IndiGo raises infant fare on domestic flights to Rs 3,000
IndiGo has increased the domestic infant fare for children up to two years old from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, with no separate seat provided.
IndiGo, one of India's largest airlines, has raised the fare it charges for infants travelling on domestic flights. Children up to two years of age will now be charged Rs 3,000, up from Rs 2,000 earlier.
Despite the higher charge, the child does not get a separate seat or any extra facility. This is set to add to the travel costs of families flying with young children.
According to IndiGo's official fee list, the Rs 3,000 charge applies to infants up to two years old on domestic flights. Under the airline's rules, children of this age do not get a separate seat booked and must travel seated on the lap of an adult passenger. This means parents will have to pay the fixed charge even though no separate seat is provided for the child.
The fare hike could directly affect the overall budget of families travelling with children, especially when two or more family members are travelling together, since the infant charge now adds to the ticket price, airport fees and other travel expenses.
Since the child does not get a separate seat or extra facility, the increase is likely to be a talking point among parents. Age limits and charges for children vary across different airlines, so it is advisable to check the official rules of the airline concerned before booking tickets.
IndiGo has raised the domestic travel charge for children under two years by Rs 1,000. The charge, earlier Rs 2,000, has now been increased to Rs 3,000, meaning parents will have to pay Rs 1,000 extra for each trip. These children do not get a separate seat and travel seated on a parent's lap.
Even so, details of the child must be provided while booking the ticket and the fixed charge must be paid. Proof of the child's age must be carried during travel. As per IndiGo's rules, children older than 3 days and up to 2 years of age are classified as infants.
Under its "Flying Solo / Unaccompanied Minor" service, IndiGo has fixed a domestic travel charge of Rs 5,999 for minors travelling alone. Children between 5 and 12 years of age can avail of this service, but children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone. This shows that for families travelling with young children, the base ticket price alone is not enough, as the infant charge and other extra services add to the overall cost of the trip.
