Vistara and Indian Railways Cashing on IndiGo Controversy

For those living under the rock, let us update you with what’s the fuss in the aviation industry – a few days back, private airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet Airlines announced that they would be charging for web check-in seats. The process is such that you cannot book your tickets unless you book your seat. This had enraged the air-travelers.
On Sunday, IndiGo replied to a Tweet that all their seats will be chargeable, according to their new check-in policy.
Hi @IndiGo6E. So one can’t do a web check-in without selecting a seat, and all seats selection is against a fee. Are you effectively charging for a web check-in now? pic.twitter.com/tv1BDm5qzU
— Salil (@sa_lil) November 25, 2018
But it was later confirmed that the pricing is only for the advance booking of seats. A check-in is not charged if it is made at the counter. However, if a passenger opts to pre-book their seats, i.e., confirm their seats via web check-in, they would have to pay an extra amount. IndiGo said that its new policy was in line for what airlines do globally.
Naturally, this news thrilled no one. Frustrated patrons wanted their voice to be heard, and that’s when they resorted to Social Media to get in the eyes of the airline’s official page. Here’s a look at what some people Tweeted:
Indigo Bye Bye …. Never ever will travel in your flights . People do web check in for convenience and it also saves time and money for both indigo and customer.
— Kiran Jupally (@Kiran_Jupally) November 26, 2018
I am sorry, but this is ridiculous. I am flying Indigo in Dec during my India trip, but will probably change the tickets, given we have a baby to seat. what is the convenience fee that you charge for while booking tickets? This is price gouging.
— Very bad Hindu (@subiyer) November 25, 2018
That day is not too far when Indigo will start charging for the loo and for the oxygen mask which falls in case of sudden drop in air pressure.
— Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) November 26, 2018
What an absolutely awful rule… Just plain ripping off customers. I’d personally not book an Indigo flight and if I do out of no choice, I’m ok to take my chances because I ain’t giving you a penny more https://t.co/erBM62nnqt
— Ashwin Mushran (@ashwinmushran) November 25, 2018
Nice. Time for folks to look at other airlines. Will other airlines challenge this? Or will there be a cartel? Time to permit foreign airlines to operate freely in India. I guess Indigo is a foreign airline https://t.co/6xCNstgEKZ
— R. Balakrishnan (@BalakrishnanR) November 25, 2018
What’s going on! There is a Parliamentary report presented (in the public domain) slamming Indigo on how they treat customers. And there you go again https://t.co/kbGCivFUqk
— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) November 25, 2018
Indigo is charging extra for selecting a seat during web check-in, effectively discouraging people to checkin on the internet, and queue up at the airport.
Isn’t it more costly for the airline. What am I missing here?
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) November 26, 2018
Source: Twitter
The airline, replying to the tweet, said: “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.” This new policy has been in effect since November 14, the airline responded to several tweets directly.
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
Source: Twitter
But IndiGo’s fault may be Vistara’s gain! Taking full advantage of the situation, they shared a picture and a message sharing their perks while also mentioning that they don’t have any extra fee for seat selection and web check-in.