As flyers express anger over IndiGo web check-in fee, Aviation Ministry assures 'we are reviewing' the move

The government is reviewing a move by private airlines IndiGo and SpiceJet to charge for seats booked in advance through the web check-in feature, which has provoked anger among air-travelers. The Civil Aviation Ministry tweeted it had noted that airlines are now charging for web check-ins for all seats:

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IndiGo on Sunday tweeted that "all seats will be chargeable" under its new online check-in policy. However, it later clarified that "the pricing is only for the advance selection of seats" and said, "the airline has neither changed its web check-in policy nor is there any charge for web check-in".

Check-ins at airports will not be charged, the airline said, adding "If the passengers have no particular preference for seats and would not like to pay for advance seat selection, they can either reserve any free seats available at the time of web check-in or will, of course, be assigned seats at the time of airport check-in."

IndiGo said its new policy was in line with what airlines do globally. Also, its officials, it was the Directorate General of Civil Aviation that had allowed the unbundling of services.

To which the airline replied:

The airlines' announcement drew angry reactions on social media.