‘Start Charging For Breathing’: Internet Reacts To IndiGo’s Seat Price Surge

The prominent airline – IndiGo has increased charges for front-row seats with extra legroom to Rs 2,000. The updated rates, applicable to an A321 aircraft with 222 seats, have been posted on the airline’s website. Opting for a window or aisle seat in the front row will now incur a Rs 2,000 charge, while an aisle seat in the same row will cost Rs 1,500. The second and third rows have a flat rate of Rs 400 for all seat types. Passengers who prefer not to purchase a preferred seat can choose any available free seat or be assigned one at no cost during airport check-in, as per the information on IndiGo’s website.

These charges are consistent for A321 planes with 222 seats and A320 aircraft with 180 seats, as indicated on the airline’s website.

The news did not sit well with online users, and many expressed their dissatisfaction with the airline’s decision.

Here are some of the reactions:

Some users took a humorous approach to express their discontent, suggesting, “Please start charging passengers for breathing on your aircraft also. Add a POS machine on your washroom door so that passengers can tap their credit card for usage. I’m afraid we will soon see a tip box on the emergency exit door that can only be accessed after tipping.”

Another humorously speculated, “After some time, those few seats which are so-called free will be without a cushion…!!!”

Continuing the criticism, a user predicted the airline’s next potential charges, stating, “Next charges would be for using the loo. Using the reading light. Using napkins. Using cushion seats. Breathing…. Blah blah.”

Some users suggested a redefinition of the term “Budget Operator” in light of the airline’s decisions.

Expressing concern about public funding, a user pointed out the need for a cap on services, particularly when many of these companies are backed or capitalized by Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Banks, which indirectly involves taxpayers’ money.

Humorously projecting the potential consequences of continued price increases, a user joked, “If this continues, we will have to take a loan to buy an Indigo ticket in the year 2040.”

Notably, IndiGo recently announced the discontinuation of fuel charges for passengers, a move that is expected to result in airfare reductions of up to Rs 1,000 on specific long routes.