Indigo issue: Pune couple asks DGCA to step in

A day after the Hindustan Times reported the widespread anger against Indigo’s policy of denying seats with large leg room to fliers with children below 12, a Pune-based couple has asked the aviation regulator to step in the matter

A day after the Hindustan Times reported the widespread anger against Indigo’s policy of denying seats with large leg room to fliers with children below 12, a Pune-based couple has asked the aviation regulator to step into the matter.

A baby bassinet that is found in front of the first row seats in flights. (HT Photo)

The online option to choose premium seats was frozen as soon as Dr. Sneha Limaye, who was travelling with her husband Dr. Saurabh, entered her second co-traveller’s name - their infant.

“Height of injustice to a mother. My online seat selection option is disabled because I have an infant,” said Sneha.

In the note sent to BS Bhullar, head of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) she argued that fliers with infants deserved the first row seats as it helps in baby care.

“The first row seats sold for Rs 600-800 more than the regular ones and have the best leg room and there are no security concerns to assign them to infants or dependant categories. In fact, most international airlines allocate the first row seats to passengers travelling with infants with a free-of-cost baby bassinet facility,” she wrote.

She added that policy is derogatory to children

“The right to choose paid comfort must be a right provided to all citizens in this country. Otherwise, as a ministry, you are not being fair to your own citizens,” the note concluded.

While Bhullar was not available for a reaction, Indigo Airlines also refused to comment on the issue.

Many other young parents also reacted strongly to the ban. “Ridiculous policy. Discriminatory. Next what? No Indians on Indigo,” Adil Jamal wrote on Twitter.

“Obviously people with kids need more space. Bassinet seats are front row seats in every aviation facility across the world,” said RM Ray, another traveller.