Major Indian Airline Raises Prices, Putting Families Under Pressure

The ongoing squeeze on the energy sector amid conflict across the Middle East is once again putting pressure on consumers, with IndiGo becoming the latest airline to raise a range of passenger fees.

The Indian carrier has increased charges across several services, including excess baggage, infant fares and its unaccompanied minor service.

Prices for priority check-in and boarding services have also been revised as part of the latest fee changes.

IndiGo attributed the increases to a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, which has added to pressure across the aviation sector.

Families are among the passengers most directly affected by the latest changes introduced by IndiGo.

International travellers will also face additional costs under the revised fee structure.

IndiGo has increased the fee for its unaccompanied minor service on international flights to $135 (Rs12,999).

The airline has also raised charges for its Fast Forward priority service.

Fast Forward allows passengers to access priority check-in and boarding at the airport.

Excess baggage charges have been increased to $8.35 (Rs800) per kilogram.

The revised rate compares with the previous fixed charge of Rs700 per kilogram.

The new fee applies to baggage exceeding the passenger’s permitted allowance and is charged separately from the standard airfare.

Family Costs Soar

IndiGo’s decision to increase charges for infants travelling on its flights has drawn criticism from some customers.

The airline has revised its charges for infants aged between three days and two years.

Infants are required to have a ticket even though they are not allocated a separate seat under the booking.

The applicable charge depends on how the ticket is purchased, with IndiGo revising fees for both advance bookings and payments made at airport counters.

Minor Costs

IndiGo has also raised fees for children travelling without an accompanying adult.

For domestic flights, the airline’s unaccompanied minor service for children aged five to 12 will now cost $62 (Rs5,999), up from $52 (Rs5,000).

Parents booking flights for children travelling alone should review the airline’s applicable requirements and service fees before finalising their booking.