There is great news coming for those traveling by air in India. Often people book flight tickets, but if they have to cancel the ticket at the last moment due to any emergency, family crisis or change in plan, then there is a fear of losing the entire money. Even now if a passenger cancels the ticket three hours before the flight, he is treated as a no-show and the entire amount is confiscated. But now this thing can change very soon. The government is preparing to implement such a system in which passengers can get huge refund even if they cancel their tickets at the last minute.
What is the new planning?
According to a Times of India report, the government is working on a model in which a small in-built insurance component will be added to every ticket. The special thing is that passengers will not have to pay any extra money for this. The airlines themselves will bear this premium by tying up with the insurance companies. Sources say that if an insurance premium of around Rs 50 is included in every ticket, passengers can get up to 80% refund even if the ticket is canceled 3-4 hours before the flight. A major airline has already started talks with insurance companies on this model. According to an official, “We are trying to include this insurance in the lowest fare class only, so that passengers can get the benefit without extra fees.
Why is a new refund model necessary?
According to officials associated with the aviation sector, complaints of not getting refunds on last-minute cancellations are increasing continuously. Passengers are unable to travel due to sudden death in someone’s family, medical emergency or urgent work, but even the full amount is not refunded. This uncertainty also prevents many people from booking tickets.
DGCA also preparing to change refund rules
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also acknowledged that refund disputes are the most common complaints. For this reason, DGCA is amending its rules so that airlines have to set minimum standards for refund. The new rules will be finalized soon after the suggestions.
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