Indigo Responds After A 3-Year-Old Is Seated Away From Their Parents On A Flight

The evolution of airlines in India marks a significant milestone in the country’s transportation history. Since the first commercial flight, the aviation industry has experienced incredible expansion. Eventually, it evolved into an essential part of contemporary networking.

The importance of airlines in India cannot be overstated. However, contemporary air travel comes with its own set of difficulties in addition to these improvements. Airport congestion, outdated equipment, and restricted airspace all lead to operational inefficiencies and aircraft delays. The difficulties are exacerbated by tales of misbehavior by both travelers and airline employees.

Notably, we have recently heard many complaints concerning seating arrangements. Families—especially those with little children—having separate seats from one another has sparked worries about the comfort and safety of other passengers. Something similar recently happened when one of IndiGo’s passengers vented their frustration on social media when their child was seated away from them.

The matter soon became so big that IndiGo themselves had to clarify the situation. However, it seems that IndiGo’s reply went in the wrong direction and attracted a lot of criticism on social media.

Parents vented their frustration on social media after IndiGo seated their 3-year-old away from them

A guy was shocked to see that his children’s seats were allocated apart from his when he boarded an IndiGo airplane from Chennai to Mumbai. Even though the other passengers were gracious enough to move seats to make room for the family, the guy used social media to bring attention to the problem.

By highlighting the significance of “basic human decency,” he made it clear that families flying with children must be given adjacent seats by airlines. He posted about his encounter on social media and his thread soon went viral, with people from all around the country reacting to it.

Wow! This tweet really opened the floodgates for many. I really appreciate all responses. I wanted to clarify certain things.
I understand that buying seats is straightforward and inexpensive. I always do so myself. But there are times when someone might be unable to do so..

— Akshay Baheti (@Dr_AkshayBaheti) April 1, 2024

..child on the same PNR. This is basic human decency.
For example, an airline may charge for all food & beverages, but drinking water remains free of cost. This is a similar situation.
Our fellow passengers were kind enough to adjust (there was another couple with a child in..

— Akshay Baheti (@Dr_AkshayBaheti) April 1, 2024

He also tagged many famous personalities in his post and asked for a help

..parents, no ifs and buts attached. It’s really not a big ask. Do retweet to spread this!@virsanghvi @BDUTT @htTweets @writemeenal @tajmahalfoxtrot @amitvarma @dhavalkulkarni @coolfunnytshirt @DGCAIndia @CourtUnquote

— Akshay Baheti (@Dr_AkshayBaheti) April 1, 2024

IndiGo reacted to the incident in the most unexpected way

On seeing the above-mentioned post getting a lot of traction on social media, IndiGo rushed to address the issue. However, little did they know that their reply would further exaggerate the whole situation. In a shocking turn of events, IndiGo, in their reply, wrote,

“Mr Baheti, we never wish to separate a family flying together by assigning separate row seats. However, as checked, you completed your check-in at the airport, wherein the seats were assigned based on availability. (1/2)”

Mr Baheti, we never wish to separate a family flying together by assigning separate row seats. However, as checked, you completed your check-in at the airport, wherein the seats were assigned based on availability. (1/2)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 31, 2024

They added,

“Hence, we always recommend our customers to pre-book their preferred seats online for a hassle-free travel. ~Mitul (2/2)”

Hence, we always recommend our customers to pre-book their preferred seats online for a hassle-free travel. ~Mitul (2/2)

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 31, 2024

The post soon gained popularity, receiving thousands of views and a flurry of comments from online users. Many others agreed with Baheti and criticized IndiGo’s seat-allocation strategy. A lot of people also talked about their own experiences of being split up from loved ones while traveling. Some expressed worries regarding passenger welfare and consumer happiness, suggesting that the airline’s policy of assigning individuals separate middle seats may be a purposeful move to boost ticket sales.

In order to avoid possible safety issues and improve the overall traveling experience, suggestions were also made for airlines to create clearer regulations surrounding seat allocation, particularly for families with small children.