carbon footprint
  
• Since the backlash from flyers, IndiGo has released a clarification that the web check-in policy for the airlines has not been changed and the flyers can still pre-book seats as per the availability.

Amid the outcry against budget airlines in India charging for online check-ins, state-owned Indian Railways took to Twitter to list the benefits of “good old railways” over taking flights such as its free web check-in, cheaper tariffs and lower carbon footprint.

Recently, budget airlines IndiGo and Spicejet announced that they will begin charging for online check-in services that led to many flyers complaining on social media, prompting even the Indian government to review the move.

On Monday, the Indian Railways tweeted, “No need to pay extra charges for web check-ins. No long queues for checking in your luggage. Avoid unreasonable tariff & reduce your carbon footprint by travelling on the good old Indian Railways at affordable rates.” along with a detailed infographic.


Since the backlash from flyers, IndiGo has issued a clarification that the web check-in policy for the airlines has not been changed and the flyers can still pre-book the free seats available during web check-in, if they have no specific preference. The price will only be applicable for selecting seats in advance. It had earlier said that its new policy went into effect in Mid-November.

Airlines in India have been struggling of late because of higher fuel prices and rising operational costs, prompting many airlines to look at ways to cut costs or increase revenue.

Indian Railways appears to be increasingly capitalising on the opportunity to woo airline passengers. Last week, it increased the number of coaches on trains between Mumbai and Delhi after a runway shut down at the Delhi airport, leading to escalating airline fares, PTI reported.

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