IndiGo, SpiceJet to start charging for web check-ins; passengers tweet resentment
IndiGo and SpiceJet, the low-cost airlines has announced to charge fees for web check-ins, according to their revised company policy. The airlines already hiked the baggage charges a few months ago.
IndiGo's lowest seat fee is Rs. 100 and SpiceJet's Rs. 99. Passengers earlier paid exra fees only for select seats, like along the aisle, window-facing or with additional legroom, if they checked in online.
Such charges will help to boost ancillary revenue of the airlines, according to a report in Business Standard. Ancillary revenue consists of charges like baggage fees, seat selection fees, cancellation charges.
"As per our revised policy all seats are chargeable for web check-in. Alternatively you may check-in at the airport for free. Seats will be assigned as per the availability," IndiGo said in a series of tweets on Sunday.
IndiGo and SpiceJet’s decision comes at a time when airlines are struggling with rising costs but can't afford to raise ticket fares due to competition.
As per our revised policy, all seats will be chargeable for web check-in. Alternatively, you may check-in at the airport for free. Seats will be assigned as per the availability. ~Prabh
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 25, 2018
The customers through their social media handle showed rage online.
Dear @IndiGo6E
— Gagan Agrawal (@gaganagrawal) November 26, 2018
Don't you think you guys are being tad too greedy? Instead of being #customer#friendly and providing a #Wow #CustomerExperience , you r moving away from it!#flying #BudgetAirline
IndiGo to charge for all web check-ins
https://t.co/XwNJnw3he6
Charging for all web check in is retrogatory step, in aviation progress, Indigo can charge them in ticket & show as income, if not can start charging for cleaning, taxing, parking, for ground staff service, airhostess service,etc actually fooling passengers, need to oppose
— Balakrishna R Shetty (@BalakrishnaRSh1) November 26, 2018
SpiceJet while replying to a customer's query over being asked to pay for web check-in stated that the airline has put a fees on web check-in.
Please note, pre-assigning certain seats via web check-in is chargeable. However, you can get your preferred seat at the airport without any extra charges as per availability.
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) November 24, 2018
SpiceJet is now charging for web check in Rs 400. That’s crazy!!
— Ujjwal Mukhopadhyay (@UjjwalMukhopad1) November 25, 2018
Great!! @jayantsinha @AshokGajapathi1 Already we paying 'high convenience fee' , a lot of other taxes, dev. fees, fee for seats of choice and now "COMPULSORY" fee for web check-in undr high cost disguise. No consider more flyers. pathetic non-regulation!https://t.co/LYBRhqqEf5
— Sanjay Mehta (@SocialMou) November 26, 2018
Mumbai-based low cost carrier Go Air is still offering some seats for free. Full service airlines like Jet Airways, Vistara said they don't charge for seat selection.
First published: 26 November 2018, 8:31 IST